A prominent Dublin nightclub Lillies Bordello and its associated bar, Judge Roy Beans, were withdrawn from auction yesterday after they failed to attract a bid. Martin Wall reports.
The auctioneer, Mr John Younge, told The Irish Times last night that private approaches had been made before the auction and he would return to these parties shortly.
The Egan family, which owns both venues, is understood to have been seeking up to €6 million for the properties based on Nassau Street and Adams Court, off Grafton Street. But when an opening bid of €4 million was invited, there were no offers and the properties were withdrawn.
Among those at the auction in the Shelbourne Hotel were leading Dublin publican Mr Louis Fitzgerald and UK-based actor and pub owner Mr Gary Whelan. Mr Younge said Lillies and Judge Roy Beans were lucrative businesses with a turnover of around €6 million, net of VAT. He said Lillies is a premier Dublin nightspot and a "destination venue". Its VIP Library has been a favourite with internationally famous celebrities.
Dancer Michael Flatley, who celebrated his Riverdance and Lord of the Dance successes in Lillies, last week described it as one of the best clubs in the world. Bono, the Edge and other members of U2 are known to drop by late at night, while Dublin-based racing driver Eddie Irvine is also a regular.
Eurovision winner Paul Harrington regularly plays the piano in the club's VIP Library at weekends, while broadcaster and journalist Eamon Dunphy is known to participate in the occasional sing-song.
Lillies also routinely played host down the years to the Irish international soccer team for post-match parties.
Visiting international stars also frequently head for Lillies at the end of an evening.
Film actors Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts have dropped in, as have music industry figures such as Van Morrison and Tom Jones.
The downstairs bar, Judge Roy Beans, has a distinct Western/Tex-Mex style and can cater for 300 patrons in the bar and 60 in the restaurant.
Lillies Bordello and Judge Roy Beans have a combined area of 9,000 sq ft.
Part of the property is held on a 99-year lease running from 1970 while the remainder is held on a 68-year lease running from 2001.
It currently has a rent per annum of €272,994. An inventory of furniture and effects is included in the sale price.