The original Irish Bar & Restaurant in Shanghai – founded in 1996
October 5th, 2012
O’Malley’s has enjoyed an enduring popularity among both expat residents and visitors to Shanghai since its opening more than 15 years ago. Originally conceived as an authentic reproduction of an Irish Pub, a recent major refurbishment in 2010 has added a more contemporary style to the outdoor terraces and main bar room at the back, whilst retaining essentially unchanged, the original Irish character of the inner rooms and bars. The concept of a cheerful and relaxed environment, offering good honest pub “comfort food”, with copious volumes of fresh imported draught beers, together with friendly and efficient service, has made O’Malleys such an attractive destination for so many years.
Regular entertainment features live band performances, all major sporting events projected onto a huge screen, plus comedy nights and other special events. With it’s sprawling outdoor garden area, O’Malleys is children and pet friendly, making for a lively family environment on the weekend days in particular. And for those working (or playing) irregular hours- the bar at O’Malleys are now open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
O’Malleys is located within an expansive residential compound, on a leafy tree-lined street of the exclusive former French Concession area of Shanghai. The exclusive private residence was built in the late 19th century and remained in private hands until the late 1940’s when the residence was converted into a State-run boarding school. The latest iteration occurred in 1996 when the old residence was transformed into O’Malleys Irish Pub. Discreetly hidden from the street, entrance to O’Malleys is through a heavy steel gateway set into the high stone-walled compound. On the far side of the compound, the recently renovated main bar room opens onto the outdoor garden area and is the largest indoor dining space. Further inside, across both levels, are a series of smaller themed rooms and bars, with all kinds of nooks and crannies tucked away in corners- all decorated in the original “Irish pub” theme of warm, dark timbers, leather upholstery, and the paraphernalia associated with an Irish pub.
The kitchen at O’Malleys cooks up a variety of menus- including an “All-Day Breakfast”; “Pub Grub- Snacks and Starters”; ” Lunch Specials”; and a “Dinner” menu. The”comfort food” dishes include hearty portions of salads and sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and pub grub staples such as Guinness & Beef Pie, Fish & Chips, Grilled Steaks, etc.
O’Malleys is also popular for all kinds of functions- both corporate and private, with the variety of rooms and spaces offering flexibility for any scale event.
THE INTERIOR ROOMS
The main bar area on ground floor- opens out onto the outdoor garden
The traditional style bar counter crafted from polished wood
The main bar room features a contemporary style with rustic elements like the untreated hardwood flooring. Live musicians perform on a regular basis.
Inside the original building- a small bar counter- the adjacent Reading Room features leather sofas and bookshelves.
One of the original bar counters on the ground floor
The Fireplace Room on the ground floor- showcasing a pair of dramatic high-backed armchairs
THE UPPER LEVEL
The bar area on the upper floor features the original dark timber furnishings typical of a classic Irish pub
The large curving timber bar counter is the dominant fixture in the upper bar area
The Meeting Room is located at one end of the upper level bar and has luxurious red leather banquette seating extending along the side walls.
The draught beer taps on the main bar counter. O’Malleys customers consume more Guinness Draught than any other bar in China.
OUTDOORS
The Terrace section on the upper level- opens out from the bar, with external stair access from the street level garden. Contemporary woven rattan style tables and seating provide a comfortable and casual setting.
The expansive Garden section and street level entrance of O’Malleys.
The outdoor Garden space has various settings of woven faux-rattan high tables and sofas
The main entrance to O’Malleys, and the Garden area behind high stone-lined walls.
O’MALLEY’S Bar & Restaurant – Shanghai
Address: 42 Taojiang Road- near Hengshan Road, Xu Hui District, Shanghai 200031. China
Metro: Line 1 Hengshan Rd
Reservations: +86.21. 64744533 or 021-64664197
Website: www.omalleys-shanghai.com
Opening Hours:
Monday to Sunday – open 24 hours
Breakfast – 24 Hours Breakfast Menu
Lunch – 11.30 am ~ 2:00 pm
Dinner – 5:00 pm ~ late
Happy Hours: Monday to Friday 4:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm
Dress Code: Casual
MAY 2013 UPDATE- O’MALLEYS HAS RECENTLY CLOSED
