‘‘I want to start my own business and get it going and be my own boss. That’s the dream.’’
And her new business — a portable Irish bar — is great for those who want to go to an Irish pub without travelling to Ireland.
‘‘I want to hire it out to events in Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes districts ... I think it’s something quite unique to provide people.’’
The shelves of The Lucky Irish bar are lined with knick-knacks she sourced from local antique shops, and there are even fake nicotine stains on the walls.
There are 22 of these portable bars around the country.
The first was built during Covid-19 lockdowns, when it was difficult to go out, but people could still congregate at home.
The business was started by Ms Jeffery’s uncle, Gary Altenburg, who grew up in Roxburgh, and now his niece, Breiana Bennetts, is the director of My Little Pub.
Since then, the bars have been placed in backyards from Waiheke Island to Invercargill. They are made in Christchurch, with pieces of the family’s Roxburgh roots integrated into the build via its steel frames.
Ms Bennetts is a big fan of the customers they’ve had so far.
‘‘It’s a way to bring people together in your own backyard. It’s where people come and gather and share stories, rather than go out for a drink.’’
- Lauren Pattemore
