Head to Paddy’s to Celebrate Their 16th Anniversary Tomorrow (Dec 8)

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Dec 7, 2023 5:30 pm | Add a comment | 232 reads

Sixteen years in Beijing is no mean feat, especially given the turmoil facing the food and beverage industry over the past few years. That’s why it’s great to see that Paddy O’Shea’s will be celebrating their 16th anniversary tomorrow (Dec 8)!

Paddy's is a staple of the expat community and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t been there at least once. Supporting a thriving community made up of sport teams, comedians, musicians and more, it's a place that I, as a Brit, also have a particular soft spot for because in my opinion it's the closest thing you can find to a pub in Beijing. Plus, they also do a pretty banging fish and chips.

Last year we talked to owner Mathieu Herout on some of the struggles Paddy’s had faced under the constantly changing Covid restrictions and we are now delighted to talk to him again under much happier circumstances!

How does it feel to be celebrating the 16th anniversary?
I feel very grateful to our customers, our clubs, our suppliers, our partners and, above all, our employees for carrying the pub to where it is now. From a personal point of view, I am glad to be able to look forward to many more anniversaries with an intact enthusiasm for the place.

Looking back, what have been some of your favorite or most memorable moments?
I have been in Beijing only since 2010 and was a pub patron before getting the opportunity to take Paddy’s over. I cannot talk directly about the 2008 Olympics, which was an epic time for the pub, as I was not “Beijing born.”

It’s difficult to pick out particular events but I would mention, in no particular order, the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final, all the Saint Patrick’s Days, the first Beijing Celtic Cup Final victory, the Australian Bushfire support party and the opening of the extended Paddy’s.

I have been enjoying my time as a customer and then owner on a day to day basis; that is still the best way to appreciate the place and encompass its soul. I know the majority of people feel the same and would not trade Katherine’s smile for an exciting one-time event!

What do you have planned for the anniversary?
Nothing very particular. We’ll have some music first with two very good friends of Paddy’s, followed by Vincent von Rock, also a very good friend, mixing for us. It will change from my Spotify playlists… We’ll have a birthday cake, of course, bubbles, but most of all: We’ll have all Paddy’s aficionados together for one night. Paddy’s has very different audience depending on the day of the week (Beerpong, Comedy, Quiz, Music…). Such an event helps bring everybody together.

Can we have any hints about the special guest?
Hmmm, they are two wonderful people who always leave everyone to go home with a smile.

Will there be any special food or drink deals on?
Believe it or not, it’s 100 days before Saint Patrick’s Day. So, it means two things: Spring is around the corner, and there will be deals on Irish drinks!

Do you have any exciting plans for Paddy’s for next year?
Sorry to disappoint you but I prefer to keep things as a surprise. One thing is sure: I want to keep on making Paddy’s an even more homey place, making it even more comfortable and welcoming. Of course, we’ll have the Euro 2024 in Germany and the Olympics too and this is exciting!