A long established public house in Ballymena is set for a new chapter as owners Stephen and Marie Reynolds announce their well deserved retirement and ‘sale agreed in principle’ for the local watering hole.
The Front Page on Ballymoney Street has certainly earned its place in the fabric of Ballymena’s town centre, and in the hearts of both local residents and visitors alike. The premises opened the doors in 1990 under the capable hands of Stephen and Marie and has thrived over the last three decades with a loyal clientele.
Stephen first announced news of their retirement back in May. He also shared plans for a bit of world travel while him and Marie are still “young, fit, and able”.
Stephen with wife Marie
He announced:
“Following 34 fantastic years at the helm of The Front Page Bar, Marie and I have decided it's time to retire and allow someone else to continue to build upon the excellent, award winning, hospitality venue that we, together with the help of everyone at Team Front Page and all of you our loyal and visiting customers , have helped create over many years.”
A well-respected couple among the community of town centre business owners, they shaped The Front Page itself as a little haven, a community for many in Ballymena where they could enjoy a drink, and meeting friends while enjoying the essential craic, and of course nights of live music, discos and table quizzes.
After 34 years many of those customers have become like a large extended family.
Over the years the bar has had its fair share of famous faces visit to enjoy the Reynolds’ hospitality. Among them was Northern Ireland's own two times World Snooker Champion, the late, great Alex Higgins. Donegal’s own country songbird Daniel O’Donnell also popped in to enjoy a Front Page pint!
Yesterday, Sunday September 1, Stephen confirmed that the sale of the business was progressing and a new chapter was unfolding in the story of The Front Page. Stephen commented:
“A new month, a new Autumn season and the beginning of a brand new chapter on the horizon for Stephen, Marie and everyone at Team Front Page after 34 incredible years.
“It's with mixed emotions that we are pleased to announce that the sale of The Front Page has been ‘agreed in principle’ with a completion date likely to be mid or end of September.
“We're equally excited that our award winning Front Page venue will remain as a pub, with the new proprietors keen to keep everything pretty much the same as before.... the same Front Page name, the same Team Front Page, same door team, same regular music sessions, same DJs and entertainers, same community spirit, etc.
“As someone said, "If it's not broken, then no need to fix it." However, it's certainly NOT "Over and Out" from Stephen and Marie just yet. This is simply an update for all of our lovely customers as we move ever closer to retirement.
“There's a party or two to be organised in the meantime.... so it's business as usual for now.”
In the meantime, Stephen has held true to his word and is throwing out an invitation to anyone who ever was a customer of The Front Page, had a special life connection to the bar or ever worked there to join him and Marie for one ‘Final Fling’!
All are invited to celebrate 34 years of The Front Page and the retirement of Stephen and Marie.
Enjoy your retirement Stephen and Marie!