Portadown firm's mini Irish pub, Pub Óg, conceived during COVID-19 lockdown, set to take USA market by storm

Pub Óg is a prefabricated replica of a typical Irish bar and easily fits at least six people plus someone behind the bar. The octagonal wooden structure was ‘born out of frustration at not being allowed to enjoy a pint in any of Ireland’s pubs during lockdown’, says Richard Hill, Business Development Director at The Deluxe Group.

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The Deluxe Group, a global leader in crafting bespoke interiors for the luxury hospitality, theme park and cruise line sectors, has delivered its first Pub Óg to a client in the United States.

Recently Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris visited to The Deluxe Group's Portadown and Antrim facilities where he witnessed the company’s remarkable success and got a first hand look at the immersive Pub Óg.

The inaugural delivery of the miniature Irish pub coincides with The Deluxe Group's opening of a US subsidiary and a $750,000 investment as part of their strategic expansion within the theme park and experience sector, where the group delivers some of the world's most advanced and captivating entertainment and themed attractions. The investment will initially create 24 new jobs in NI and Florida.

Pub Óg aims to represent ‘the pinnacle of authenticity when it comes to Irish pub experiences’ says Deluxe. “Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each Pub Óg recreates the genuine ambience and warmth of a traditional Irish pub, boasting a compact yet inviting design.”

Richard Hill said: “We have created a venue where people can tell their stories and each pub can be personalised. Research has shown the octagon is the perfect shape to encourage conversation.”

Hand-built to order, a central, key feature of each Pub Óg is the bar top, and the ones in current production come from a storm-felled chestnut tree that was planted in the 18th century on an Irish estate.

Chris Heaton-Harris said: “I am always inspired by Northern Irish success stories and I was amazed by The Deluxe Group’s strategic plans, including the launch of the new product Pub Óg. This is an exciting project and a fantastic opportunity for them in a massive market. The leadership at The Deluxe Group have a passion to innovate and create unique experiences for customers and this passion is embedded in their talented team of workers. I am confident that they will continue to excel and maintain the high standards in their work that makes them such an attractive supplier to the global luxury hospitality market.”

Richard Hill added: "The reception from our American clients has been overwhelming for all of our services, reflecting the exceptional quality of our workmanship coming from NI. In response to this enthusiastic demand and to better serve our growing American client base, we have invested in having our team on the ground in Florida. This is a strategic move that will allow us to deliver authentic and immersive interiors and experiences on a global scale.”

The company will showcase a Pub Óg at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) exhibition in Orlando this month where more than 35,000 influential buyers and companies will be represented.

Beyond the Pub Óg venture, The Deluxe Group's Interior division has been making waves within the hospitality world. Its bespoke joinery work has been prominently featured in three of London's most exclusive branded residences: The OWO Residences by Raffles, The Peninsula Residences by the Peninsula Hotels, and Mayfair Park Residences by the Dorchester Collection.