Conor McGregor's Black Forge Inn closes kitchen due to Covid-19 case but bar still open

The Crumlin venue had been informed of a close contact with a positive Covid result and made the decision to close the kitchen for a few days to keep staff and customers safe.

While visitors won’t be able to gorge on a steak or burger until next Tuesday, the bar will remain open for drinks until 8pm as per the current Covid hospitality guidelines.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday afternoon, The Black Forge Inn’s social media delegate said: “Unfortunately, due to being informed of a close contact with a positive Covid test, we have taken the decision to close our kitchen until next Tuesday the 11th of January to ensure the safety of both our staff and our customers. The bar will remain open daily until 8pm.”

It comes after Dublin City Council gave McGregor the green light to expand and upgrade the premises in November.

The UFC star secured planning permission with 10 planning conditions attached by the council for the scheme, which will see the Dublin pub gain an extension at the rear of the venue.

McGregor can now continue with plans for a single-storey extension of around 104.2 square metres and a food preparation area

The conditions of the planning permission also include approval for a 32.7-square-metre outdoor dining area and a canopy over this location towards the back of the pub.

Planning documentation lodged with the council states that The Black Forge Inn recently purchased land behind the adjoining betting office to facilitate the expansion of the pub.

The submission also reassures the council that “the hours of the public house will remain the same as they are at present, which is standard for the Dublin City jurisdiction and helps to promote the nighttime economy in supporting Dublin becoming a 24-hour city.”

The Notorious bought The Black Forge Inn for €2 million in 2020 and has since spent a further €1 million upgrading it.