Paddy McSwiggins is getting an extreme makeover!
The local pub has been in the community for over 20 years, serving up the best wings, icy cold pints and offering a place for live music and dancing.
The last three years it’s been closed due to insurance complications after the wildfire and most locals that drive by the Thickwood establishment pass it with fond memories.
Billy Martin, owner of Sweet Meats Sandwich Bar, played a huge roll in the extreme home makeover for the Morgan family and now he wants to get the local restaurant back up and running.
He told MyMcMurray that Gareth Norris, owner of Paddy’s helped him start his own local restaurant and now he wants to give back.
Over 15 local businesses and companies have already agreed to help with the project.
Norris said it still hasn’t sunk in.
“I’m trying to comprehend all this. These guys have no reason to help me in any way shape or form, they don’t owe me anything, they are just doing it out of the kindness of their hearts, which is what McMurray is, this is the side that people don’t see,” said Norris.
Martin told McMurray why Paddy’s is so special.
“It’s a landmark, it’s more than just a pub, it’s like a symbol of the Fort Mac recovery,” said Martin. “This place needs to be open, it’s a staple of the town.”
When he collected the building permit from the city, Norris admitted to MyMcMurray he got a little “emotional” holding it in his hands. Needless to say, it wasn’t long before construction at Paddy’s got underway.
Those familiar to the pub will feel at home again with a similar layout. The bar is still going to be the hub of the pub with a bigger stage off to the right framed by two raised VIP seating areas.
“We’re calling it Irish modern, so it’ll be the old Paddy’s with a new twist,” said Norris, “a little newer decor, little more modern looking, little more upscale – if there is such a thing in a pub – somewhere you can come and sit and have a nice meal, and a pint, a whiskey and not feel like you have to go home.”
They are aiming to be open in time for St. Patrick’s Day, on March 17, 2019.
