The West sets its sights on the future with further investment

When Westport native Martin Brennan reopened The West in July 2021, the hospitality industry was still navigating an uncertain future in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite the challenges facing the sector, Martin was determined to breathe new life into the establishment, creating a welcoming space where customers could enjoy traditional Irish favourites in a cosy, relaxed setting.

It was not without its challenges. The premises required considerable work before they were ready to welcome customers again.

“Physically, the place needed a lot of work. There were leaks in the flat roof, and I'd been spending an awful lot of money just getting it back to a place where you could open the doors to the public,” he told The Mayo News.

Since then, through years of hard work, substantial investment and the continued support of the local community, Martin has worked to establish a new chapter for the well-known Westport business.

And Martin’s approach is simple.

“I call it common-sense food, done well,” he says.

That approach is reflected in a menu built around familiar, hearty favourites, from bacon and cabbage and beef and Guinness casserole to freshly battered cod and chips.

With further investment already made in the premises, including a new downstairs kitchen and renovations to the bar, Martin is continuing to improve the facilities while remaining focused on what matters most to his customers. Plans are also underway to upgrade the upstairs function room, creating new opportunities for the business.

STAFF AND LOCAL SUPPORT

Martin says, however, that The West is about much more than the food or the premises. At its heart are the people who work there and the local community that has supported the business along the way.

He is particularly keen to acknowledge Pauline McGovern, who has been by his side since the beginning, alongside his dedicated staff, local clubs and loyal customers.

“The locals are the real bread and butter of all our businesses, and especially mine,” he says.

Martin also expressed his sincere appreciation for his staff, highlighting the important role hospitality can play in helping young people develop valuable skills and experience that will stand to them throughout their lives.

“I wanted to take the time to give huge thanks to my staff first. Hospitality is not easy, but it's a great foundation for young adults and teenagers to bring forward into life. We'd like to think we're training our young people in something more than just working here.”

It is this emphasis on people, community and opportunity that remains central to Martin's vision for The West, recognising that a successful local business depends as much on the people behind it as the service it provides.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

With improvements continuing and new plans taking shape, Martin is looking forward to the next stage in The West's development.

The focus downstairs will remain firmly on the food that customers know and enjoy, with the possibility of additional options at weekends. Live music is also set to feature on Saturday nights, adding another dimension to the atmosphere.

“I'd like to continue the food downstairs as it is, maybe with options at weekends, and I'll be having music on a Saturday night,” he says.

A key priority is the redevelopment of the upstairs function room, which Martin hopes to transform into a more refined, versatile space available for private hire.

“I'd also like to put a lot of work into the function room upstairs. I'd like to rent it out privately for groups, for birthday parties, anniversary parties or whatever the occasion might be.”

With an extended bar and new seating planned, the aim is to elevate the space and create an appealing venue for a range of celebrations and private gatherings.

“With the extended bar up there and the new seating that's going to happen, it's going to be a bit higher class. It's not going to be as ordinary as it is now. The idea is to lift it.”

For Martin, the future of The West is about building on what has already been achieved by continuing to invest in the business, creating new opportunities and providing a place where people can come together over good food and good company.