Pubs have been important to communities in the UK and Ireland since medieval times, but the Irish bar has a unique set of attributes that gives it a special charm.
Early Irish legal codes of Brehon’s Law required proprietors to offer guests around the clock hospitality, including food and lodgings to weary travellers. This set the precedent for future Irish bars to become a friendly, welcoming place that offers excellent hospitality and entertainment to customers.
This ethos remains a key attribute to any modern Irish bar, and they’re thriving as part of UK hospitality trends. So, why are Irish bars popular today—and what can operators learn from their success?
Why modern consumers love Irish bars
Although pubs of all kinds remain a staple of British culture, Irish bars offer something a little different — something that feels both familiar and special. Several key traits are helping them thrive in the current market.
- Live Music: Listening to musicians immediately uplifts the atmosphere, and when their playing traditional Irish music, this only adds to the authenticity of the experience. Modern consumers, particularly younger generations, have also been driving the rise in experiential leisure in recent years, so it makes sense that they are drawn in to live music in Irish bars.
- Authenticity: There is a difference between an authentic Irish bar and an ‘Irish-themed pub’, and consumers are noticing the difference. Many of today’s successful Irish bars are run by Irish operators who are bringing that genuine culture to the space, adding to its allure.
- Casual Atmosphere: Younger generations prefer relaxed, casual settings over formal cocktail bars and clubs. Part of the authentic Irish bar charm is the laidback setting, a place for the community to come together and socialise without the extravagance of more formal settings.
How to create an authentic Irish pub experience
Creating an authentic Irish bar is in the details, and it’s important to give customers this experience. Some key considerations when developing your Irish bar include:
- Traditional décor: You might see a lot of Irish bars with vintage Guinness posters on the walls, but traditional Irish pub décor is much more than that. Think dark wood features for Irish pub interiors, comfortable seating, and soft lighting. Fireplaces are also desirable features, as well as a snug if your space allows for it. As for artwork on the walls, consider historical photographs of your local area, or something personal to the history of the pub, especially with connections to Irish heritage.
- Guinness: It goes without saying that a traditional Irish pub should serve Guinness, and the recent surge in The Black Stuff’s popularity with younger generations could be considered one of the driving factors in the Irish bar boom. However, do look at other classic Irish stout options for variety and authenticity, such as Murphy’s, Beamish, and O’Hara’s. Remember to use branded glassware for the perfect serve.
- Irish whisky: Additionally, make sure you’ve got a great selection of Irish whiskies behind the bar. Some of Ireland’s most popular brands include Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew, and Slane Irish Whisky for a craft option.
- Entertainment: As mentioned previously, part of the draw to Irish bars is the lively atmosphere and live music. Your pub might not offer live music every night, but it should be part of your weekly schedule. Showing sports like rugby and football is also commonplace in traditional Irish pubs.
- Comfort food: If food is part of your offering, make sure you opt for hearty Irish comfort food. Fish & chips, Irish stew, bangers & mash, colcannon, pies, and full Irish breakfasts are all great cost-effective options to explore.
Examples of Successful Irish Bars in the UK
Mulligan’s – Manchester
Mulligan’s is famed for serving the best pint of Guinness in Manchester, and is the city’s oldest Irish pub. It has been open for 170 years and was originally known as The Waggon & Horses before becoming Mulligan’s in the early 90s. It became a beacon of genuine Irish hospitality, with generations of Irish ex-pats in Manchester making it their local. Since 2013, Irish-born Pádraig Brady took over, introducing live music every night of the week and elevating what was already a hugely popular spot in the city.
Shenanigans – Liverpool
Another favourite is Shenanigans in Liverpool, offering an authentic experience as an Irish-owned venue. It’s famous for its warm welcome with live music from local performers. Additionally, sports are screened regularly and there is a varied food menu that mixes traditional Irish food with classic pub favourites.
Waxy O’Connors – London
Waxy O’Connors is a chain of Irish bars that has been running for 25 years. It has sites in London and Glasgow, with a site operating in Manchester until 2021. It’s London and Glasgow sites feature a tree that has been ‘planted’ in the middle of the venue. The original tree grew and died in Ireland, before being transported to England as a centrepiece for the pub. They offer live music, show sports, and a range of traditional Irish drinks and food.
Are Irish bars viable businesses?
With a rising demand for authentic experiences from modern consumers, traditional Irish bars are ticking a lot of boxes. The combination of entertainment, a relaxed atmosphere, and a genuine friendly welcome are all key factors that are playing into their success.
However, as their popularity does increase, the market becomes more saturated, therefore operators must ensure that their bar offers a genuine experience, reasonable prices, and stands out from competitors to be a viable business. The costs associated with opening an Irish bar can be high, so it’s essential that extensive market research and business planning is carried out.
UK hospitality has faced many challenges over the last decade as consumers have faced a cost-of-living crisis, ultimately forcing them to tighten the purse strings. However, Irish pub culture has thrived, and it’s thanks to the authenticity and spirit of these places that keeps customers coming through the doors.
