UK retailers in bid duel

Two UK fashion retail owners are bidding for the lease on the premises formerly occupied by Keating's Pub on Mary Street, Dublin, the owner of the property said yesterday.

Mr John Keating, who has moved his pub premises 200 yards to Upper Abbey Street, said there was a lease price of £275,000 per annum on the three-storey premises which is spread over three floors. "I expect to finalise the deal in the next couple of weeks," he said.