Brought to you by The Imperial Hotel. 

It’s a family business, after all.

And Louis Fitzgerald and family were in town to raise a toast to their newly renovated and renamed bar’Fitzgerald’s’ at The Imperial Hotel on Cork’s South Mall last night.

The launch, a buzzy affair attended by the Lord Mayor and what seemed like the entire city of Cork, showcased months of hard work. Paul Harrington, Ireland’s Eurovision hero, provided the soundtrack as the family joined guests to celebrate the new-look venue, just one year into their first business venture on Leeside.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle speaking at the opening of Fitzgerald’s Bar in the Imperial Hotel. Picture: Brian Lougheed

“The Imperial has always been a place where people come together, and we wanted Fitzgerald’s to reflect that.” said Louis Fitzgerald, owner of The Imperial Hotel.

“This refurbishment isn’t just about updating the space—it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, whether they are staying at the hotel and want pre-dinner drinks, are international visitors looking to soak up a Cork welcome, locals seeking a meeting point for casual drinks and light bites on a night out, somewhere to celebrate a special occasion or for private events.

A new look for the grand dame 

The extensive refurbishment has transformed the bar while respecting the hotel’s 200-year history. The high ceilings and crystal chandeliers synonymous with this period property add grandeur and are complemented by elegant marble and glass-stained columns featuring ornate detailing and portraits of historical figures connected to the building’s past.

Kyla Cobbler, Simon Stewart and Viveka Nilsson. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Brian Hayes and Ian McGuire, Cork GAA players; Louis Fitzgerald, owner Imperial Hotel; Niamh Cahalane and Seán Óg Ó hAilpín.

A grand piano takes centre stage in the bar so guests and visitors can enjoy a mixture of jazz and contemporary players.

The previously tiered flooring has been levelled too, making the space more open and accessible. Rich velvet furnishings and bespoke mosaic tiling continue the timeless vibe and there’s a new L-shaped wrap-around bar to prop up too, set off by panelling and gold accents.

What are we eating and drinking?

A new menu of small bites featuring local produce will launch this summer but for now, the must-try elements are the new signature cocktails including Fitzgerald Sour, Redbreast Old Fashioned, Imperial Bramble and a decadent Chocolate & Walnut martini.

Fitzgerald’s is also perfect for parties and is also tipped to be a hotspot for revellers when the annual Guinness Cork Jazz Festival rolls around in October.

“We look forward to giving a Fitzgerald’s welcome!” added Louis Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald’s is now open at The Imperial Hotel. For more information see @fitzgeraldsbarcork on social media.

Images: Brian Lougheed