Paddy O'Shea's Owner on Staying Afloat Amid Covid

The F&B industry has been through hell and hell again since Covid hit in 2020, and while some longstanding places have bit the dust, other places have managed to still hold firm against the storm. One such place is Irish restaurant Paddy O'Shea's, which although managed to survive through this trying time, is still plagued by vague Covid restrictions with no clear end in sight. I spoke with current owner Mathieu Herout to find out more about how Covid has affected Paddy’s and what problems they still face.

In May, when restaurants were put to an abrupt stop because Beijing suddenly announced an in-house dining ban, many business owners were quite frustrated. Even though people could still order waimai, it just didn't provide the same kind of culinary experience or revenue. Uncertainties were growing in the air and the entire F&B industry were struggling with this difficult time.

“I remember during that time I would come to Paddy's every day and work behind closed doors and closed curtains. It was just me and my accountant and I was not able to see any friends or customers at all,” Herout said.

Paddy O'Shea's, being a staple and must-visit spot for many who simply want to have a night of boozy fun, has won many loyal customers over the years. When Beijing finally welcomed in-house dining back in June, Herout and Paddy's customers were relieved and happy to see things beginning to get back to normal.

When Paddy's finally reopened on Jun 6 “It was actually a very, very busy day," Herout says. "There were definitely a lot more people than usual that came out to support us.”

However, just when Herout thought everything would go back to normal due to the city lifting the dining ban, Paddy's was ordered to close once again a mere three days after reopening. “So, one night there was someone who came and told us to close the doors. After a lot of communication back and forth to clarify some doubts, we were finally able to open once again on Jun 20.”

“I think Paddy's is like an adult Disneyland in Beijing,” Herout jokes about the restaurant, which, prior to the pandemic was one of the hottest places for sports fans to hit up in town. During its heyday, regulars frequented the place to watch their favorite teams play during the Football European Championship and World Cup.

“There was outdoor seating and tables everywhere outside, but they are completely gone now due to the pandemic,” Herout said.

Previously, customers were able to stay at Paddy's until the early morning hours, but now Paddy's has to close its doors to the public at 10pm every night. The restaurant also has to deal with a 50 percent capacity limit. Of course, it is not always an easy task to tell customers to leave when they are in the middle of a great night out at Paddy's, but it is not like the venue really has a choice. “We would really love to open a lot later than 10pm but we can't. We're just happy most people are aware of this and understand the difficult situation we are facing.”

Even though business for Paddy's has been a little slower than usual due to limited capacity and restricted hours and this isn't exactly the most profitable season for the restaurant, Herout never once thought about laying off his staff. “Laying off employees will be the last thing I ever consider,” he said. “I can always find other ways to reduce the fixed costs.”

For now, Herout still can't get any information about when Paddy's will be able welcome fan favorites Thursday open mic and Tuesday comedy nights back to the venue. "Paddy's is a regular haunt for Beijing's music aficionados and die-hard comedy fans. Musicians and comedians who previously performed at Paddy's before will come and sit at the lounge idly these days, not knowing when they will ever perform again.”

Amidst these uncertainties, Herout is just grateful that Paddy's is still able to open and he has a message to send to all the fans who love Paddy O'Shea's. “We're still here. We thank everyone for their support. We know there are employees with families who need work and of course, friends who want to be in their favorite venue. We will continue to strive to be everyone's favorite venue and a place in Beijing where people can go to hang out with friends or family.”

Paddy O'Shea's
28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东直门外大街28号

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Images: Dianping, Courtesy of Mathieu Herout