Molainín Distilling is preparing to open at 8556 Greenwood Ave. N. in Seattle, according to a recent Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board license application. The Greenwood concept is expected to debut during the first weekend of August.
Founder Bryan Benson told What Now Seattle that Molainín is designed as both a working distillery and a neighborhood pub, where guests can enjoy house-made spirits in cocktails, order food, and purchase bottles to take home.
“By having both a distilling permit and a restaurant permit, we can do something a little different than the typical tasting room,” Benson said. “If you have a Manhattan or a Negroni or an Old Fashioned and you like the spirits that went into your cocktail, you can hang around with friends, have a few bites, and then take a bottle home.”
The concept takes its name from the Irish word Molainín, meaning “little hill,” a reference both to Greenwood and Benson’s family roots in County Clare, Ireland. He said the goal is to create a comfortable neighborhood destination inspired by traditional English and Irish pubs.
“We’re really going for something that’s super cozy and feels like you’re walking into a pub in England or Ireland,” Benson said.
The menu will feature classic pub fare, including steak and ale pies, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, roast potatoes, baked goods, desserts, and small plates designed to pair with the distillery’s spirits, cocktails, and local beer. Benson also envisions Molainín as a place for an after-dinner dessert and spirits as much as a casual neighborhood pint.
A Greenwood resident for more than 12 years, Benson said opening in the neighborhood was a natural decision.
“I think what I can offer is something that’s complementary to the total experience here. I want it to be another destination for the neighbors,” he said.
The space’s design is also deeply personal. Benson credited his partner, Emily Bacon, founder of Arven House Design, with shaping the space through carefully selected furnishings, lighting, colors, and materials sourced in part from England and Ireland.
“This wouldn’t have happened without Arven House. I’m really excited for both of us to bring this concept to life and show it off to the neighborhood.”
As the project moves toward opening, neighbors can follow Molainín Distilling on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes progress, and opening announcements.
