New Regal Beagle to replace Anna Liffey’s in New Haven

The Regal Beagle is expected to open Friday, March 8, in New Haven. The Regal Beagle is expected to open Friday, March 8, in New Haven. Photo: Randall Beach / Hearst Connecticut Media Buy photo Photo: Randall Beach / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close New Regal Beagle to replace Anna Liffey’s in New Haven 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

NEW HAVEN — A year-and-a-half after the popular Irish pub Anna Liffey’s suddenly closed on Whitney Avenue, the Regal Beagle is moving in with the goal of reviving that warm neighborhood feeling.

And it will probably happen just in time for New Haven’s St. Patrick’s Day parade this Sunday.

Michael Longley, who operated the Regal Beagle bar-restaurant at the corner of State and Court streets from May 2014 until about three weeks ago, needed a new site because his lease had not been renewed. He knew the perfect spot.

Longley confirmed the news as he was walking into his new home Tuesday afternoon, while power saws echoed nearby.

When asked the opening date, he said, “We’re hoping for Friday. Worst-case scenario, we open without the food if the kitchen isn’t ready. We really want to be open for the parade.”

Longley noted he needs to work with the city’s Health Department and Fire Department for permits and tests.

He said he will be leasing the property, located on the block between Grove and Audubon streets, rather than buying it. He had to leave his State Street location because housing will be put there.

“It’ll still be the Regal Beagle,” he said. “We’ll call it ‘the new’ Regal Beagle.”

Longley said he will try to maintain the ambiance of Anna Liffey’s and the original Regal Beagle. “We’ll have good food, lots of beer on tap and a good neighborhood feeling. It’ll be a neighborhood sports bar for New Haven.”

“I was born and raised in New Haven,” he added proudly.

Longley will also make his new place a home for soccer fans, as was Anna Liffey’s, which began its run in 1997. “We’re already sponsoring local soccer teams.”

When the Regal Beagle came to State Street, it replaced the Olde School Saloon, which in turn had replaced Roberto’s restaurant.

Longley got started in the bar-restaurant by working at Sonoma, followed by 16 years at the Fireside Bar and Grille in the Annex neighborhood of New Haven. He began as a bartender at Fireside, then helped to manage it.

When Anna Liffey’s shut down in October 2017, owner Patrick Mansfield did not specify why his lease was not renewed. He simply said, “It wasn’t an option anymore.”

randall.beach@hearstmediact.com