Bettystown native opens Chicago's newest Irish pub

Halsted Harp Bar & Grill in Chicago is the newest pub in a city famous for its Irish connections and great nightlife. Officially opened last weekend by owner Garrett Diamond, from Bettystown, the modern Irish pub promises to be a popular desination for the many young professionals that live and play in the hip Lincoln Park neighbourhood in which it's located. Mr Diamond, who spent some years in Chicago before making the move permanently earlier this year, opened Halsted Harp with friend Conor Kelly from Skerries, Co Dublin, who has been working in the hospitality business since moving to Chicago in 2000. Mr Diamond has also worked in a number of hospitality businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, including the Irish-owned Fitzpatrick Hotel in downtown Chicago. The newly refurbished bar boasts wood paneling around the room with a number of booths to get that traditional 'snug' feel, complemented by five plasma televisions to keep customers up to date with US sports, Gaelic games and Premiership soccer. The bar serves food seven days a week, with brunch at weekends. The menu comprises of some Irish staples, such as fish & chips, bangers and mash and an all-day Irish Breakfast, with a mix of standard US pub grub dishes. Halstead Harp is located at 2138 North Halsted in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighbourhood.