Waterfront night life venues are set to open

(File photo: Essdras Suarez/Globe staff)

Some urban types believe that saloons are essential to a neighborhood's cultural ecosystem, and if that's the case, there is good news for the South Boston Waterfront.

The Briar Group, a Boston company that operates Irish bars and "contemporary lounges" known for "eclectic dining and night life," said that its City Bar and M.J. O'Connor's brands will open mid-month in the new retail corner of the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel along Summer Street.

(The photo above was taken at the City Bar's Back Bay location. It features Gwen Butler, who made a list of the most stylish people in Boston that the Globe compiled a few years ago. The photo to the left was provided by the Briar Group's publicist. It shows David Connor (left), general manager of the Westin Boston Waterfront hotel, standing next to Austin O'Connor (right), chief executive of the Briar Group. The two are standing in front of the new M.J. O'Connor's at 425 Summer St.)

“The City Bar on the Waterfront design was conceived as a classic, turn of the century bar modernized with dramatic lighting and materials,” Bill Whitlock, president of Whitlock Architects, said in a statement included with the Briar Group's press release. “Color enhanced lighting shifts hues slowly through the bar, bringing a romantic vibe to the waterfront.”

The press release also included a statement from Bar None Interior Design president Anne Browne, who helped design the new M.J. O'Connor's on the Waterfront.

“As with M.J. O’Connor’s Park Square location, the design of the waterfront restaurant will incorporate the traditional Irish pub look and feel, while blending a sleeker more modern look to complement Westin Boston Waterfront’s design elements,” Browne said in her statement. “We’ve added lighter finishes and drapes to this location, which allows the natural light to wash over the restaurant.”
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)