Last fall, it was reported that a popular Irish pub in the heart of Boston had shut down permanently. Now we have learned that a new Irish restaurant and bar will be taking over the space.
According to a source, The Dubliner is opening in the space at Two Center Plaza that had been home to The Kinsale, with the website for the place showing a logo that indicates it plans to be "Boston's premium Irish bar" while featuring live music and sports (its Facebook page says it will be an "Authentic Irish Pub & Restaurant featuring Boston's best in hospitality, food, drinks, live music & sport"). No other information has been given on its website or its LinkedIn page, including who might be behind it or when it could open, so stay tuned for updates.
The Kinsale announced its closure in October after there had been hope that it could open back up; a note posted by Classic Restaurant Concepts, LLC--which also shut down The Asgard in Cambridge's Central Square at the same time--said that "In September 2020 an attempt was made to reopen, but with office buildings largely empty it proved unfeasible and the pubs ceased operations after four weeks. While the intention was always to reopen, the timeframe proved to be too daunting. Weeks turned to months, and the months dragged on. Both establishments were lucky enough to have cooperative landlords, but in the end even that, and PPP assistance, were not enough." (The Kinsale first opened its doors in 1998.)
The address for The Dubliner is 2 Center Plaza, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website is at https://www.thedublinerboston.com/ while its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/thedublinerboston/
[February 25 update: According to a press release, Irish chef Aidan Mc Gee--who has worked at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants in England--and the East Coast Tavern Group (Emmet's, Roxanne's, Scholars, Carrie Nation, Sunset Cantina) are behind The Dubliner, which will offer such items as slow-cooked beef cheeks, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, curried mussels, Maine crabs on soda bread, and a Sunday roast.]
[June 27 update: A Facebook post from Oran McGonagle indicates that The Dubliner officially opened at 4:00 PM today.]
[Earlier Article]
The Kinsale and The Asgard Have Closed Permanently
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
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