One of Northern Ireland’s best known restaurants has undertaken a major expansion with support from Danske Bank.
The Mourne Seafood Bar has expanded its Dundrum restaurant, doubling the size of its seating area to allow for an additional 40 covers.
The first Mourne Seafood Bar opened in 2005 in Dundrum with further restaurants following in Belfast, Ballymena and Dublin. The company currently employees 120 people.
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Robert McCoubrey, owner of the Mourne Seafood Bar, with Karen Hoey, Business Manager at Danske Bank and Oonagh Murtagh, Head of Danske Bank’s Business Centre in Belfast.[/caption]
The owners explained that the latest expansion is a vote of confidence in the hospitality and tourism sector. “We decided to expand our Dundrum restaurant to help facilitate the large volume of customers,” said owner Robert McCoubrey. “By creating this expansion, we have doubled the size of our seating area and we can now host small weddings and private functions.
“The expansion has helped to secure jobs and has made the restaurant a more viable business. In the summer we will be employing more full-time and part-time staff.
“The hospitality sector is in a state of recovery and with events such as the Irish Open in May and the proposed lowering of corporation tax, we are in a much stronger position. Hospitality has a huge impact on tourism – I believe the key to good tourism is good restaurants.”
Mr McCoubrey revealed further expansion plans for the restaurant: “We have been granted planning permission to build accommodation above the restaurant. This will allow us to offer the complete package to customers as they can come and enjoy a meal and stay overnight.”
Speaking of Danske Bank’s support, Mr McCoubrey said: “I have been banking with Danske Bank for over 20 years now and they have always been excellent. As well as providing finance for the expansion their support has been overwhelming and they are always on hand for advice.”
Karen Hoey, Business Manager at Danske Bank, commented: “At Danske Bank we are dedicated to supporting businesses from all sectors. With over two million visitors a year to Northern Ireland the hospitality sector is a key contributor to our economy.”
Caption: Bob McCoubrey, owner of the Mourne Seafood Bar with Karen Hoey, Business Manager at Danske Bank and Oonagh Murtagh, Head of Danske Bank’s Business Centre in Belfast.
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