Forte hotel brings Irish racing theme to London

The Cumberland Hotel at London's Marble Arch is hoping for the luck of the Irish when it opens Callaghans Irish racing theme bar and restaurant.

The Forte hotel is investing about £500,000 in the 100-seat eaterie, located on the site of one of the hotel's former restaurants, called Mon.

Callaghans, which opens on 24 October, will have a separate street entrance in a bid to attract local people and tourists as well as the hotel's guests.

The restaurant will serve traditional Irish fare with an average spend per head of £12 to £15. A bar menu will also be served. The venue will have live music every night and will broadcast live horse racing and other major sporting events.

There are currently no plans to roll out the Callaghans concept, but if it proves successful, the idea may well be replicated.