‘If people are enjoying themselves and calling this place one of Hull’s best nights out, we’ve done it right’
A brand-new Irish bar is set to open its doors this week. Molly Mangan’s can be found at 64-70 Newland Avenue and will bring live music, sport and ‘late-night atmosphere’.
Owner Jack Mangan said the aim is to give Hull something it doesn’t already have. He said the venue promises a a mix of traditional Irish culture and modern pub life, with live music, sport, drinks and private karaoke rooms under one roof.
Jack said: “This is about building a proper Irish bar, good Guinness, Irish whiskeys, live music, sport and plenty of craic. It’s not a nightclub. It’s a late-night pub where you come to sit, laugh, listen to music and enjoy yourself.”
Live entertainment will sit at the heart of Molly Mangan’s, with performances four nights a week from January, and music every night throughout December following the opening. Entertainment Manager Danilo Swire, who is booking the acts, said the venue aims to raise the bar for live music on Newland Avenue.
He said: “We’re backing local artists properly. And we’re bringing in brilliant performers from across the country. People will come here for the music, not just happen across it.”
Music will range from Irish trad and folk to modern acoustic, singalong classics and festive performances through December. “Every night should feel like something is happening here,” Danilo added. “Whether that’s a packed folk session or a full singalong, we want people to walk in and instantly feel the buzz.”
Molly Mangan’s will open on Friday, December 12. This month will feature a strong mix of Irish, acoustic and local performers, including:
- Dickie Deegan, performing on Irish uilleann pipes
- Colleen’s Fancy, a traditional Irish music trio
- Adam Lynch, known for building songs live using loop pedals and electric guitar
- Lee Barraclough, a well-known Hull live favourite
- The Hillbilly Troupe, bringing their folk and Americana sound
- Festive choirs, appearing throughout December
From January, the venue will also introduce a monthly residency from Will Dooley, whose music blends Manchester influences with Irish traditional sounds. Regular features will include weekend live music until 1am and the bar opening until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
But it’s not just the music Jack hopes will bring in the crowds – it’s the drinks too. Molly Mangan’s will serve Guinness alongside a carefully chosen range of Irish whiskeys.
Jack said: “Guinness will be poured properly. We’ve built a strong whiskey list and we’ve got drinks people won’t usually find around here.”
The bar will also serve signature Irish coffees, featuring closely guarded house touches. “We want people to come in and feel looked after,” said manager Lauren Hull. “Whether it’s your first drink of the night or your last one, it should feel like a proper Irish bar experience.”
Ultimately, Jack said he hopes Molly Mangan’s quickly becomes part of the city’s nightlife scene. “If people are enjoying themselves and calling this place one of Hull’s best nights out, we’ve done it right,” he said. “We want this to be somewhere people bring their mates, bring their family, discover new music and feel like they belong.”
Is Hull the best place to live in Yorkshire? You can have your say by completing the poll below or by clicking here.