PUBLICAN Pat Conlan doesn't put up with nonsense. Her ability to stay calm and keep customers in line is a skill she is renowned for at this popular Earlville pub.

Pat has worked behind the bar and operated the TAB at the Balaclava for more than 15 years.
But no one is quite sure when the pub on Mulgrave was first opened.
It is estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old and has undergone extensive renovations over the years, expanding into a steakhouse, and live music and gaming venue.
“They joke and call me the boss here but that’s only because I’ve been here the longest,” Pat said.
“I really enjoy looking after the TAB because it keeps my mind active and the interaction with the customers is always great.
“You do get the occasional one whose had a bit too much to drink but I just tell them there’ll be none of that business here.
“I’ve always been treated with respect by the customers here, I’ve never had a single problem in all the time I’ve been here.”
Pat is more than just a part of the furniture at the Balaclava Hotel. She is a family institution.
At one point, three generations of her family – her daughter and great-granddaughter – were all working at the pub at the same time.
For regular patron Tim Cunneen, the Balaclava is his local for a few
reasons.
“It’s close to home, so I can walk here and never have to worry about drink-driving,” he said.
“There’s a good atmosphere, it’s not like some of the fancy pubs you see around these days.
“The beer is cheap and the food is always good.”
Food is a key element of the pub, according to duty manager Ben Kinraid.
“This place hit a peak in the mid-’90s, it was going off apparently,” he said.
“Now we’re a bit more low key and we really
focus on the food.
“The steakhouse is very popular, and most Friday and Saturday nights we’ll do around 250 meals each night.
“We use good quality steak that is very consistent so people always know what they’re going to get and they know it’ll be good value for money.”
 
PUB FACTS
Built about 35 to 40 years ago.
Significant changes and renovations over the years include a steakhouse, live music stage, gaming area and the removal of the
drive-through bottle shop to make way for Dan Murphys.
Renowned for its steaks and meals, the pub served more than 200 people each Friday and Saturday.
The longest serving employee is Pat Conlan, a 15-year veteran of the pub.

 

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