Pubs And Restaurants

PHOTOGRAPHED APRIL 2025

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Spitalfields Pub and Restaurant

Location and Ambiance: Nestled in the historic heart of Dublin’s Liberties, Spitalfields Pub and Restaurant enjoys a location near a street also named “Spitalfields”. This welcoming establishment offers a cosy pub setting where patrons can savour traditional, classically prepared restaurant fare.

History and Ownership: The building now housing Spitalfields was formerly home to Shanahan’s pub. In 2019, the premises were acquired by Stephen McAllister, a chef and television personality known from “The Restaurant”, and his wife, Andrea Hussey, who also own the highly regarded Pig’s Ear restaurant on Nassau Street.

Transformation into a Restaurant: Spitalfields transitioned from a traditional pub to a restaurant, opening its doors in September 2019. Intriguingly, it has retained elements of its pub heritage, creating a distinctive “restaurant in a pub” experience. The focus remains on providing high-quality cuisine within a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

Origin of the Name: While the precise origin of the pub’s name is not definitively known, it is highly likely that it draws inspiration from the adjacent Spitalfields Street. This street may, in turn, have been named after the Spitalfields area in London, a historically significant district renowned for its vibrant markets and diverse communities.

Culinary Style: The restaurant prides itself on serving classic dishes with a contemporary twist, with a strong emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced produce. Its dedication to quality has been acknowledged with a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide.

The Liberties Area:

Historical Significance: The Liberties boasts a rich history stretching back to medieval times, when it existed outside the city walls and enjoyed certain “liberties” or freedoms. It was historically significant for its breweries, distilleries, and bustling markets.

Present Day: Today, the Liberties retains its unique character as a lively and close-knit community, blending historic landmarks, traditional pubs, and innovative businesses.

Regarding the history of Shanahan’s pub, while precise historical records are difficult to access, available online mentions and local knowledge suggest the following:

Existence: Shanahan’s pub was located at the corner of 25 The Coombe for a number of years before its sale in July 2019.

Local Popularity: It appears to have been a well-liked local establishment, known for its welcoming atmosphere and function room.

Previous Name: There are indications online that the premises may have previously been known as ‘Grumpy Jack’s’, the site of a tragic murder in February 2009, where John ‘Champagne’ Carroll was the victim.

Ownership: Specific details about the previous ownership are unclear. However, given its traditional pub setting and strong local following, it was likely a family-run business.

Although definitive details regarding its establishment date and previous ownership remain elusive, it’s evident that Shanahan’s held a special place within the Liberties community before its transformation into the Spitalfields Pub and Restaurant.

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