International Bar is set to reopen for business

Peter, who scooped £10m in the National Lottery in 1996, is a registered director with John Donnelly of D&L Enterprises (NI) which has taken over the licence.

The International had been closed for over a year and new owners took over the lease just weeks ago.

D&L Enterprises, with an address at the Twin Spires Complex in Belfast, applied for the transfer of the license from former owner Timmy Hughes.

When the Mail contacted the International this week, we were told the Bar was due to open on Friday but this has been postponed and it is hoped that the bar will open next Friday November 9. However, he was clear that this has yet to be confirmed.

A Facebook page set up for the International Bar states that Marty Fay is to be the opening night act though no dates are mentioned.

They are offering Christmas parties, birthday parties, hen and stag nights, Christenings and the services of a party planner.

Guests can also reserve booths at the venue.

According to the page, painters have been brought in and the bar is being renovated.

The International has a number of appartments, both one and two bedrooms above the bar which are also available for rent.

They are also advertising office space for rent.

Lottery millionaire Peter Lavery announced plans to turn part of the former Crumlin Road Prison in north Belfast into a distillery last May.

The £5m investment will see the A wing of the listed building turned into a boutique distillery that will use his existing brands of whiskey.

There will also be a visitors’ centre, tasting room, bar, restaurant and shop. It is claimed the project could create 60 jobs.