Irishman who made a name for himself at the famous Gibney’s teams up with experienced bartender to open new restaurant in New York

An Irishman who earned his stripes in a famous family-run bar and restaurant in Dublin has teamed up with a seasoned bartender with twenty years’ experience in the New York hospitality industry to open a new gastro-pub.

Ciarán Harrison and Christopher Buckle are the duo behind The Parkgate – an up-and-coming neighbourhood institution with a unique bar area, quality drinks, music and delicious dishes from one of the city’s best chefs.

The 36-year-old from Dublin and the 44-year-old from Liverpool have spent the last year and a half renovating the building on the corner of West 4th and Jones in the West Village, which previously housed The Slaughtered Lamb pub.

“It’s been a bar since the 1970s but it hasn’t been well looked after until now,” Chris told IrishStar.com. “We’ve completely renovated it – everything is brand new except for the floor beams and walls.”

“We moved the stairs from one side of the room to the other, knocked down walls and extended the bar so that it runs through the whole room. We also enlarged the basement bar. It was an interesting transformation.”

Ciarán continued: “The locals come along to get a little taster. They’re very excited. It’s a place where you can relax, have a few beers or enjoy a big dinner. It’s definitely been an educational experience.”

“It’s the first bar we’ve ever tackled, so it’s been a journey. We’ve been working towards something for a long time that is now tangible and real. It’s a great feeling to see what it’s become.”

Ciarán grew up working at his family bar, Gibney’s Malahide, which now has a branch in Midtown. Nine years ago, he started working in the New York restaurant scene and met Chris while working on the same block in the West Village.

Chris always wanted to launch his own concept and when the opportunity arose, the two decided to try it together. The bar is named after the Gibney’s first pub in Dublin on Parkgate Street, as a nod to Ciarán’s home country.

Chef Trevor A. Safrani also plays a major role. As a former sous chef at Balthazar – the legendary French brasserie in New York – and other renowned restaurants with over 15 years of experience, Safrani will add his special touch to the menu.

“I met Trevor years ago through a mutual friend and we’ve stayed in touch,” Chris explained. “He immediately said yes when I asked him if he wanted to join. He has an incredible background and is very enthusiastic about the project.”

“It is his own kitchen, where he can express himself as he sees fit and where he can bring the same passion that he has brought to everything so far. The atmosphere we want to create will be accessible to different groups and demographics.

“We don’t want loud music, but something a little more sophisticated. There is plenty of space for private events and we hope to take advantage of that. The Parkgate offers space for almost 200 guests on two levels.”

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Parkgate is set to open its doors at the end of July. Ciarán added: “The change has been dramatic from when we first visited to now. We’re excited to get people into the space and see what they think.”

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