At this year's South Island Field Days, My Little Pub is bringing something unique to the table—a slice of quintessential English pub culture designed to fit right in your backyard.

The idea for the innovative business was born during the COVID-19 lockdown when co-founders Steve Rosling and Gary Altenburg found themselves without their usual pub to visit.

Having spent years designing and fitting out pubs around New Zealand and experiencing many memorable moments enjoying a pint in traditional British pubs whilst in the U.K., the pair saw an opportunity.

Altenburg’s niece Breianna Bennetts loved the idea and joined the business, and My Little Pub was born.

"It just made sense to condense all of our experience down into a Little Pub that someone could have at home," says Bennetts.

The first My Little Pub was T. O'Loughlin's, built in December 2020 as a surprise for Altenburg's father-in-law, Terry O'Loughlin, and designed by Altenburg on a napkin.

"Gary is very much a doer, so without overthinking, he decided just to build one and see what happened."

The first Little Pub, painted in the colours of County Clare, where O'Loughlin's family hails from, was adorned with old family photos.

"Terrys says he is the best son-in-law for doing that."

The pub quickly became a hit, not just with Terry but with everyone who saw it.

"When we unveiled it to Terry, he was absolutely blown away.

"It was, and still is, the talk of the town."

Five years later, My Little Pubs can be seen in backyards as far south as Invercargill and as far north as Waiheke Island.

While the cost of a My Little Pub can range from $120,000 to $250,000 depending on size and customization, the company is introducing a more affordable option.

"It's called the Little Inn, which is due in the next couple of months. It will be around the $80,000 mark, making it a bit more accessible," Bennetts said.

For those who aren't in a position to buy their own My Little Pub, the company also offers a hire service for special events, with a new pub in the pipeline for Christchurch.

"It's bright red, which will be a new and exciting one."

While the business has grown, the ethos behind My Little Pub remains the same: creating a space for people to connect in their own backyard.

"We are trying to bring a sense of what a real pub is to New Zealand, and that fact that it is in your own backyard is even better."

Each My Little Pub is custom-built, reflecting the owners' personal stories.

"Everyone has their own story, that's part of the heritage side of it," Bennetts said.

"Every person has a backstory – they may have lived in the U.K., or some pubs are tributes to a son who passed away or a dedication to their husband.

"We try and weave their stories into the pub."

Although each pub is unique, the bones of it stay the same.

"The proportions of everything we have kind of figured out.

"We build the furniture, and we build the base, and we have a guy in Christchurch who sources all the memorabilia for us."

Sizes of pubs vary, with the biggest being six metres, and because pubs are less than thirty square metres with no services, most do not require a building consent.

"It can change a bit between councils, but generally, they are unconsented."

Stained glass windows are custom-made, and signage is hand-painted.

"We go through with it with the customer, figure out what name they want, what year they want to establish, and what quirks they want written on the windows.

"Then we build a graphics package with our designer and make it all up for them."

The concept of My Little Pub is well suited to rural communities where the nearest hotel can be miles away.

"Little Pubs are a space to bring people together when there aren't places available to do that, and people can do that at home," Bennetts said.

Bennetts said the most satisfaction came from working with people who are hospitable and like to bring people together.

"We have so much fun with our clients; they feel like they become part of our family."

By Claire Inkson