Exclusive:Exclusive behind the scenes look at the new Nelly Mulligans Irish bar in Blackpool as familiar face returns
Mick Sugden will be giving revellers Céad míle fáilte - the traditional Irish greeting that means a hundred thousand welcomes of deep warmth, friendship and hospitality - as they jig over the threshold of Blackpool’s newest Irish Bar, Nelly Mulligans.
A pub stalwart is returning to his spiritual home for the special opening of ‘Blackpool’s newest destination bar’.
Mick Sugden will be giving revellers Céad míle fáilte - the traditional Irish greeting that means a hundred thousand welcomes of deep warmth, friendship and hospitality - as they jig over the threshold of Blackpool’s newest Irish Bar, Nelly Mulligans.
Nelly Mulligans in Market Street is the resort’s newest Irish pub and will be open seven days a week with live music every night and loads of great drink offers and special promotions.
It is opening at the former Brannigans site also known by many as the former home of NTK, a place that hold a special place in Mick’s heart as he worked there 17 years ago.
Mick, Area Manager for Nelly Mulligans, remembers the NTK heyday and venue legendary well, as it won several awards under his management, such as best disco pub of the year in the UK.
NTK became a legendary venue in Blackpool and as well as making that a thriving success, Mick was also in charge of running the successful Stanley Arms pub under Thwaites where he worked for 26 years.
Formerly President of the prestigious Federation of Licensing and Victuallers Association, Mick said he is looking forward to opening Nelly Mulligans to a new generation and herald in a new era of entertainment and leisure in Blackpool.
He said: “I have seen many changes in Blackpool over the years but one thing remains the same and that is visitors and locals alike, appreciate a good quality venue, great service with a smile, a safe environment and top class entertainment on a night out.
“At Nelly Mulligans we aim to provide all that, along with a vibrant Irish themed atmosphere and amazing team that have customer care at the heart of our venue.
“It’s very exciting to be part of something new for Blackpool and I believe that together we can make a positive impact and significant difference to the night time and early evening economy and offer something different, with a warm welcome to all.
“I am very proud of all the team who have worked hard to bring this vision to life. It’s going to be a great asset to Blackpool so come along and join us all for the best Craic in town!”
Nelly Mulligans operators already have a stable of bars in the town including Ma Kellys Station (Talbot Road, near North Station), The Avenue, Ma Kellys Foxhall (Foxhall Road, Central), Ma Kellys Showboat (Queen’s Promenade at the former Uncle Tom’s Cabin), and Ma Kellys On The Prom (Promenade, formerly the Reflex bar/club venue).
However, the owners have stressed that Nelly Mulligans is a brand new concept and completely separate from the Ma Kelly’s brand.
Announcing the official opening date, Mick said: “The countdown is on for one of the most exciting venues and innovative developments in Blackpool town centre for a long time.
“We are delighted to announce that Nelly Mulligans will officially open on Friday, September 25 at 9am and all are welcome to join us for our fantastic opening weekend that’s filled with great live music and authentic Irish atmosphere in a stunning venue.”
Nelly Mulligans will be a hub for sports fans as the venue will have Sky Sports and will show all the big games including live football, horse racing and other major sporting events.
The venue will be open Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 3.30am and then Sundays to Thursdays 9am to 1am.
Live music will be also be offer from 5pm on Fridays, 12pm until 3am on Saturdays, 12pm until late on Sundays and from 8pm midweek.
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Mick said: “We have amazing traditional Irish themed singers and performers, live acoustics, musicians performing the traditional Irish fiddle and various authentic Irish instruments as well as mixed music genres, duos, trios and solo singers and all variety of styles to keep the musical vibes as rocking as Temple Bar in Dublin.
”Our interior design is inspired by vintage Irish heritage mixed with subtle forest green and sage earthy toned colour palettes giving all the warmth of the Emerald Isle mixed with the colourful vibrancy of Dublin’s bustling Temple Bar.
“We will of course be serving Guinness and as well as stocking Caffrey's Irish Ale, Inch’s Cider, Neck Oil IPA, John Smiths, all the top lager brands and we even have our very own Nelly Mulligans Stout! Our highlights will also be a great range of Irish whiskeys and Baileys, to be sure now.
“In the daytime we will also be serving tea and coffee and cakes, and have weekly specials, as well as delicious traditional Irish Toasties.
“Nelly Mulligans will look absolutely stunning and hopefully become an attraction in its own right. We look forward to it becoming a destination venue in the heart of Blackpool town centre. So come along and take a look and enjoy the craic!”