Alan O’Gorman, owner of the Irish Rover pub and restaurant will beat the drum 7 times in June to commemorate the number of years open for business in Denver’s popular Baker Neighborhood He might beat the drum an extra 3 joyous times because he has tripled the size of his 54 South Broadway location with a rooftop bar/ restaurant, party room, and new kitchen. The opportunity for the improvement became possible when the space next door to him became available explained Alan. “I always wanted to do a rooftop but learned that it is very difficult to do structural work to existing Rover premises without having to shut down completely while under construction. It was a great opportunity to do it when the space next door became available. Also, we lacked an adequate size kitchen in the Rover to do more than a limited menu. Now we can offer significantly more on our menu. With the expansion we’ve added a private space which I hope to book private parties such as birthdays, weddings, and perhaps use as an overflow room on special occasions such as ST. Patrick’s Day.

The Rover had a ‘soft opening’ last month with friends and employees celebrating on the new rooftop. Prior to the official unofficial opening, two guests stopped by with some special wishes. Alan tells the story, “Father David was ordained as a priest – if that’s the correct terminology -well he’s a priest anyway. He went in to the seminary a month after we opened the Rover along with his friend Brother John. They made the Rover their second home and on occasion were involved in a couple of, what is described in the pub business as a ‘lock in.’- Featuring John singing like Pavarotti until 4 in the morning!” Laughed Alan as he recalled, “I’m not sure if that’s what caused him trouble at the Seminary but his seminary days were cut short abruptly.”
Before the proverbial ribbon was cut opening the rooftop oasis, a small ceremony took place as Father David gave the Pub an official blessing.

A number of well wishers in the pub business stopped for a toast said Alan. “John and Una Nallen from Mayo, who I believe put Irish Pubs on the Map in Denver being that they opened the first true Irish Pub in Denver back 20years ago or so -great pub, great pint, great people!” Other attendees included Glen Eastwood GM of Fado Irish Pub, Wes Ingram, owner of Dougherty’s around the corner, and Tommy who now works for Crispin Cider.
Alan is originally from Limerick, and is an alumnus of the Denver Gaels, the local Irish sports association, so the Gaels were well represented on the roof. Included was one of the Gaels founders Shay Dunne who is originally from Dublin. Alan and Shay banter about what county has the best teams. Said Alan, “Shay even brought the Dublin jersey with him in the hope of me putting it up on the wall opening night, but clearly, that was never going to happen,” he added with a chuckle, “but a nice gesture nevertheless on his part.”
Friends in the neighborhood also stopped by the rooftop to show support. “It’s great to see how well the neighborhood has reacted positively. I am very fortunate to have a neighborhood pub in the Baker Neighborhood. Baker has everything great restaurants, great music venues great galleries, great bars, great coffee shops etc. etc.” And now they have a great rooftop!

The rooftop and kitchen are open now. The official grand opening will be in mid June. Call the Irish Rover at 303-282-4643 for details.

June 2012 Celtic Connection