Three new Louth business ventures proof that Drogheda’s West Street is fighting back
Weavers, Bare Food Deli and Evalynn Beag Cafe show confidence in main street
Sonia Micallef now owns three businesses in the town centre with her husband Damien Leddy.
Niall Weldon at his new Evalynn Beag cafe at Drogheda Town Centre in West Street.
The new-look Weavers is under new management.
Nelly Koula, Rory McNulty and KostaBeleris in Weavers.
Veronica Veteritz, Alannah McArnold, Jasmine Martin, Zoe Smith and Viktoria Smerza in Weavers last Friday.
Drogheda’s town centre has come in for a lot of negative publicity in recent times –not unwarranted in places – however, the positive news stories should not be overlooked.
Three local business ventures have opened in the past few weeks and months, with all three owners and managers reporting brisk trading and great feedback from customers.
Sonia Micallef recently opened her third business in the vicinity of West Street – her restaurant Divine moved to the rear of the town centre in 2006 – and Barefood Deli has now accompanied the Barefood Cafe in the former Kierans’ building.
She feels the negativity can be a self-fulfilling prophecy at times.
"We know we have our problems, but we can’t just give up and be defeated,” says Sonia. “We have had a really busy weekend, and I think sometimes things like that get overshadowed by the negativity.”
She feels businesses on West Street can take a bit more responsibility.
"Instead of moaning about the state of the street, keep it clean, tidy it up, give your building a lick of paint,” she adds. “If a new business opens up, maybe it’s time to make more of an effort with your own.’
Niall Weldon has opened a beautiful new coffee offering at the front of the Drogheda Town Centre, with Evalynn Beag now joining Evalynn in Bryanstown.
And no stranger to business in Drogheda, the former General Manager of the beleaguered d Hotel Rory McNulty has taken over the popular Weavers bar in West Street and put his own stamp on the venue.
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This is not just a lick of paint, but an entire facelift, with a vibrant and lively main bar also serving an eclectic menu, and an exciting new games area which is proving very popular with younger crowds.
Niall Weldon at his new Evalynn Beag cafe at Drogheda Town Centre in West Street.
Only open two weeks, they are already packed to the rafters throughout the week with live music and DJs, family gatherings and nights out.
"Right at the back of the bar, we have Bounce, which is a café and sports bar with a covered outdoor area called the Loom Bar which has ping pong tables, air hockey and pool,” says Rory with his usual enthusiasm.
"We have a huge six-metre television screen, a pool table and foosball. Altogether there will be twelve TV screens in the premises for our customers to enjoy all of the major sporting events in comfort”.
Rory is joined in this venture by his long standing friend, work colleague and business partner Navin Sookun (Nav) and they are already confident that the new-look and great atmosphere is helping open up the main street to new customers.
"We will be open all over the Bank Holiday, for the Arts Festival and also for a 10k post-race recovery hub,” adds Rory. “All registered entrants will receive a complementary drink and voucher for their next visit."
“Booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment on 041 9833675.”
Meanwhile, Louth County Council is inviting local retailers in Louth to apply for its Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme. Shopfronts are a vital element in determining the character, quality and perception of retail streets and this initiative aims to promote good quality shopfronts
The closing date for applications is 5pm September 27. For more information on the Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme, visit www.lovedrogheda.ie or here
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