Latest news with #Butlers
Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Directorship bans imposed on brothers behind Starbucks franchise in Ireland
Two brothers behind various Irish franchises, including several Starbucks cafes, TGI Fridays, Mao, and Hardrock Café, have been banned from acting as company directors of any company for five years. A High Court judge imposed the restriction after finding Colm and Ciaran Butler failed to prove they acted responsibly in their operation of one of their companies, Downtul Ltd, which leased a premises at St Stephen's Green, Dublin, that operated as a Starbucks. In a judgment published on Wednesday, Ms Justice Nessa Cahill noted the brothers are directors of more than 130 companies each. 'It is plain from this fact — and from the vigour with which this application was opposed — that the declarations of restriction sought in the particular circumstances of this case would have significant implications for them, beyond the symbolic or reputational,' she said. Her orders followed an application from the liquidator of Downtul, Patrick O'Connell. Downtul was placed into voluntary liquidation in November 2022. Mr O'Connell later raised concerns that the brothers did not act honestly and responsibly 'with regard to their duties, responsibilities, and actions' as directors of Downtul. Arising from this, Mr O'Connell sought an order for the brothers to be restricted from acting as company directors or secretaries for five years unless the company meets certain requirements set out in the Companies Act 2014. The Butlers opposed Mr O'Connell's application. A hearing of the case lasted five days, with both sides calling expert witnesses. Acceding to the liquidator's request, Ms Justice Cahill said she was not satisfied the brothers acted responsibly in relation to Downtul's affairs, but they showed they acted honestly. Ms Justice Cahill said her findings arose primarily from the brothers' operation of Downtul, and a related company they controlled: Atercin Liffey Unlimited Company. Downtul's function was to lease a premises at Stephen Court, St Stephen's Green, and it did not trade or carry on a business. It entered into a lease agreement for the premises in December 2013, its sole transaction. Atercin operated a Starbucks cafe out of the Stephen's Green premises. The judge noted that Atercin operated from the premises rent-free for two-and-a-half years and obtained government supports to deal with the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic. In effect, Downtul bore the liability and cost of the lease, while Atercin occupied the leased premises and earned revenue from its trade there. The judge said Downtul received no contribution from Atercin towards rent due on the Stephen Court premises 'and, consequently, was unable to pay its debts as they fell due'. 'In allowing the company to enter and maintain these arrangements, and in failing to ensure an enforceable mechanism by which the company could obtain the funds necessary to discharge its liabilities as they fell due or otherwise protect its position, the respondents [the Butlers] failed to demonstrate responsible conduct with regard to the interests of the company,' the judge said.
Metro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Moira forced to accept devastating loss in Emmerdale
It's not been a great year for Emmerdale's Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb), what with the brain tumour, cheating husband, and the death of her daughter-in-law. But there's more being slung at her, and this is one thing she may not overcome. Moira's life is her farm and having already had to fight to save it once in the not-too-distant past, the latest threat to her livelihood is this time insurmountable. The awful slurry spill that happened during John Sugden's (Oliver Farnworth) stag do and saw the local water supply contaminated resulted in young Harry getting sick from drinking the water. He was rushed to hospital and had to remain in their care due to the severity of his condition. This has had huge ramifications – not only has it rocked the village's trust in Moira, but her business has tanked as a knock-on effect. Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) has taken the fall and is swamped with guilt about the incident, but things get worse when he learns that Moira's insurance company have poo-pooed any idea of them paying out due to the incident seemingly being due to recklessness. It's the nail in the coffin and a defeated Moira realises that this is the end of the line – Butlers will be no more after 16 years. She's fort valiantly, but in the end, it wasn't enough. As far as she is concerned, Mackenzie is to blame. More Trending John is burdened with the weight of his own guilt and takes it out on Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). Little Harry, the victim of the slurry spill, is still ill in hospital on a drip and Mack breaks down in John's arms at the gravity of what he's done. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! There's another knock-on effect of the dreadful spill – Moira completely turns her back on Mack. Under the weight of the situation, Mack makes a tough decision as he pulls out as Aaron's best man, leaving Aaron crushed. But Moira cannot bear to look at her brother as she watches her whole life go up in flames. She accepts her fate, the farm is finished. View More » But with plans to dredge the lake threatening to uncover John's deadly secret, is there hope for Moira's farm yet? MORE: Nate's body 'finally found' in Emmerdale – thanks to very unexpected person MORE: Emmerdale fans fear John has secretly claimed another victim – and it's a fan-favourite MORE: Emmerdale star Bradley Riches hints that Moira may not get away with murder
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Famous pub loved by footie fans suddenly shuts just MONTHS after reopening leaving punters gutted
