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It was going to be a night with a difference, I knew this when I walked into the Penny Black on Boat Quay.

Three different people, with three completely different characters. I was there to interview them with regards to the changes that were taking place within Gaelic Inns, the new premises and what it meant for them, as well as us, the punters.

Born in County Wexford on the South West coast of Ireland, Billy has had a long and varied career in the licensed industry stretching back to Ireland and now in the Far East. Being the first employee of Gaelic Inns, he was interviewed in Dublin and shipped over to Singapore eleven years ago.

His first post was the infamous Muddy Murphy's near to Orchard Towers. "The pre-ops for this new venue, was, a very interesting experience", Billy recalls as he sips his glass of wine.

"With the whole of the decor, or most of it being shipped from Ireland, it was a logistical nightmare. But in the end it was worth it. As the first GM of Muddy's it was my responsibility to get it off the ground" says Billy. This has been achieved to a tee.

Penny Black is styled as your typical Victorian English pub, with an English style that includes not one, but two post boxes. "I enjoy the atmosphere here", I say to Ross and Iris, "it feels like my local in London".

I suddenly learn that the Penny Black will be undergoing a 'refurb', or a refresh phase as its' called in-house. More Victorian touches to give it typical London feel, although knowing these three; there will be nothing typical about this. "We just want the true London pub feel", they all say in unison... (Well practiced..?)

"The number of venues and operators in SG has exploded over the last few years, how has this affected business"? Billy and Ross give almost identical answers, "That whilst the number of operators has jumped, it is only the good ones that will survive in the very, very, competitive market.

The Government seems to have learnt its' lesson; in many respects from the mistakes of other countries". Having come from a pub background myself, I can certainly see the difference towards alcohol here, than in the UK. People actually respect it, in the most part.

Later this year we will all see a new addition to the Gaelic Inn Group, [name and location to be announced soon.] This venue will have all the true fayre, feel and style of a true Irish pub. An authentic feel, live music, sport and will most certainly carry on the Muddy's And Penny Black philosophy.

Off to Scruffy Murphy's on the East Coast. Scruffy's is one of those places you feel at home. Open top the world, it is located just of the beach at East Coast Parkway. A family feel with beach attitude.

"You tend to get a transient crowd here, locals that frequent the beach area, expats who want something different and travelers looking for that good old taste of home."

I have to say, that Scruffy's has a great view, opens on to a beach, (great for families; you can sit with a cold Guinness and let the kids run to the beach); a bit of something different on the weekend; Oh, did I mention probably the greatest breakfast in town as well?

Scruffy's food is also something different. Light bites, to something more substantial, the salt and pepper squid is a must! Has to be on the top ten list of 'Best Beer Snax'.

A relative newcomer to the Gaelic Inns family is Ross Glasccoe. Only 14 months in Singapore, he has risen to the position of Operations Manager for the group.

He mainly assists Billy in keeping the group running, his primary role. Ross is also involved in designing and running the bars to make a "better experience for the guests," as he puts it.

He says the key to running any kind of public premises, especially in the licensed trade, "Is to have the flexibility to be the barman one day, and the general manager the next."

There are two other venues in the family that we may or may not know. Certainly one will spring to mind, Muddy Murphy's is one. But first let me take you to Ballymoons. Ballymoons is depicted as a European continental spirit bar, with an Irish feel.

This is one of those places that you see, but pass by; unless you have been before that is. Sitting on top of Muddy's, this is an escape from the usual haunts we all go to.

A subtle blend of coziness, with an air of relaxation, soulful music and a martini to complement, you will relax here. But not just beer and martinis are swerved here. Sake is also a favourite here. Nice and refreshing after a beer or... many.

Muddy's, what can be said about Muddy's. Great sport, great food, great times here. A true Irish pub where the craic goes on. (Keep an eye out for the great happenings here for St. Patricks day.) But it is the new pub I want to know about.

Iris, who has been a little quiet during the evening, suddenly comes to life for this one. "It will have the true Gaelic Inns stamp of hospitality.

With eleven years of confidence behind them, Gaelic Inns can look forward to a road that will, as we know only too well, have a few bumps to grind out." All the venues in the Gaelic Inns group have food, western food, but Iris Points out "That we have never had a western chef, but we have western food, GOOD western food"

The new venue will be a place for a different collage of people, from locals to expatriates, professionals; couples as well as those still in singleton land. Bring on the venue guys, we all need somewhere new to chill.

All in all, the Gaelic Inn's family of staff, and that is just what they are, a family, pride themselves on the level of service that their guests receive.

That, along with good food and a great range of drinks, both on a local level, as well as from the local region make this a home away from home.

With a good balance of food to wet sales, the abundant choice will be welcome to all, traveller and the more established Singaporean expatriate/local alike.

As with all good outlets, the guys want to know your comments. After all, it's your pub. You like it they want to know, you don't, or have a suggestion, they want to know that too. Fill out a comment card or drop them an email, it will only make a better place for all.