If you’ve been following My Little Pub since the beginning, you’ll know the journey the original T. O’Loughlin’s has been on. After all, T. O’Loughlin’s Little Irish Pub was also the very first My Little Pub, created back in 2020 when founder Gary Altenburg brought a great Kiwi attitude to an idea scribbled on the back of a fag packet—and brought it to life.
The original T. O’Loughlin’s was a heartfelt nod to Gary’s father-in-law, Terry O’Loughlin, who hails from Ireland and certainly knows how to enjoy a Guinness or two. That first Little Pub wore a brilliant blue, inspired by County Clare, and quickly became the poster child for My Little Pub.
Five years on - and with a changing of the guard of the original T. O’Loughlin’s to Whelan’s - it was time for a new and improved pin-up pub.
Like all good things that ripen with time, the lessons learned over the past four years led to the creation of this new beauty. We were excited to be even bolder than before and find ways to push the boundaries of what a Little Pub can be.
Starting with the size—this new Little Pub has grown ever so slightly, from our standard 4.2m to a generous 4.8m. Still very much a Little Pub (don’t worry), but the extra space allowed us to stretch the bar, making room for a kegerator unit—because who doesn’t love a crisp, cold beer on tap?
Further upgrades behind the bar include a third tier of back bar shelving for an expanded bottle and glassware display, a dedicated Whiskey Cabinet, and a very handy lift-up window with a fold-out leaner.
Now, moving down to the seating end of the Little Pub—there’s plenty to marvel at.
We begin with the newest star of the show: a luxurious, deep-button leather corner seat and—wait for it—a pull-out bed.
At My Little Pub, we take your ideas and suggestions seriously. So when more than a few of you joked about wanting to sleep inside your pub... we didn’t laugh it off—we built it in. Now there’s yet another level of comfort (and another excuse to stay just a little bit longer).
Two more brilliant additions at this end:
- A striking stained-glass window, proudly featuring Ireland’s national symbol—the harp.
- And something we suspect a few of you may be all too familiar with… a confessional.
We’ve had an absolute blast creating all the new features inside—but rest assured, we haven’t forgotten to weave in a little nostalgia for the pub’s proud namesake.
O’Loughlin family photos adorn the walls, alongside a photo of the O’Loughlin Castle in Ireland. The family coat of arms hangs proudly outside, and of course—many old family stories are shared and remembered within these walls.
We truly hope that Terry O’Loughlin enjoys this new Little Pub just as much as he did the first.
Sláinte, Terry.
