The Wright Group has received approval to convert the former Rustic Stone restaurant in Dublin, previously owned by chef Dylan McGrath, into a gastropub. The planning permission was granted to Mink Fusion Ltd, a subsidiary of the Wright Group, following the closure of Rustic Stone last year.

On August 15th, Dylan McGrath decided to shut down both Rustic Stone and Brasserie Sixty Six, located on South Great Georges Street, citing sustainability concerns. Plans for the transformation were submitted by Mink Fusion Ltd in February, with the council requesting conservation proposals due to the property's historical significance dating back to 1881.

Anthony Brabazon of ABA Architects, representing Mink Fusion, emphasized the financial challenges of a full restoration but assured that no original features would be removed. The council's conservation division approved the project on the condition that a conservation expert oversees the works to protect the historic fabric.

A planning report highlighted that a gastropub would be a more sustainable business model compared to the previous restaurant, aligning with current market conditions. The Wright Group, under the leadership of CEO Michael JF Wright, reported a significant increase in pretax profits and revenues, reflecting a successful business expansion with over 24 establishments and 700 employees.