Patrick Scullion’s Oakleaf Group has announced plans to launch a new Irish-American themed pub in Cookstown as part of a £3 million expansion of his hospitality business in Mid Ulster.
The south Derry businessman has bought The Central Inn on William Street and has already launched a development that will also see 23 new serviced apartments created in the centre of Cookstown.
Oakleaf’ interest spans property development, specialist interiors and hospitality.
Mr Scullion already operates six hospitality venues, including Time Bar, Clubland and the Cherry Tree bar in Cookstown.
The £3m investment plans include a major refit of the Time venue, set to commence in July.
The Oakleaf portfolio also includes The Harp and Fiddle in Strabane and The Black Sheep in The Loup, which was acquired in June 2023.
A native of The Loup, Patrick Scullion said the ongoing refurbishment programme at the village venue will see a new restaurant opened in the coming months.
His latest Cookstown venture, ‘The 40 Thieves’, is due to open in July, with the first phase of the serviced apartments on William Street set to be released in June.
The Central Inn, which dates back to 1969, will be relaunched as an Irish American style pub that will offer patrons “a taste of the 19th century Big Apple”.
Mr Scullion said: “Cookstown was once the social capital of Mid-Ulster with people travelling from all over Northern Ireland to attend the town’s bars and nightclubs, or the bustling Saturday market.
“Our aim is to do our bit to help restore the town to its former glory with significant investment in exciting new venues to entertain locals and attract visitors - and also, through the introduction of on-street living, to help revitalise the town centre and bring back that famous ‘Cookstown sizzle’.
“A vibrant town centre is essential for creating a thriving, inclusive community where residents can live, work, and play,” he added.
“So we don’t look at this as simply building apartments, but rather building a sustainable future for the area.
“Town-centre living offers residents the convenience of having essential services - such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities – as well as bars, clubs and restaurants, just steps away from their homes,” he continued.
“This proximity not only saves time but also reduces the need for reliance on private transportation, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.”
Oakleaf has confirmed the main Time premises will close on June 30 for a refurbishment programme.
A new traditional Irish sports pub and a revamped upstairs venue will be relaunched in the autumn.
The Jailbird Garden Bar will remain open and untouched during the construction work.
Oakleaf is the latest south Derry based hospitality group to announce a major investment in recent weeks.
Last week saw the Downey Group’s acquire Kelly’s Cellars in Belfast in a multimillion pound deal.
The Dorman’s Group, owned by the McGlone family, has also been on the acquisition trail, recently snapping up the Fiddler’s Rest in Portglenone and Hillsborough’s Plough Inn.