NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A new pub-style establishment recently opened in the downtown business district of New Bedford. The Rose Alley Ale House, at 94 Front St., joins the ever growing list of businesses that have expanded or relocated to the area in the past two years.

A group of five owners took on the restoration of the former Cultivator Club, a traditional fisherman's gathering place, and created a pub that offers high-end draft beer, lunch and dinner. They held their grand opening on April 30.

"The partners involved in this project have restored one of our city's historic buildings and have capitalized on the tremendous views it offers of New Bedford's vibrant downtown and working waterfront," said Mayor Scott W. Lang.

"We've found that people are driving 40 minutes to enjoy the pub," said Howie Mallowes, a group spokesman. "With 28 kinds of beer on draft and a menu of specialty food, we have found a destination niche in New Bedford's downtown and waterfront district."

Mallowes is joined by co-owners John Mello, Jay Lanagan, Patrick Long, and Al Peters. "We used sweat equity and our own financing to make the project work," said Mallowes.

Still, a financial gap existed that prohibited the complete success of the restoration project. "The New Bedford Economic Development Council used its lending program which is designed to fill such gaps to ensure investments in New Bedford both preserve our physical structures and build job opportunities," said Matthew A. Morrissey, NBEDC executive director.

May 22, 2009

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