Ma Boyle’s boss announces plans for new bar and restaurant at Mann Island

Independent Liverpool bar operator Ma Pub Group, led by Iain Hoskins, has announced its plans for a third Liverpool site.

Nova Scotia opens in May as the city’s hospitality sector continues to bounce back.

Set in the stunning Mann Island building in the shadow of the World Museum and the spectacular Three Graces on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, the new location will capture the city’s maritime past.

It’s little known that at the end of the 19^th century, the Mann Island area was previously a shanty-town called Nova Scotia, made up of dwellings and businesses serving the huge ships when the city boomed as a trade destination.

The dock served Canada and the ‘lumber’ trade, twinning with Nova Scotia in Canada – there is also a Canadian Liverpool and River Mersey.

An investment of £250,000 in the previous Mann Island Social / &Company dockside site will create 50 new jobs. Iain’s new venture will utilise the extensive open-air drinking and dining space as well as a beautiful interior restaurant and bar serving great food and drinks. It follows on from the award-winning, historic Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery and also Tempest on Tithebarn which opened in May last year; both have contributed positively to the local areas.

Iain says:

“We have a great relationship with the Mann Island landlords, RBH Properties, who are our landlords at Ma Boyle’s. Mann Island is a perfect fit for us, operating two neighbouring bars locally we know the area very well. With our other two sites we’ve found the perfect balance appealing to the business district footfall, local residents and tourists – there really is something for everyone and we are looking forward to a fabulous spring and summer in the city.

Iain Hoskins

“We plan to build on our track record at Ma Boyle’s and Tempest, enhancing their localities and encouraging other businesses to follow suit. It’s really pleasing that since we opened last May the Tempest Building is now at 100% commercial occupancy with a waiting list for office space.”

Iain continues: “I’m fascinated by this part of Liverpool and the story of a forgotten dockside village that got swallowed up when the docks expanded. The new Mann Island building is an incredible edition to the waterfront. I really like the idea of the juxtaposition of celebrating this old district that was replaced by then newer industries now replaced in a new iconic building that trailblazed Liverpool’s post millennium renaissance as a modern European destination city.

“The recent public realm improvements to The Strand and the area around Mann Island and Three Graces are exceptional and was a massive factor in my decision to take on this site in what many would consider are challenging and risky times. We have a world class waterfront and it’s an absolute privilege to be able to open a restaurant here.”

Despite the many challenges the city has faced during the last two years and the damage to the hospitality sector, it already feels as though the customer confidence is back. Iain’s two venues are busy again and the sense of optimism is returning across the city region.

“Our sector over the past two years has been battered but I’m optimistic for the future. The signs for the summer are very good. Ma Boyle’s and Tempest on Tithebarn are trading very well, in particular private hire bookings are the strongest we’ve ever known and business district footfall in the past month has really increased now that people have returned to back to the offices.”

Nova Scotia opens in May 2022.

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