Businesses collaborate to repeat music event

The owners of McCoy’s and Leonardo’s Bistro Bar are running Half Past the Weekend, which is aimed at raising the profile of city centre restaurants and café bars.

The event will be launched over the Easter weekend with live music along Princes Dock Street, starting with Spanish guitarist David Berriman from 2pm tomorrow afternoon.

The entertainment will then continue throughout the summer, with the result that the new-look Half Past the Weekend will offer even more than the version which was so successful last year.

“The original event had live music along Princes Dock Street every Wednesday evening,” said Mark Bayston, owner of McCoy’s.

“This year Leonardo’s Bistro Bar will be providing the live music on the Wednesday night and we will deliver the entertainment on a Thursday night.

“We’re still putting the finishing touches to our programme but the aim will be to provide a platform for local musicians and to show people what the city centre has to offer in the food and drink sector in the early evening.”

Both businesses have already invested in the installation of toughened glass screens around the outdoor eating areas along Princes Dock Street and Paul Gregory, owner of Leonardo’s Bistro Bar, said the effort is already paying off.

“Everybody knows these are difficult times but our business is up more than 20 per cent so far this year,” said Paul.

“I think that’s a result of the work we put in last summer to promote this part of the city centre and to encourage people to visit us in the early evening.

“The improvements to the outdoor areas will help us build on that as will the return of Half Past the Weekend, with even more entertainment than was provided last year.”