The Bailey bar to reopen in early December

Plans are afoot for the reopening of The Bailey as a "cocktail bar with an Irish flavour" on the west side of Athlone.

The premises shut its doors at 2 Pearse Street, in August, but work is now ongoing to ensure the business reopens in December.

On-site accommodation, however, has remained open to visitors in the intervening period.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent on Tuesday morning, Sarah Connolly, who is working in a consultancy capacity with owner Gerry Nohilly, on a new concept for the business, said the aim is to reopen the pub in advance of Christmas.

Sarah will work in tandem with business parter Mark Ellis in a management capacity when The Bailey once again welcomes custom through its doors next month.

"Gerry reached out to Mark when the business closed in August. He wanted a new concept for the bar, to move away from the gastro pub experience," Sarah said.

With that in mind, and given The Bailey's prominent location, Sarah felt that the business was "suitably positioned" to become a cocktail bar with an "Irish flavour"

"We will have a range of drinks on offer which are Irish branded and our aim is to complement this drinks experience with food that has an Irish focus," Sarah added.

Sarah previously owned the Virgin Mary non-alcoholic cocktail bar which was located on Capel Street in Dublin. The brand has since franchised in the Middle East.

She believes her long-time experience working in the drinks industry and Ellis' business knowledge will bring new life to The Bailey.

"Our aim is to attract locals and tourists into The Bailey offering an experience which is different from the natural pub visit," Sarah stated.

Prior to its reopening in "early December", Sarah said The Bailey is looking for "full and part-time staff to join the team".

"Our aim is to open The Bailey ahead of the Christmas season, so its full focus at the moment on bringing our drinks experience concept to reality," Sarah concluded.