New Pub Brings Irish Charm to Downtown London Neighborhood
A new establishment, The Off Licence Pub, has debuted in the Woodfield neighborhood of downtown London, bringing a taste of Irish charm to the area. The pub is co-owned by Michael Holden and his sister Kiera, who also own the nearby Bag Lady restaurant. They acquired the pub’s location from Jane Beattie, who established The Bag Lady in 2009.
The Vision Behind The Off Licence Pub
Michael Holden expressed his desire to create a space that captures the essence of an Irish pub. His experience growing up in a family with roots in Belfast has inspired this venture. The decor features items sourced from Ireland, enhancing its authenticity. The pub plays traditional Irish folk music and streams soccer matches, aiming to recreate the cozy atmosphere of a local Irish watering hole.
Transforming the Space
The pub occupies a single room behind The Bag Lady and can be accessed through the restaurant’s entrance. Initially, there was a plan to convert the entire building into a pub, but the popularity of The Bag Lady made them rethink this idea. The transformation of the space involved clearing out old storage items, and after four weeks of renovation, the pub was ready to welcome guests.
- Renovation Timeline: 4 weeks
- Initial Soft Opening: Held around the holidays
- Public Announcement: Took place on a Thursday, leading to a packed opening night
Community Reception and Future Plans
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. On the opening night, patrons primarily consisted of local residents. Devon and Bre Cornelius noted the importance of having a late-night pub option nearby. The pub’s popularity is evident, with its Instagram following steadily increasing after the soft launch.
Future Developments
Holden has ambitious plans for The Off Licence Pub. He envisions enhancing accessibility by adding a walkway from Maitland Street and opening an outdoor patio for summer. Currently, the pub serves Irish grilled cheese sandwiches, known as “toasties,” with plans to expand the menu over time.
The public’s desire for a neighborhood pub is clear. Five kegs of Guinness were consumed soon after the soft opening, indicating a promising start. “A pub is a happy place,” Holden remarked, reflecting on the community’s joyous response to the new establishment.