The pub narrowly missed out on a huge day in the football calendar SHUTTERS DOWN Famous pub loved by footie fans suddenly shuts just MONTHS after reopening leaving punters gutted An iconic pub has shut its doors just months after reopening. The pub was at the beating heart of a huge city centre, and famed for its footie lore. 3 The Grainger Tavern was formerly Butlers, before relaunching last year Credit: Twitter 3 Grainger Tavern Newcastle announces it is closed on Facebook Credit: Facebook The Grainger Tavern, at the centre of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has sadly closed for good. This comes less than a year after reopening, with the pub previously being known as Butlers. Butlers was once the go-to starting point of any good night out on the Toon. Situated adjacent to the ever-bustling Granger Market in the centre of Newcastle, drinkers in the city used to swarm the watering hole. It was the perfect warm-up bar for major events around the city, with loud music often playing from the early afternoon. This was supplemented by all of the essential features for a lively pub: DJs on deck, a karaoke machine for punters to have a sing-song, and of course, wall-to-wall TVs for sports. This last feature made it a fixture for many football fans, and especially members of the Toon army, who would soak up its raucous atmosphere on matchdays. It was therefore a tragic shock when Butlers closed last year - before bouncing back to return as the Grainger Tavern. With a name capitalising on its prime location, the boozer had made some changes, with a new external look, and even some minor adjustments indoors. The pub seemed to have returned to business as usual, with live coverage of Newcastle United's Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup games being advertised to punters. I don't want folk going veggie due to farming crisis, rages Jeremy Clarkson - so my pub will serve pig uterus & squirrel Devastatingly, locals were unable to attend the pub for Newcastle's triumphant Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool. The Grainger Tavern shut its doors just days before Eddie Howe's men lifted their first domestic trophy in 70 years. In doing so, the pub missed out on a day when the pub would have surely been heaving with jubilant fans and flowing pints. On March 14, the Grainger Tavern made its final Facebook post, saying: "Just to let you no that the Grainger Tavern is CLOSED till further notice. "Please don't ask me as I don't know why thanks and sorry for any inconvenience." Unsurprisingly, former punters were quick to pay tribute to the venue. "I'm missing this place, my favourite starting point for a few beers for my nights out in town," said Ant Ward. In a hopeful response, the pub replied: "Let's hope someone comes along and takes it on soon." Two months on, the latest images of the Grainger Tavern paint a bleak picture. The doors of the pub remain firmly closed, with a huge padlock visible to keep them so indefinitely. There is also a huge 'To Let' sign in one of the windows, advertising the vacant pub to any potential buyers willing to take it on. Sadly, there is currently no news of another relaunch for the iconic Nun Street boozer.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Famous pub loved by footie fans suddenly shuts just MONTHS after reopening leaving punters gutted
An iconic pub has shut its doors just months after reopening. The pub was at the beating heart of a huge city centre, and famed for its footie lore. 3 3 The Grainger Tavern, at the centre of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has sadly closed for good. This comes less than a year after reopening, with the pub previously being known as Butlers. Butlers was once the go-to starting point of any good night out on the Toon. Situated adjacent to the ever-bustling Granger Market in the centre of Newcastle, drinkers in the city used to swarm the watering hole. It was the perfect warm-up bar for major events around the city, with loud music often playing from the early afternoon. This was supplemented by all of the essential features for a lively pub: DJs on deck, a karaoke machine for punters to have a sing-song, and of course, wall-to-wall TVs for sports. This last feature made it a fixture for many football fans, and especially members of the Toon army, who would soak up its raucous atmosphere on matchdays. It was therefore a tragic shock when Butlers closed last year - before bouncing back to return as the Grainger Tavern. With a name capitalising on its prime location, the boozer had made some changes, with a new external look, and even some minor adjustments indoors. The pub seemed to have returned to business as usual, with live coverage of Newcastle United's Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup games being advertised to punters. I don't want folk going veggie due to farming crisis, rages Jeremy Clarkson - so my pub will serve pig uterus & squirrel Devastatingly, locals were unable to attend the pub for Newcastle's triumphant Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool. The Grainger Tavern shut its doors just days before Eddie Howe's men lifted their first domestic trophy in 70 years. In doing so, the pub missed out on a day when the pub would have surely been heaving with jubilant fans and flowing pints. On March 14, the Grainger Tavern made its final Facebook post, saying: "Just to let you no that the Grainger Tavern is CLOSED till further notice. "Please don't ask me as I don't know why thanks and sorry for any inconvenience." Unsurprisingly, former punters were quick to pay tribute to the venue. "I'm missing this place, my favourite starting point for a few beers for my nights out in town," said Ant Ward. In a hopeful response, the pub replied: "Let's hope someone comes along and takes it on soon." Two months on, the latest images of the Grainger Tavern paint a bleak picture. The doors of the pub remain firmly closed, with a huge padlock visible to keep them so indefinitely. There is also a huge 'To Let ' sign in one of the windows, advertising the vacant pub to any potential buyers willing to take it on. Sadly, there is currently no news of another relaunch for the iconic Nun Street boozer.
