New Shops/Businesses in Bray

Donnybrook Fair was a Celtic Tiger model, it has outlasted its time.

I think it peaked post recession actually.

People bought it as a “treat” when they didn’t have money to go out.

Dunnes moved aggressively into this market a decade ago. Heffernan was criticised for bailing on buying DF but in time it has proven to be shrewd move. Musgraves are pretty hopeless at managing this sort of stuff as well. They earlier had an easy in with the Superquinn brand but treated it like buying another regular multiple. Ironically it’s independents within Supervalu like Petits that serve the higher end better. The old Superquinn on Castle Street is centrally owned but mediocre. No serious capex for years and the produce is poor.

There’s no Dunnes in Greystones but a lot of people would shop in Cornelscourt and Petits. Then there’s all the other other independent options like Firehouse if you want your wallet picked. The proliferation of good sandwich options elsewhere has also hurt DF (they’ve actually finally raised their game again in the original Donnybrook one after years of letting it go downhill).

Quite enjoyed it when I went - met both co-owners who were sound and chatty and very accommodating - pint and the grub were really good would go back.

Only downside was having to use the very small jacks on multiple occasions when it was also occupied by 8-10 lads hitting the nose beers quite openly

I've been in there a few times, max 3/4 pints. Never came across anything in the toilets myself.

Not saying its not happening, as its the same in every pub. Probably a lot more noticeable in toilets that only cater for 3 people.

Probably just a particular group of lads that were in the pub at the time. From the article it sounds like the owners wouldnt tolerate that kind of stuff if they knew about it.

Used to go to O'Sullivans regularly enough so looking forward to visiting.

One Oh Nine, the boutique down near Boots is closing down after 11 years in business.

Pity to see an independent retailer, a clothes shop, closing down.

I don't get the negativity. It's confirmed today and scheduled for November opening.

Yes nice to have one in the town but don't see how Dundrum is a kip and better cinema than Dun Laoghaire and Odeon in Stillorgan.

Also, it will come to pass as it's not a rumour but an official confirmation by all parties.

November. It will do well. It’s the only cinema between Dun Laoghaire and Greystones along the coast.

Yeah true, I was thinking of Greater Dublin Metro really, although Wicklow town is quickly becoming part of that too.

Dundrum is a kip! The carpets in the foyer and stairs would turn your stomach. The place is filthy. We used the DL cinema a few months ago. It has been refurbished and the screen we were in was super modern and comfy (and empty). Haven't been in Stillorgan for years so can't comment.

The new cinema will bring life back to the main street in the evening and that has to be welcomed.

What? I just explained. I am referring to this dense area.

OK fair enough, I've not been to Dundrum for about a year but always liked it. Dun Laoghaire is fine but always empty so a mystery how it survives.

I've never been to an "Arc" cinema but look at other locations they look very nice and reasonable priced which is so much better than a Stella going in which would not show all new releases and would have been priced at higher end as Press Up did with all of their businesses. I was actually pleased to see Press Up's demise. Not a fan of their offerings at all.

Press Up did not price at the highest levels for all of their offerings. Wow Burger was very affordable (for example). I personally never understood Press Up hate- some cringe and some fluff but ultimately they built high quality venues and cared about appearance. If more or Bray and other Main Street businesses had the same attitude, they’d be in better shape. If you take a Dunnes, they have high quality shops and deserve all the credit in the world for that (including the clothes store on the Main Street), but they let Irish towns down frequently by leaving dilapidated buildings (the purpose of which we all know why but can’t say out loud). As a business Press Up was designed around the idea of improving the properties Oaktree owned and had far more positives than negatives imo.

What happened with the Stella is done but people have a weird hang up on it. All movie theatres have moved upmarket. The Stella Rathmines just so happens to be a highly unique offering given the location. There is no evidence they would not have done the multi screen thing right whilst also having a decent offering. Are people afraid of staff wearing something decent when working or something?!