The team behind Lemon & Duke and The Bridge 1859 has purchased McSorley’s in Ranelagh for a sum of €5.5 million.
The group, which will now be known as Grand Slam Bars, is owned by Noel Anderson, former Chair of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), along with former Irish international rugby players Jamie Heaslip, Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney and Sean O’Brien.
'Special Place'
“We are deeply honoured to be taking over as custodians of McSorley’s, one of the great suburban pubs of Dublin," said Noel Anderson, group managing director of Grand Slam Bars.
"We understand what McSorley’s means to its customers, and the special place it occupies in Ranelagh and beyond.
"We fully intend to maintain that, to keep the special heart and soul of McSorley’s intact."
Rugby Heritage
McSorley’s remains open and the group plans to maintain many of the established events, including the Thursday night pub quiz and a DJ set every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm.
In the coming months they also hope to add an extensive cocktail menu to the venue, which has proved popular in the group’s other venues.
Building on McSorley’s popularity with rugby fans and in a nod towards 'Grand Slam Bars' own rugby heritage, the group is also planning some special events in the Ranelagh venue around the Autumn Internationals and next year’s Six Nations.
'Excellent Legacy'
“On behalf of the group, we would also like to thank the Murray Family and all the team who have made McSorley’s such a special pub," said Anderson.
"We look forward to continuing that excellent legacy, maintaining McSorley’s as one of the best places to socialise in South Dublin."
Grand Slam Bars
A total of 25 members of staff work in McSorley’s, bringing total employment across the Grand Slam Bars to over 200.
Finance for the purchase was provided by AIB, while Rory Browne of Lisney Commercial Real Estate acted as agent for Grand Slam Bars in the deal.
