LAUGHTER and music filled the air as glasses of Guinness were lined up on the bar.
Boyzone star Shane Lynch, wife Sheena and business partner, professional stunt driver Nathan Gerhold, hosted their first St Patrick’s Day celebration at their new Irish bar in Knutsford.
The trio say they have been overwhelmed with support since opening D13 on King Street last year.
Shane said: “This is unbelievably special, our first St Patrick’s Day in our own bar.
“It means so much to me to call it D13, the postcode from by home in Dublin. Everyone says they love the name.
“It is part of my heritage.”
The dream of bringing a taste of his beloved home town to England had been on their mind for a while.
“We were looking for the right location for five years,” said Shane. “We wanted to create a boutique Irish bar.
“We want this to be a journey. When you come in, everything is old but there are no cards or horses.
“As you walk through, it becomes a lot more modern with contemporary art on the walls.
“Then there is a new Ireland on the terrace garden.”
Building work to create the celtic vision started during lockdown.
Sheena said: “People were looking through the window giving us the thumbs up.
“We knew nothing about Knutsford before we came here but it was instant love.
“The town is so beautiful and the people are so kind and welcoming.
“They were really exciting about us opening.
“We want to give people a taste of Ireland – laughter, lots of love and a warm welcome. Just generate a great vibe.”
Business partner Nathan, who runs the day to day operation of the pub, said: “This is a brand new adventure for us. We have a great team here.
“This is my baby but it is a family-owned business, we are all very close.
“We have created something we all believe in.
“This has given me a balance. I can still go out and do films and enjoy crazy moments stunt riding with all its different challenges.”
Nathan performed for crowds of up to 15,000 people during the Fast and Furious European and Asian tours.
Shane said he received good luck messages from all the lads in Boyzone to wish him well on St Patrick’s Day.
Musicians played live music on the roof throughout the day.
Top athletes and sports celebrities, including racing driver Nick Hamilton, Lewis Hamilton’s brother, made guest appearances.
Monster Energy brought their giant bus with lots of free giveaways.
Shane said: “Today we have opened our back garden for the first time this year.
“Everyone is outside. The sun is shining, the Guinness is flowing and the bar is full of laughter.
“We want to thank the people of Knutsford so much for the welcome they have given to us.
“All the businesses, pubs, bars and cafes have also been so supportive, offering us advice and help.
The bar has teamed up with Tatton House to provide a special food menu.
“We employ around 15 bar staff but we are always looking for more,” said Shane.
“Most of the staff who started on day one are still with us.
“We have tried to create a family atmosphere.
“This has more than exceeded our expectations.”
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