Your new normal local: Ricoh Pandemic Pivot

Sitting on a bar stool surrounded by beautiful oak paneling, stained glass windows and traditional liquor advertising, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a well-established pub in Ireland. T.Oloughlin’s however is in a suburban street in Ōtautahi Christchurch – sitting in front of a swimming pool in a leafy backyard.

Measuring 4.2 by 2.8m this is a bespoke “Paddy’s Bar” designed and built by My Little Pub Company, the brainchild of local commercial designer Steve Rosling.

My Little Pub was born out of a request from a mate during the Covid-19 lockdown.

It’s no surprise he asked Steve, who as founder of Element 17 has designed a number of iconic spaces, including Lumière Cinemas, Queenstown’s Pub on Wharf, Ferg’s Bar, and dozens of hospitality venues nationally over the years.

Gazing around the small but perfectly formed pub, no detail has been missed, right down to the black and white family photos of great grandparents, and carefully curated Irish memorabilia.

“You know you’re in a great Irish pub when it feels like you’ve popped into someone’s living room to share a pint,” says Steve.

“It’s a genuine intimate pub experience. Before you know it, you’re sharing pints or a whiskey and some quality craic. It’s not just about the beer, it’s about recreating the environment and culture of the pub and the sanctuary it provides.”

My Little Pub is not just little Irish pubs – there’s also The Pom which brings the best of British to your place, The Local which is quintessentially Kiwi, or let your imagination run riot with Flash Harry.

With the uncertainty of Covid-19 still hovering over the country, a pint-sized pub in your own backyard could be just the answer to a great night out (but in). Check it out at mylittlepub.co.nz.