Pub in Derry

[nell1850]

Hoping that a local historian might be able to help with this query but it's a long shot.

Patrick Desmond lived at 7 Chamberlain Street, Derry in the 1920s (probably from 1920). He was a publican and I'm wondering if this residence was a pub at the time. Interestingly, a look on Google Streetview indicates that there is a bar on or close to the site now. Not sure if there are any street directories or photos frm the time that would help with this.
Many thanks for any advice.

[gaffy]

It was already licensed premises, according to this notice from the Derry Journal of 13 September 1918, announcing an intended application by a Norah Barr of 63 Great James Street, Londonderry: 

TAKE NOTICE, that it is my intention to apply at the next Recorder's Separate Court of General Quarter Sessions, to be held at Londonderry, on the 4th day of OCTOBER next, for a certificate to entitle me to receive a Transfer of a Licence to sell Beer, Cider, and Spirits, by Retail, at the house, situate at No. 7, Chamberlain Street, in the Parish of Templemore, and Barony of the North-West Liberties of Londonderry, in said County of the City of Londonderry, said House being at present Licensed in the Name of Hugh Barr, now deceased.



Edited to add: Same newspaper, 5 February 1915:

VALUABLE CITY PUBLIC-HOUSE FOR SALE.

PROPOSALS will be received by the undersigned [Philip O'Hagan, Solicitor] up to an including WEDNESDAY 17th instant, for the Purchase of those exceeedingly Valuable LICENSED PREMISES, known as No. 7, CHAMBERLAIN STREET, DERRY.  The premises are substantially built, and fitted with every modern convenience for Business and Residence, and are held in Perpetuity under the Irish Society at the nominal Yearly Head Rent of £4 14s 6d.  The purchaser will be entitled to both the absolute Interest in the Freehold and in the Spirit Licence.  The premises, situate as they are in an excellent residential district, being also beside the principal entrance to the Cattle Market, are in the most ideal situation in the City of Derry for doing a Retail and Family Spirit Trade.

[nell1850]

Thank you so much Gaffy, that is really interesting information. The story is that Patrick Desmond was 'given' a pub on the occasion of his marriage in Nov 1919. He definitely lived at this address so possibly the pub was purchased from Mrs Barr or he took over the licence from her? 

[gaffy]

... The story is that Patrick Desmond was 'given' a pub on the occasion of his marriage in Nov 1919. He definitely lived at this address so possibly the pub was purchased from Mrs Barr or he took over the licence from her?

There is a notice in the Londonderry Sentinel of 10 September 1925 (similar wording to the one I previously posted at Reply #1), announcing Patrick Desmond's intention to apply for the licence for the premises, formerly licensed in the name of Norah Barr.

Edited to add: There was another earlier such notice (ie. intention to apply for a transfer of licence for those premises from Nora Barr to Patrick Desmond) in the Londonderry Sentinel of 13 December 1924 - the premises were described as Patrick's place of abode.

[nell1850]

Thanks again Gaffy. Just brilliant to get confirmation of this.
Very best wishes.