O'Sullivan's Vintage Social
O'Sullivan's on the Mall, the home of O'Sullivan's Vintage Social
While taking a stroll along Waterford’s Mall on a spring afternoon one can be forgiven to be enchanted by its period charm and its historical significance.
And now the building situated at 3 and 4 the mall which had almost become a derelict building has been transformed and restored to its original grandeur.
Just one door down from Ireland’s oldest Civic Building Reginald’s Tower, two local boys Billy O’Sullivan and Mark O’Sullivan have transformed this property to become once again a beckon of grandeur that elevates this beautiful Waterford street.
Built in 1750 from handmade brick and stone salvaged from our city’s walls, Number Three and Four the Mall after 130 years is now once more ‘O’Sullivans on the Mall’ following the official opening of the top in class Vintage Social.
Upon entering O ‘Sullivan’s Vintage Social on the Mall, old city walls permeate through the building, providing guests with a sense of Waterford’s sprawling history of over 1,000 years.
The building has been part of the O’Sullivan family in previous generations, and was once registered to JP O’Sullivan’s Medical Hall, a distant relative of the current proprietors.
At the time, O’Sullivan’s apothecary made their own perfumes and aftershaves and created potions to cure any ill facing the people of the city.
In one of the oldest pictures ever taken of The Mall, and indeed one of the oldest every captured in Waterford, O’Sullivan’s can be seen, a testament to its vast and ever expanding historical significant.
In 1895, the first motorised vehicle arrived in Waterford.
A photograph taken from the old Imperial Hotel immortalised this event, capturing the most beautiful street of Waterford City with the iconic O’Sullivan’s Apothecary shopfront proudly on display.
Now, in a beautifully restored space, O’Sullivan’s honor this legacy, with new life breathed into this historic building, creating a space for all to enjoy.
The building has been magnificently restored and has welcomed an extraordinary new lease of life into the hospitality sector of the historical Viking triangle.
By incorporating and reusing many original artifacts from the building and indeed other famous Waterford establishments long since passed, the warmth and ambiance of the premises holds endless depth of character.
The concept of the new O’Sullivan’s is to maintain and celebrate Waterford’s history, whilst also providing a top in class, brand new offering to Waterford.
Crafted from antique brick and salvaged stone from the original city, the building is a testament to expert restoration.
The building is full of antiques, old city walls, and the bar is a period piece which itself is steeped in history.
The history has been maintained, providing a sense of authenticity, whilst new designs and décor offer something new to the city.
It is truly Waterford to the core.
The upstairs dining room is an elegant Georgian setting with a mix of exposed walls and period antique French light there is more than a hint of Louisiana Deep South which has also inspired the dinner menu.
With 160 seats on the ground floor and 100 seats upstairs, the space’s ambiance and menu provide something for everyone.
The ground floor bar specialises in cold beer, wines and boosts a mighty pint of Guinness, while a vintage cocktail menu has become a favourite treat for ladies and gents alike.
O’Sullivan’s expansive menus specialise in very high quality food and local produce, from grass fed steak, to fresh seafood and tasty tapas, bar food and ala carte dinner menu, all at an affordable price.
Situated just moments from Theatre Royal, O’Sullivan’s also offers theatre goers a chance to indulge in top class cuisine before heading just up the street to for a show, with their Special Theatre Menu.
O’Sullivan’s on the Mall has become a live music venue promoting local talented artists in an eclectic mix of easy listening music.
Currently, 'Sully’s Live Sessions', offers entertaining music Friday, Saturday and Sunday which will expand into the spring and summer months.
With a new extension to the upper floor space on the way, a New Orleans speakeasy is planned to host party events and enhance what is truly a unique offering further.
Recently, The Piano Man has proved very popular amongst guests, providing an eclectic mix of music to suit all tastes. This has become a perfect complement after while you dine in comfort of sublime food.
Billy O’Sullivan has vast experience in hospitality across the world, however, as a Waterford native his entire life, he says it is an honour to be able to now provide top class service in his home town: “I’m so proud always proud of my city, its history, its character and most of all its people. Waterford is elevating, and we are so proud to be able to contribute to that with O’Sullivan’s Vintage Social.”
Updates on menus and live music available @o_sullivans Instagram
