News
Archive : September 2011
The Dock, The Clock, The Backdoor Knock
12 September 2011
To mark the milestone and as part of their 300 celebrations McHughs have commissioned comic legends Grimes and McKee to write and perform their very own play. ‘The Dock, The Clock, The Backdoor Knock’ takes a comical look at the history of Belfast and the unique location of the bar.
Speaking about the play Alan McKee said, “For three centuries there has been a hostelry on the site of McHugh’s, bearing witness to some momentous events – the 1798 rebellion, the blitz, the smoking ban. In ‘The Dock, The Clock, The Backdoor Knock’ we breathe life into a cast of thousands - pimps, priests, prophets, and publicans – to tell the story of a pub sitting at the heart of old and modern Belfast. Light on historical detail, but heavy on laughs, this entirely unreliable history celebrates 300 years of a Belfast landmark and will appeal to a range of audiences.”
The play will be performed in McHughs basement and will run from 11th to 14th October. Tickets are £13.50 and are available to purchase now from McHugh’s.
Dating back to 1711, McHugh’s is Belfast’s oldest building and positioned in the heart of the city at Queen’s Square, it represents a historical link between the city’s colourful past and its dynamic future.
McHugh's Celebrates 300th Birthday
07 September 2011
The building that is today home to McHugh’s Bar in Belfast is celebrating its 300th birthday this year. Dating back to 1711, McHugh’s is Belfast’s oldest building and positioned in the heart of the city at Queen’s Square, it represents a historical link between the city’s colourful past and its dynamic future.
Claire Charleton, general manager of McHugh’s commented, “We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone in the life of Belfast’s oldest building, which has witnessed great changes in the city and benefitted greatly from the redevelopment of the surrounding Cathedral Quarter.”
Built on land reclaimed from the Lagan, the earliest recorded use of McHugh’s was in 1808, when it belonged to a ‘spirit dealer and tavern keeper’ and this use has continued until the present day. Over the past 300 years McHugh’s has witnessed many significant historical events and survived Belfast’s industrial decline, the destruction of the 1941 Blitz and decades of civil unrest
Claire continued, “McHugh’s was purchased by Botanic Inns in 1996 and during a sympathetic £2million refurbished, many original features from the 17th century building were retained. These include the original balustrade staircase, handmade clay bricks, an original roof truss and two wonderful fireplaces”
Today McHugh’s is a ‘Grade A’ listed building which retains all the character of an early 18th century dockside inn. A mix of old and new offers a traditional feel in contemporary interior surroundings with great food, great drink and great craic.
Speaking ahead of the birthday celebrations Claire said, “We have a number of events organised over the coming months to celebrate this fantastic milestone. These include a specially commissioned play by comic geniuses Grimes and McKee, a mini music festival with funk and soul legend Craig Charles and a Moulin Rouge themed party in November. In partnership with Whitewater brewery we have also developed our very own McHughs 300 beer and we would encourage anyone interested in the history of the bar to come along try our new beer and enjoy the craic and music in Belfast’s oldest bar.”
The Parador Lends Support to Local Football Team
05 September 2011
New Santos FC has received a boost from The Parador after the bar and restaurant pledged to sponsor the clubs football kit.
A spokesman from the club said: “I’d like to thank The Parador for their kind donation. We find sport to be a very valuable asset in fostering good community relations and the provision of football kits will be of great assistance to the team.”
Angela McFall, The Parador's Manager added: “The Parador is very much part of the community and is delighted to be supporting New Santos FC. This is making a positive contribution to the local area and we are very proud to be supporting this.”