February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Andrew Bushe
DUBLIN — A Mayo-born property developer is set to make history next month when he opens a pub in a town on Britain’s Essex coast that he claims is the only "dry" seaside resort in the country.
Millionaire Eamon Ryan has been battling for three years to get the go-ahead for his pub in Frinton-on-Sea from the local Tendring District Council.
"The population inside the gates of Frinton is 6,500 and outside the gates are a further 3,5000. It is probably the driest and thirstiest place in Britain," he said.
He said a section of the local residents in the picturesque resort had opposed him all the way. There had been 950 letters sent in by residents and only 13 supported the pub.
"But I would not let go of my belief that the town needed a pub to call its own. It is a basic amenity."
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He had originally bought a disused ironmongers in Frinton and got planning permission for a bistro, restaurant and wine bar but the Council initially voted 6-5 against a pub.
The residents are very protective of the town and had previously fought for 10 years to try and stop a fish and chip shop opening for business.
Ryan described it as a very up-market resort with its main street, Connaught Avenue, being known as the "Bond Street of the East."
Ryan, 50, who left Foxford, Co. mayo, more than 30 years ago, appealed the Council’s one vote refusal and won.
He then challenged the residents to name their first pub and "Lock & Barrel" was chosen after a competition.
Apart from the full licence, there is also an 86-seater restaurant and Ryan said the opening of the development on Sept. 13 means Frinton will never be dry again.
Ryan is no stranger to planning rows. His Ryan Group won a three-year battle to develop nearby Thorpe Hall which he bought for £2.75 million nine years ago.
He is undertaking a £40 million development there on 375 acres to create another first for Britain — an American-style retirement village.
It will include a 100 bedroom hotel with leisure facilities and conference center, a 52 bed nursing home, 62 apartments, 18 and 9 hole golf courses and a driving range.