Hull is getting a brand new Irish bar this week as Molly Mangan’s prepares to open its doors
on Friday, 12 December, bringing live music, sport and late-night atmosphere to Newland
Avenue.
Opening at 64-70 Newland Avenue, the venue promises a mix of traditional Irish culture and
modern pub life, with live music, sport, drinks and private karaoke rooms under one roof.
Owner Jack Mangan said the aim is to give Hull something it doesn’t already have.
“This is about building a proper Irish bar, good Guinness, Irish whiskeys, live music, sport
and plenty of craic,” he said.
“It’s not a nightclub. It’s a late-night pub where you come to sit, laugh, listen to music and
enjoy yourself.”
Live music four nights a week
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.
“We’re backing local artists properly,” he said.
“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.”
Opening month line-up revealed
December at Molly Mangan’s 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:
- A monthly acoustic music circle open to musicians of all styles
- Weekend live music until 1am
- Bar opening until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays
Guinness, Irish whiskey and house specials
Molly Mangan’s will serve Guinness alongside a carefully chosen range of Irish whiskeys.
Jack said attention has gone into getting the details right.
“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.”
Sport, karaoke and somewhere to stay all night
Live sport will be shown including:
- Football and rugby
- Formula One
- Boxing
- Darts
- GAA and hurling
Selected matches will be shown with commentary, with others muted alongside live music.
Upstairs, private karaoke rooms remain available, with bookings open for parties and events.
Midweek, Molly Mangan’s will also operate as a relaxed venue for coffee and early-evening
drinks.
A new Irish pub look inside
The building has been fully redecorated with features including:
- Restored early-1900s stained glass windows
- Reclaimed church pew seating
- A warm pub-style interior inspired by traditional Irish bars
“We’ve built somewhere people will want to stay,” Jack said.
“It should feel warm, comfortable and full of character.”
“We want to give Hull somewhere special”
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.”
