Leisure group buys Cookstown bar as part of £3m investment

MAGHERAFELT-BASED Oakleaf Group has acquired The Central Inn in Cookstown as part of an overall investment of £3 million in the Mid-Ulster region over a two-year period.

Established in 1969, the three-storey Central has been a mainstay in the heart of Cookstown for more than half a century and work is already under way to transform the venue into ‘The 40 Thieves’, an Irish American style pub that promises to give patrons ‘a taste of the nineteenth century Big Apple’.

In addition, Oakleaf will be creating 23 new serviced apartments above and to the rear of the Main Street bar in a ‘town centre living’ initiative to help revitalise William Street and encourage people to live there.

The 40 Thieves is due to open its doors in July 2024, with the first phase of apartments expected to be released to the public in June.

The company already owns the historic Clubland nightclub and neighbouring Cherry Tree bar in Molesworth Street, as well as the popular TIME Bar & Venue on James Street.

Speaking of the company’s recent investments, Oakleaf Managing Director Patrick Scullion said, “The hospitality industry across Northern Ireland has been suffering badly since the pandemic, when it was undoubtedly one of the hardest hit sectors, and the Mid-Ulster region is no exception.

“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 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. This proximity not only saves time but also reduces the need for reliance on private transportation, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.”