It is the Enniskillen pub that has quite literally been at the heart of the town for over 150-years.

The story of Pat’s Bar is almost as old as Enniskillen itself. Operating as the public house since 1860, many an age-old reveller would have visited the tavern, that is now Pat’s, for a tipple or two.

Back then it would have been a simplistic affair, with ales and stouts on offer and perhaps an area outside to yoke a donkey.

But as with any business, the years have brought progress, and those venturing through the town in the modern day are met with one of the foremost hospitality businesses in Enniskillen.  Inside, nods to the past are evident everywhere; but revellers needn’t think it is a pub with an outdated outlook.

Quite the contrary, in fact, as Michael Cadden and manager, Kerri McCanny, work tirelessly to promote a venue that respects the old days while also looking firmly to the future.

Now part of the Cadden Group, the last 10 years Pat’s Bar at Townhall Street has seen continual improvements and enhancements, which nowadays boasts a first-class traditional pub alongside Enniskillen’s biggest nightclub, ‘The Office’.

Ms. McCanny spoke with pride on the growth and development of the popular town centre venue  “Pat’s is long established, and that is certainly a strength for us,” she said. “It was established as a public house since approximately 1860, and gets its name from Pat Blake, who is still a customer.

“The Caddens took over in September 2014, and I was part-time here at that stage. I am proud to be the last remaining member of staff from that time.”

Those who venture into Pat’s will have much to enjoy. A warm welcome is served up on arrival, and often followed by a perfectly pulled pint (or two), some great grub, and a side order of laughter and craic.

Much has changed since the 1860s, but the ethos of a place to relax and socialise has been diligently preserved.

“Pats is such a big building  which allows us to cater for many different demographics,” Ms. McCanny continued. “We are mainly food during the day including breakfast in Bridies and great pub food and we are a traditional pub in the evenings.

“The yard is a fun and vibrant indoor/outdoor space at the weekends and we have upstairs, which is the biggest night club in Enniskillen, on a Saturday night!”

Naturally, such a breadth of offerings requires a team of staff to match.

“The number of staff varies massively during the year,” Ms. McCanny explained. “When we are firing on all cylinders we have up to 50 staff, that’s door staff, cleaners, kitchen staff, bar staff and floor staff.

“I get the greatest satisfaction though from bringing new staff on board and watching them develop both personally and in work.”

As with any pub, the day-to-day running of Pat’s Bar is far from dull.

“It is the most fun, tiring, rewarding, fast-paced, stressful and enjoyable job imaginable,” Ms. McCanny said. “While I know there are many contradictions in that, we all can experience all of the above in one day never mind across a week!

“Much of the enjoyment, and conversely, the stress comes from customers and how they interact with us as staff. We are always doing our best, some people recognise that, and others don’t.”

For Ms. McCanny, the often-hectic nature of her trade is a small price to pay for scores of satisfied customers, with repeat custom making up a significant chunk of trade.  “The joy I still get from customers enjoying their experience. This is what keeps me going, even in the middle of the craziness we get in the industry at times!

“I have hospitality in my blood, my granny ran the Celtic hotel on Belmore street, most of my life. I grew up in this environment and it’s what I know.”

Ms. McCanny added that it is important to keep sight of challenges within the industry, which has experienced much volatility since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Rising costs for both us and customers at home are causing a tough situation,” she said. “All of our input costs are up to 40 per cent higher than pre-Covid, and we cannot ask our customers to pay 40 per cent more.

“The pressure on our margins is at the highest I have ever experienced in my time. On top of that, we have the incoming rates increases and one of the highest hospitality VAT in Europe.”

However, amid rising costs, Ms. McCanny is optimistic about the future. She feels there will always be a need for warm and inviting local pubs for people to make memories in, and the legions of loyal customers agree!

As such, the team at Pat’s are busy planning for the future. At present, the scaffolding is up and the roof is being replaced, while plans for other elements of the bar are also being looked at.

“There is plenty in the pipeline,” she said. “While I don’t have any concrete dates, after we replace the roof, the yard inside and out is our next project.

“We always have a 2/3 year rolling plan of work we would like to do.”

Undoubtedly, Pat’s Bar has been a huge part of life for many over the years. From it’s people to the public, it has been a hub of activity for decades. If the walls could speak, they would tell tales of many a good night, friendship and fun times.  Ms. McCanny said she is proud to have been involved in what is, by now, regarded by many as a local institution.  “Being involved in the evolution of the business over the last 10 years is my proudest achievement here,” she said. “I have been involved in every change over that time and know every inch of the building.

“It is a fantastic, historical pub that holds a special place in the hearts and minds of our community.”