Focus On: Bennigans Bar
Photo by Iñaki Basterretxea.
Leaseholder John Leighton describes Bennigans as a “traditional pub with a friendly atmosphere which has a focus on high quality live music from both local and international musicians.” And you can see why. Bennigans is bursting at the seams with live music every week.
Attracting some big names such as Duke Special and Nigel Mooney, who is widely regarded as Ireland’s leading jazz singer and guitarist and who had recently performed to a full house in the Royal Albert Hall, Bennigans attracts bands and musicians of all genres and has become Derry’s go to pub for live music.
Since taking over the lease from Joe Neilis in November 2014, John has put his own stamp on the pub with an emphasis on high quality music throughout the week, and as John say’s, “I’m not in this for the profits, but for my love of music.”
And there is no better man than John to take Bennigans on this musical journey as he is an accomplished Jazz musician in his own right. He released his debut album in 2011 titled ‘Dramatic Life’ which drew praise throughout Ireland including a review in The Irish Times describing him as a “fine pianist/composer whose music has distinction and individuality.”
An intimate little venue, I can see the draw for musicians and bands to play Bennigans, alongside the friendly atmosphere, so friendly that no doormen are needed. “We’re a responsible bar” says John, “we take care of customers... we haven’t had the need for any doormen.”
Spanning all genres, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Rock, there really is something for everyone in Bennigans throughout the week.
