Permission has been sought to extend the ground floor space of a popular and long-standing bar on Moira’s Main Street.
Pretty Mary’s pub and restaurant – named after Pretty Mary’s Fort nearby – recently came under the ownership of hospitality mogul, Andrew Robinson of McConville’s Portadown, Ma Berry’s and Maisie’s fame.
Submitting an application to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council – in the name of Claire Robinson – the new owners are seeking permission to extend the bar area to cope with the growing demand for their services.
A design and access statement accompanying the application explains that in the last 20 years there has been “significant growth” in the bar facilities, including the semi-covered outdoor area.
The plans outline for a built extension that will take in some of that outdoor space.
Relatively modest in size, if approved, the construction would see the gross floorspace of the property increased from 437 sqm to 465 sqm.
The rationale behind the bid is to create additional seating, that would be in a somewhat quieter area, “shielded” from the main bar.
Not shy of a little construction or expansion, Mr Robinson also submitted plans back in December 2025 for a much more sizeable development in Portadown.
Here, here requested permission to extend Bennett’s Bar – which came under his portfolio in 2022 following the departure of its previous owners, Tony and Niall Bennett – into two neighbouring retail units.
This current application is still in a consultation phase but has so far encountered just one hiccup with NI Water – as is the case with many applications – asserting that there is sewerage network capacity issues.
The applicant can seek to engage with NI Water to remedy this constraint.
