My Little Pub - Happy Hour

Jul 31, 2025

Sitting in a My Little Pub with friends enjoying a tipple is as close to the experience of visiting a traditional British Isles watering hole as you’re likely to get – just on a smaller backyard-friendly scale. And they’re handcrafted right here in New Zealand.

There really is nothing like a My Little Pub. The attention to detail – from the traditional wood joinery to the bespoke stained-glass windows, the thought that goes into upholstery, period-correct signage, and even curating the personalised, themed contents – is next level impressive.

Co-founder Gary Altenburg says there is nothing else like the concept on the market, and the number of clients joining the ‘Little Pub Club’ is growing.

“We certainly don’t set out to just build boxes. Our team of 38 represents best-in-class technical experience. We have award-winning apprentices and craftspeople who, like me, are fascinated with small spaces. But there’s much more to the journey than the build itself,” he says.

“There’s always an emotional connection to each My Little Pub we complete. We get to know the clients very well during the planning phase and learn about their history, what they want to replicate with their Pub, who they wish to honour.”

O’Loughlin’s was the first Pub Gary built in December 2020. Named after Gary’s father-in-law TerryO’Loughlin (who was treated to a surprise when the Pub was unveiled with his name over the door), the team painted it in the colours of the O’Loughlin home country and adorned it with historic family photos.

Word-of-mouth – lubricated by many enjoyable beers at the bar – soon saw the duo’s miniature marvel on wish lists beyond their native Christchurch. Today, there are My Little Pubs all over the country. And you can be sure that no two are the same.

“For clients it’s less about having a pub – it’s a reward. It’s about living a good life and bringing people together to share the experience,” Gary continues.

“It’s about having conversations, catching up with friends, letting younger generations put down the smartphone and learn about their family histories, or just what’s been happening that week. It’s like a step back in time really – the exact opposite of how pubs are often seen in society today.

“It’s a privilege to go on our customers’ journey to owning their own private Little Pub with them. We’re a family run business, creating amazing personal experiences for other families and their friends. Every time we hand over the front door key to our latest build, it’s a genuinely rewarding experience. And it’s satisfying to know the Little Pub will be enjoyed by many people for many years to come.”

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Visit www.mylittlepub.co.nz to see some of the My Little Pub team’s incredible projects.