The Pubs of Cork: 'There used to be three pubs in the village. Now it is just us'

Originally from Slovakia, Alzbeta Belkova was thrown in at the deep end when she became pub manager of The Thatched Inn in East Cork four months ago.

“I was made to feel welcome straight away,” says Alzbeta, known as Ali. “Sixty people were introduced to me in the first two weeks! I know them all now! I have got to know the local customers by their drinks. I know all the locals who made me feel very welcome.”

The Thatched Inn is a distinctive pub in Ladysbridge, thanks to the roof that lends it its name. The place has been serving locals for 200 years.

Ali came to Ireland five years ago after a stint working in London, and had a job at the Metropole Hotel in Cork city.

The Thatched Inn has long been a focal point for the community, and the colours of local GAA club Fr. O’Neill’s are often flying there.

It’s a place where babies are christened, where locals celebrate a milestone birthday, and where friendships are forged, as well as where locals can connect and catch up with each other.

“Our function room upstairs is a really nice space for private parties and celebrations,” says Ali. “It has its own bar, and many lively events and family events take place there. The locals say it is a wonderful facility for them close to home.

“They enjoy our live music sessions every Saturday night too. Saturday night is one of the busier nights.”

Why did Ali leave her home and then the Big Smoke to come to manage the charming thatched pub with rustic charm and cosy interiors?

“When I liaised with owner Rory McSweeney, I saw the wonderful and interesting opportunity that the job offered,” says Ali.

“I’ve always loved working in the hospitality industry from the beginning. There is such variety going with the job. Meeting new people and getting to know them all is very nice.

“Also, there is great variety involved with the job. It is very sociable too which I like.”

She must have enjoyed life in London then?

“The Cutty Sark in Greenwich where I worked was a busy buzzing pub in central London,” says Ali. “I worked for nine years in London. I didn’t have much knowledge of the pub trade back at home in Slovakia.”

Then came the move to Cork.

“I was deputy manager in the Metropole Hotel, which I liked very much,” says Ali. “Cork people are very friendly.”

As we talk, Michael from up the road has arrived in for a well-deserved evening pint. Ali beams at Michael, enquires how he is keeping, and automatically fills his pint for him.

“This is a great local,” says Michael.

It was ever thus.

“The Thatch has seen many makeovers over the years,” says Ali. “It keeps up with changing trends to cater for all tastes.

“I understand there used to be three pubs in the village. Now it is just us.”

So, will Ali up the ante?

“Absolutely,” says Ali. “Ladysbridge is such a friendly village with a tight-knit community that enjoys socialising together.

“The Thatch is a traditional meeting place where people catch up with each other and enjoy each other’s company.”

There are plans afoot to create an even more enticing hostelry in Ladysbridge.

“In May, we are starting to serve hot food employing a professional chef,” says Ali.

“Also, an experienced barista is coming on board to brew flavoursome coffee. The passing-by trade is good here. People are going to the beach to swim and walk summer and winter.

“People going to a wedding in Garryvoe Hotel often stop off here for a drink when the bride and groom are en route to the seaside hotel a bit later after taking photographs.”

The plans for the pub are well advanced.

“Hot breakfasts will be available here every morning from May, which we are really excited about,” says Ali.

“The Thatch, always a traditional meeting place, will now cater for people meeting for coffee or to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lunch.”

Fun is on tap too.

“On bank holidays, we have a pub quiz which is very popular,” says Ali.

“It is a night of fun and trivia. Community spirit is alive and well as people of all ages take part.

“We have two local darts teams who are very serious about their prominence in the league table,” adds Ali.

“They come in during the week to practice and there is always an extra buzzy atmosphere when they are throwing darts. The game has become gained more popularity in recent years with more coverage on TV.”

Ali and her husband Luis are big into nature in their locality.

“We love long walks and being in the beauty of nature. And Luis is big into diving, so there are lots of lovely beaches and strands in east Cork for him and me to enjoy.”

On chilly spring days, the pub is particularly welcoming. “The open fire makes for a welcoming atmosphere.”

What does Ali, far from her native land, like about the pub trade?

“It brings people together,” says Ali.

I tell her I thought the pub business was a demanding 24-hour business, often proving demanding albeit very social?”

“I find the customers are very respectful,” says Ali. “They respect the last call for drinks and are very respectful in every way.”

What else does Ali like about the pub trade?

“I see it as a new and exciting challenge,” she says. “I was made to feel very welcome here.”

The visitors to East Cork and the locals alike have always been welcome in The Thatched Inn.

The locals feel at home here.

“This has been my local for 50 years,” says Michael.“I still like coming here.’

Ali likes coming here too.

“My first impression was that the Thatched Inn was a gorgeous old traditional Irish local pub in the heart of the village,” she said.

The locals have made a good impression on Ali too.

“I feel very at home here in this gorgeous traditional building and charming village.

“I see even more potential for this friendly village pub.”