A NEW custom-built prefabricated Irish pub has been launched into the US leisure market by Portadown-based themed-interiors specialist the Deluxe Group.
Delivery of the first immersive Pub Óg delivery coincides with the launch of its new Orlando base and marks a $750,000 investment by Deluxe, a global leader in crafting bespoke interiors for the luxury hospitality, theme park and cruise line sectors.
Pub Óg, the first-of-its-kind concept conceived by the Deluxe Group, aims to represent the pinnacle of authenticity when it comes to Irish pub experiences.
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.
An octagonal wooden structure, Pub Óg 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.
“You can easily fit six people plus someone behind the bar. 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 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.
Delivery of the first pub follows Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris’ recent visit to Deluxe's Portadown and Antrim facilities, where he witnessed the company’s remarkable success and got a first hand look at the immersive Pub Óg.
It also coincides with Deluxe Group's opening of a US subsidiary and a $750,000 investment as part of a 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 addition jobs both in Northern Ireland and in Florida.
Richard Hill added,: "The reception from our US clients has been overwhelming for all of our services, reflecting the exceptional quality of our workmanship coming from Northern Ireland. 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 in November, where more than 35,000 influential buyers and companies will be represented.
Beyond the Pub Óg venture, Deluxe Group's interior division has been making waves in the hospitality world, where 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.
