Owners of The Algiers Mark Five Years with a Stormy Cocktail
- West Cork pub launches anniversary cocktail and a retro menu to celebrate its milestone year -
The Algiers, a food, wine, and cocktail destination in Baltimore, West Cork, is celebrating five years under the ownership of Bill and Ann Hillyard with a special anniversary cocktail and a retro menu on Thursday, 13th of February that pays tribute to the pub’s rich history.
To mark the occasion, co-owner and mixologist Bill Hillyard has crafted A Stormy Five Years cocktail, a bold take on the classic Dark & Stormy. The cocktail blends Blacks of Kinsale Golden Irish Rum, Murphy’s Irish Stout, and toasted Kombu and Dillisk syrup (foraged locally), topped with Poachers Ginger Beer, and a drop of cassis. The result is a rich, complex drink with a hint of bitterness and a deep umami finish, made with Irish ingredients.
“The past five years have been a real adventure—navigating lockdowns, renovating, and finding our place in this incredible community,” said Bill Hillyard, co-owner of The Algiers. “Through it all, our neighbours, customers, local producers, and fellow businesses have been a huge source of support and inspiration. We’re thrilled to raise a glass with them and celebrate what’s to come.”
The celebrations kick off on Thursday with a special one-day-only anniversary menu that pays tribute to the original Algiers menu from previous owner Kieron Walsh. Guests can enjoy nostalgic favourites such as Kieron’s much-loved Whopping Steak Burger, Curry, and Fish and Chips.
Throughout 2025, The Algiers will host a series of special upcoming events, including:
Thursday Nights at The Algiers – Featuring signature dishes by co-owner and Ballymaloe-trained chef, Ann Hillyard every Thursday.
St. Patrick’s Weekend Reopening – After a brief seasonal closure (20th Feb – 12th March), The Algiers will return on Thursday, the 13th of March with its famous house-cured, American-style Corned Beef and Cabbage dish—a tribute to the Irish-American culinary tradition. Unlike traditional Irish spiced beef, this dish tells the story of Irish immigrants in America, who embraced brisket as a more accessible alternative to bacon.
Disco on the Water with Cape Clear Ferries – Set sail for a night of music, drinks, and dancing. In collaboration with Cape Clear Ferries, The Algiers presents a floating disco through Carbery’s 100 isles. Departing from Baltimore on Saturday, 19th April, Saturday 3rd May, and Friday 30th May at 7 pm, this two-hour party cruise will feature disco tunes, stunning coastal views, and a fully stocked onboard bar. After returning to shore, the party continues at The Algiers into the early hours. To book, visit capeclearferries.com
Whether you are a long-time guest or a first-time visitor, come raise a glass to five years of great food, drink, and community spirit at The Algiers.
For more information about The Algiers, please visit www.thealgiersinn.ie
Follow The Algiers on social media via Instagram: @thealgiersbaltimore and Facebook: The Algiers Inn
About The Algiers:
The Algiers is an iconic West Cork gastro pub, blending its rich history with innovative food and drink. Known for its craft cocktails—the only pub in West Cork to offer them—The Algiers serves a wholesome, globally inspired menu, featuring fresh West Cork produce with influences from Mexico, California, and Asia. House favourites include Tacos, Chicken Taquitos, and signature craft cocktails.
In 2019, husband and wife Bill and Ann Hillyard, originally from California, moved to Baltimore, West Cork, after purchasing The Algiers. They officially opened its doors in February 2020—just weeks before Ireland’s first lockdown. Despite the challenges of the past five years, they lovingly transformed the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere inspired by North Africa. With rich textures, ambient lighting, and subtle nods to Baltimore’s pirate past, The Algiers has become a go-to destination for food, craft cocktails, and warm hospitality.
Ann Hillyard trained at the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, known for its emphasis on farm-to-table cooking and Irish culinary heritage. She combines classic techniques with international flavours, using the finest West Cork produce, including fresh seafood from Baltimore’s waters, local meats from artisan butchers, farmhouse cheeses, and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby growers. Her dishes reflect a deep appreciation for local ingredients, elevated by her Californian and international influences.
Bill Hillyard is a seasoned mixologist with a passion for craft cocktails and premium Irish ingredients. His experience in fine wine, spirits, and cocktail innovation has made The Algiers a standout in West Cork’s pub scene, as the only establishment in the area offering expertly crafted cocktails.
Opening Hours:
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 3 pm to 11:30 pm
Friday and Saturdays: 3 pm to 12:30 am
Sundays: 10 am to 3:00 pm
Getting there: A new TFI Local Link bus service between Baltimore and Castletownshend/Union Hall operates eight return services, daily from Monday to Saturday, with seven services operating on Sunday.
A Stormy Five Years cocktail, a bold take on the classic Dark & Stormy. The cocktail blends Blacks of Kinsale Golden Irish Rum, Murphy’s Irish Stout, and toasted Kombu and Dillisk syrup (foraged locally), topped with Poachers Ginger Beer, and a drop of cassis. The result is a rich, complex drink with a hint of bitterness and a deep umami finish, made with Irish ingredients.
Bill and Ann Hillyard, owners of The Algiers, Baltimore, West
