Waxy’s Irish Pub is celebrating its 21st year next week and former managers along with the current one are gathering to celebrate the milestone.
Since its opening, the ILT’s Irish theme pub has became an asset for the community offering entertainment, food and drinks for people from all walks of life.
The Langlands general manager Bryan Townley was the manager of the bar when it opened its doors in 2001.
"I remembered the paint was still wet on the front door — literally. It’s crazy how fast the time has passed by. It is like your baby has grown up."
Along with former managers Kelly Burgess and Hamish Baird and current manager Matt O’Donnell, he believed the most special thing about the place was its patrons and their stories.
"There are a lot of Waxy’s stories, and we even had some Waxy’s weddings. I’ve been part of a wedding for a couple who met each other here.
"I went to their wedding in Christchurch and we still keep in touch. They now have two little girls — but it all started here."
He believed the place was more than a pub.
"When you travel, no matter where, you find an Irish pub and you know you will have someone to talk to.
"It is wonderful to see that it stayed and has become a solid part of the Invercargill community."
Ms Burgess agreed.
She was part of the team there for 12 years and believed one of the main challenges was to keep the place updated to make people want to go back.
One of the things she believed helped with this was the special events the pub hosted.
"It actually draws people in. We’ve done country, ’90s, and St Patrick’s parties, so kind catering for all the ranges of the public to keep people interested," Ms Burgess said.
"Good service and culture is something that’s always going to attract people."
Next Saturday all of them will be part of a full-day event to celebrate the anniversary.
There will be live music, Irish dancing and an opportunity for patrons tell their stories about the place.
"We just want people to come along and have a good time."
Ms Burgess said it was their way to thank the community.
"It was the community that has kept Waxy’s going for 21 years, so it is something to celebrate with them and with everyone who was part of that."
