Spirit Bar to Become The Dubliner Pub; Noodle Pop-Up

CAMBRIDGE - The Irish pub Spirit Bar will be transforming into The Dubliner Pub, which, if you couldn't tell, will also be an Irish pub. Boston Restaurant Talk says there will be entirely new decor and a new menu going into effect by March 8. And there will be brunch. [BRT]

BACK BAY - Emboldened by the success of a recent wintry-themed lobby pop-up, the Mandarin Oriental Boston hotel is back at it with a pop-up noodle shop, says the Boston Hospitality & Tourism Blog. The oh-so-tweetably named PHO@MO will serve noodles daily in the Lobby Lounge from 11:30AM to 1:30PM now through March. Mandarin Oriental executive chef Rachel Klein is behind the menu, which includes oxtail and ginger-scallion chicken broths. [BH&TIB]

CENTRAL SQUARE - The imminent return of the nightclub ManRay has a deeper significance than just another opening, says a Globe editorial: "ManRay's revival shows that, even as once-dodgy Central Square keeps moving ever more upscale, it can also remain true to its alternative roots." [BG]
[Photo: Yelp/Arik C.]