Although “publican” Declan Mannion hesitates to give an opening date for the new Molly Maguire’s in Downingtown, rest assured the pub will open very soon. Mannion and Downingtown Mayor, Josh Maxwell, gave me a tour of the facility today, and the nearly finished restaurant is impressive. Mannion and his partner Conor Cummins have been working with Downingtown Borough on the final permits needed to open the space, and they have 65 people hired, ready to start serving customers, when the doors open.
When I asked again about an opening date, Mannion just grinned. Understandably, until the final few permits are approved, Mannion didn’t want to commit to a date but anticipation has been building throughout the summer. The Molly Maguire’s Downingtown Facebook page now has more than 2,800 likes. Mannion suggested the launch date will be announced through Facebook first, as soon as the final pieces fall into place.
Molly Maguire’s Downingtown, built in the old Minquas Fire House along Business Route 30, is one massive bar and restaurant. On the first floor, the mahogany bar which was shipped from Ireland, takes up the whole far wall. The interior is painted a yellow with red accents, which nicely offsets the dark wooden bar and seating. Seating on the first floor will hold 120 diners. The second floor, which also has a mahogany Irish bar, seats 130.
In the second phase, due in 2014, Molly Maguire’s will open a giant banquet room (seating 250) and a third floor outdoor patio. Mannion and Mayor Maxwell took me onto the rooftop patio, where we admired the view of downtown and the hills beyond Downingtown’s massive American flag.
When I last visited Molly Maguire’s back in June, when the bar was delivered, the two publicans hoped to have the restaurant opened in August. Despite the delays, Mannion retains his Irish optimism. When asked how it feels to be so close to opening, Mannion said, “It feels good. The feedback has been unbelievable. Reminds me of when we opened up Phoenixville.”
The mayor appeared just as thrilled about the imminent opening as Mannion. Maxwell explained, “We’re excited to add another component to our restaurant district. Molly Maguire’s will be a great addition to our vibrant downtown.”
If the imminent opening isn’t enough to whet your appetite, here’s an extra tidbit of info:
Sean Kelly has been brought in as General Manager to open the Molly Maguire’s Downingtown location. Kelly comes from Triumph Brewing in Philadelphia, and he is excited to already be working on a collaboration beer with nearby Victory Brewing that will debut this fall. Molly’s Hop Clover IPA will be released sometime later this fall, though Kelly has already tasted the beer and gives it a thumbs up.
Photo credits: Jim Breslin.
