Coleraine's iconic Tommy Thompson's pub celebrates milestone anniversary

One of Coleraine's best-known 'watering holes' celebrates a milestone this summer.

Mary Craig's - known to most as Tommy Thompson's - has been trading under the Thompson's management for 40 years last month. 

There have certainly been plenty of changes during those four decades.

And CQ caught up with proprietor Davy Thompson to reflect on the highs and lows the bar has encountered over the years.

Mary Craigs first began trading way back in 1904.

It first opened under the Thompson name on Monday, July 4, 1983.

Owner Tommy Thompson had previously worked in the construction industry.

He was employed at Monsanto but was quick to see the direction the business was going and bought the pub as a safety net from previous owner Mick Currid.

Situated in Newmarket Street, the family run pub is undoubtedly one of the most popular bars in the area.

Davy runs a great bar and his children also help out when needed - but they have their own careers ahead of them as he points out.

"They help behind the bar yet it seems no time since their Granda used to measure them against the fireplace!" laughs Davy.

For those that remember the original layout, there used to be several small rooms, before renovations were completed to convert it into its current guise.

It has - and still is - used by many groups.

"A lot of football supporters clubs still use us as a base - Tottenham, Man Utd, Man City, Rangers and previously Glentoran, Newcastle and Coleraine," explained the keen Coleraine supporter.

The bar established a golfing society and darts and pool teams have availed of the premises. There is a full size snooker table upstairs.

Back in the day the bar ran trips to Blackpool and held the famous senior citizens Christmas party, where the Ballywillan band played, thanks to the barman then Mark Finlay.

There have also been children's Christmas parties.

The first customer through the doors in 1983 was Johnny Doherty of the Long Commons who lived where Gerard's Barbers is now situated.

The barman was, oddly enough, also called John Doherty, who previously worked in the Bull's Eye.

"I wasn't old enough to drink back then as I was only 17.

"That was long before the days of alcopops were introduced and branded glassware!

"It was plain old pint pots," added Davy.

Thompson's is adorned with plenty of photos and paintings.

There are paintings by local artist Bobby Anderson, The famous Arkle, and great photos of Coleraine FC.

Davy has witnessed a lot of changes and challenges over the years.

"Many's a night there was a good sing song, great stories and plenty of jokes by the local characters.

"That was the norm most weekends before Sky TV took over.

"Newmarket Street would have been bustling but so many pubs in the vicinity have since closed -  Bertie's, Lacy's, Ric's, Bullseye, The Blackthorn and more recently the Market and Forge."

So what has led to the closures in Davy's opinion?

"So many factors..the introduction of Sky TV, the smoking ban, the internet, card payment and less cash dealings.

"The drinking culture and habits have changed," continued Davy.

"The working man who, to me, pubs depend on, has less disposable income, due to a number of reasons - mortgage, mobile phone contracts and the children having the same, televisions, cars, Sky etc.

"In years gone by you would have changed cheques in the pub for the working man, who would have stayed for a pint or two. Now it's paid straight into his bank account."

Times change but memories last and there are plenty of good times that Davy can recall.

"We bought Guide dog Craig through money raised by our customers.

"We've raised money for Kidney Research and countless other charity projects like the Hospice Midnight Walk.

"Customers ran the old Renault 5 mile run for Lerwill House

"Currently we are raising funds for the Community Service.

"We have also had many celebrities in for a drink over the years, such as the late Andy Goram,  LIverpool's Alan Kennedy and actor James Nesbitt.

"Stuart Clanachan' shirt from Coleraine's 2003 final hangs proudly in the pub.

"Oran Kearney also brought the cup in 2018, disturbing my hangover from hell from the previous day!"

40 years on and Davy is hoping to see this family tradition flourish.

"Covid was a hard blow not being able to open.

"But we took advantage and did work to the beer garden which I must admit was a blessing in disguise.

"We were one of the fortunate ones who had an outside area and were able to open before many others.

"Personally, there has been a lot of sacrifices over the years. You do long hours and it's a seven-day week. Ultimately it is rewarding. I've met many great people and unfortunately lost many great people who have become close personal friends over the years."

In these difficult times, Mary Craig's (Thompson's) continues to go from strength to strength.

A friendly, warm welcome awaits, whether you're a regular or first-time visitor.

Here's to the next 40 years!

This article is part of the Our CQ Summer Edition - To read more, click here.