Duffy’s Irish Pub on Broadway Macau’s food street has been gaining loyal customers and rave reviews since its opening. But what is so special about it? What is behind the bright green doors that make Macau locals and curious tourists come back again and again? Here are some cool facts about Duffy’s Irish Pub that will make you want to drop everything and head there for an ice cold pint!
The only authentic Irish pub in Macau
The tradition of Irish pubs goes back to the 10th century. Apart from Ireland, there are around 7000 Irish pubs in the world. What makes the Irish pub such a recognizable brand everywhere in the world?
In Great Britain and Ireland, folks tend to choose a drinking establishment closer to where they live. That’s where folks have their after work pint and a casual chat with neighbors. It often becomes a big part of the community and the neighborhood’s center of attraction. To keep the customers coming, pubs always make sure their staff welcomes everybody like friends, keeping the beer flowing and making their guests feel like home. No fanciness, outrageous prices, and ridiculous trends, just the warm simplicity of a traditional Irish pub. Simple and obvious, these principles actually work magic and become the reason why some pubs have been around for centuries.
Irish pubs abroad are commonly criticized for being not authentic enough but the founders of Duffy’s made sure that there won’t be any such complaints. With all the essential attributes (even an actual bartender from Ireland), Duffy’s Irish Pub has all the potential of becoming a fixture in Macau’s pub scene.
Pub history
Irish pubs normally get their names after the location or owners. Ciaran Carruthers, one of Duffy’s owners, didn’t think twice on the name of the pub. Duffy is the maiden surname of his beloved mother, Ethel Duffy. This touching inspiration can be spotted throughout the numerous black and white photographs hanging on the pub’s wooden walls. There are pictures of their wedding day, with smiling grandpa Barney and Scottish terriers. There is a family picnic, teenage Ethel with her brother, grandma Molly posing near 147 Leighlin Road–the family home of around 50 years. The oldest one is a charming hand tinted photograph of young Barney and Molly Duffy with their kids, dating back to 1929.
By the way, if you take a closer look at the pub’s logo, you would see “Established in 1947” on it. Obviously, this is not when Duffy’s Irish Pub Macau was founded. In fact, this was when Ethel was born. Besides, the slightly embossed 147 numbers in this date pay homage to the old family home.
At Duffy’s, it’s just like going to the home of an old friend, one who shows you their family photo album and shares their family history and intimate family moments. The same friend who greets you warmly and pours you a pint of your favorite beer, right away. Of course you’d keep coming back with such a warm welcome and service–this is what Duffy’s Irish Pub is.
Original Irish design
The interior with all the tiny details was designed and built in Ireland. Look further than your Guinness pint, and you’d notice the classic brewery theme of the pub; the black and white floor tiles, dark wooden walls, and bar counter resembling a barrel. All of that and more was shipped all the way from the Emerald Isle straight to the Broadway Food Street in Macau. There are banners showing the brewing process plastered on the walls, old vintage Guinness bottles supplied by Irish Pub Company, charming photos of old Dublin and more. With such attention to details, it’s easy to forget that you are actually not in Dublin!
One of the gems of Duffy’s is the snug. A snug area serves as a private room and its interior is what has become a historic signature room in an Irish pub. Back in the day, patrons who want a more private drinking session such as policemen, merchants and often ladies, would pay a higher price for drinks in the snug. This is especially during the time where women couldn’t openly claim that they enjoyed having a pint with friends. Fortunately, these times have gone and passed but a lot of these snugs have disappeared. Duffy’s snug is a rare example of Irish traditions and a great space for family celebrations and special occasions.
One of the best whiskey selections in town
Duffy’s has been updating its drinks menu lately. Now, they can proudly claim to have one of the best selections of whiskey in town. With popular brands and lesser known bottles, the pub offers a whiskey for all kinds of tastebuds. The emphasis is definitely set on Irish whiskeys though, so you’ll find the all-time favorites such as Jameson, as well as rarer bottles like The Quiet Man and Pearse. Duffy’s also stores Scotch, Canadian whiskey, and bourbons. Furthermore, their menu features a whole page of single malts. The most mature whiskey in the list is Teeling, a 26 year vintage reserve from Ireland. The gem of the pub’s collection!
Tempting offers
Besides whiskey, Duffy’s Irish Pub has been building up their list of gins, adding some cool bottles like Monkey 47, Tarquin’s and Le Tribute. If a gin and tonic is your regular order, Duffy’s is the place to include on your to-go list. Besides their decent gin selection, they have a weekly offer on Thursdays where guests get 25% on all gin and tonics.
Of course, this is not the only tempting offer that lures customers to the pub. For the fans of renowned Irish stout, Duffy’s has 20% off Guinness every Tuesday of the week. Isn’t that a great reason to start a tradition of an after-work pint with your colleagues?
For the party goers, there is a 25% off shooters promo. If you prefer sipping long drinks rather than shots, you should mark Sunday as “Duffy’s Day” in your calendar. Enjoy a couple of cocktails and you’d get a third one for free. While there, check out the weekend special, Duffy’s al fresco barbecue.
And just like any respectable establishment, Duffy’s has a daily happy hour offer of buy one get one free on some beers, house wines and standard spirits.
Happy hour: 5:00pm–8:00pm
For more information, check their Facebook page or call +853 2884 5212
Duffy’s Irish Pub Broadway Food Street, Avenida Marginal, Flor de Lotus, Broadway Macau, Cotai
