When it comes to pub culture, England and Ireland take centre stage. However, Kiwis are no strangers to the sentiment of a pint after work alongside great company.
Despite New Zealand’s growing pub scene, there’s an unmistakable sense that something is missing—a certain charm that only a centuries-old British or Irish pub can provide. Think handcrafted wooden furniture polished by time, walls adorned with vintage photos and quirky relics and those cosy snugs that seem purpose-built for long conversations. It’s the kind of atmosphere that whispers stories of history and tradition with every pint poured.
Founder Gary Altenburg is a true fan of the sentiment of an authentic pub. After fitting out pubs across New Zealand for years, he decided to tackle this lack of authenticity head-on—ArchiPro had the opportunity to speak with the Director and Gary’s niece, Breiana Benetts, on the evolution of the business and how the COVID lockdown served as the catalyst for creating My Little Pub.
“The first plans were drawn up on the back of a serviette!” says Breiana. My Little Pub’s humble beginnings are reflected through their beautiful and wholesome designs - the perfect love letter to the history of British and Irish pubs. “After that, the decision was made to "give it a go" and build the first one. That became "T. O'Loughlins" Little Irish Pub, the iconic, original pub built in honour of Director and Gary's Wife, Charlotte's Irish father, Terry O'Loughlin.”
Read the rest of our interview below.
“The blue on the exterior came from the colour of County Clare, where Terry's family descended from, and inside, the walls are filled with historic black and white family photos from generations before.”
The story of T. O’Loughlin’s is heartwarming. How do personal stories and family histories shape the designs of your pubs?
The most special thing about every Little Pub created is the personal stories woven into each one. Everyone comes to us with their reasons for wanting a Little Pub - most often, the theme around those reasons is that life is too short. Many of the pubs have been created in memory of a passed family member: a dad, a son, a friend, so they become a place for family and friends to come together and remember those people. They might put their name above the door like in "Thomas Meeke" or "Tom's" or "Timsie Tavern" pubs, or they might replicate a place where they shared memories together like in "The Eagle, Al's House". Then, of course, on the inside are their photos and unique trinkets on display - a place where they can be looked upon and the stories shared over a couple of drinks.
Other times, pubs come to life purely because "life is too short." Some clients enjoy their early retirement, some choose to get a pub over a home renovation, and some expats want to bring their old way of life here to New Zealand. Whatever reason the client might have for wanting a Little Pub, we make sure to integrate that and create a Little Pub that is unique to them and that they will enjoy for many years to come.
What do you often hear from customers when they see or use their own Little Pub for the first time?
Every single time we deliver a new Little Pub, we get to watch them see the pub come around the corner for the first time, and their eyes light up - but then, what's even better is watching them step inside for the first time. Every single customer is blown away, not only because it's more impressive than what they expected but also because it holds so much meaning - they are taken back to nostalgic memories, they spot their memorable photos on the wall and treasured memorabilia on display, they take a moment to remember their loved ones and ancestors the pub may have been dedicated to. Most often, you see them stand inside in awe, speechless, as they take a minute to soak it all in; it can get quite emotional! After that point, we get to hear the fun stories of the nights that come after that - how they invite their friends around for a drink who are all amazed, how much time they've spent inside, and the laughs, stories and time being shared.
When customers see their Little Pub for the first time and step inside, it's really an experience and a feeling you don't understand until you've got to stand inside and enjoy one for yourself. Then, they get to pass on and share that feeling with their friends and family when they bring people around.
I would say "blown away" is the most common phrase we hear.
With MWF Manufacturing involved, what are the key elements or techniques make these pubs stand out in quality and craftsmanship?
Quality is incredibly important to us - with quality, you retain that authentic pub atmosphere. We make sure to use high-quality materials in the joinery, including American White Oak, Ash & Cedar. All the joinery is bespoke, made and installed in the Little Pubs factory in Christchurch. It's all about attention to detail, and because of that, the Little Pubs have won two Master Joiner awards: a national award this year for "best speciality bar counter or fitment" and, previously, the Canterbury Supreme award.
Each Little Pub also comes with a custom signage and branding package, solid brass hardware, timber-framed windows and doors, cast iron table bases and an option of custom-made stained-glass windows. The finishing touches are added with our team who source and supply the traditional memorabilia that really brings it all together.
How has the concept of My Little Pub evolved since its first build in 2020, and what’s been the biggest lesson learned?
With every new Little Pub, tweaks and learnings from previous pubs are carried over. What's even more impressive is that often, the client adds a touch of their own, which is then carried over to future pubs, so each Little Pub just gets better and better. The goal of putting as many Little Pubs in people's backyards remains the same, but what those pubs look like just gets better and better.
The biggest lesson is always to listen. Gather feedback from those clients who are using their pubs every day and then find ways to implement their ideas.
Bring the charm and warmth of a traditional pub into your own backyard with My Little Pub, where every detail is crafted with love and authenticity.
