sport news Inside Conor McGregor's pub: From Irish dancing to boxing stars smoking cigars trends now
A number of things sprung to mind when I was told Conor McGregor had opened a pub in Dublin. I assumed the Irishman had plonked an over the top, extortionately priced boozer in the middle of Temple bar to milk the tourists for all their worth.
How wrong I was. McGregor avoided the tourist trap that is temple bar and stayed true to his roots. He opened the first of his three pubs in Crumlin, Dublin 12 - the area in which he grew up.
Dublin 12 - which is said to be the inspiration behind McGregor's best selling whiskey Proper Twelve - is a residential area that has very little glitz and glam about it and was once regarded as dangerous.
But, you'd never know that now. And trust me, you'll have absolutely no issues finding McGregor's pub given its jet black exterior juxtaposes the beige looking properties alongside it.
When you walk through the door you're instantly hit with a sense of class and luxury. But what stuck with me the most was the fact the pub had managed to maintain its traditional character despite its €2million makeover.
Conor McGregor opened a pub called The Black Forge in Dublin 12, Ireland - his hometown
You'll have absolutely no issues finding McGregor's pub given its jet black exterior (above)
Its wooden worktops and high-rise stools alongside the bar gave it an authentic feel (above)
Its wooden worktops and high-rise stools alongside the bar gave it an authentic feel, while the plush seats and brass piping gave it a sense of superiority over any regular pub.
The Crumlin boozer also came with plenty of craic and great drinks (even some of McGregor's own brands including Forged Stout and Proper Twelve Whiskey, but more to come on that).
There were several tributes to the Irishman incorporated into the decor. His tiger tattoo is stencilled on the brick wall of the beer garden and the staff are kitted out in waistcoats to reference the MMA star's dapper style.
Plus, every screen in the pub features McGregor highlights playing repeat. There were clips from his fights with Nate Diaz, Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, Dennis Silver, Dustin Poirier I and so on.
However, there was very little footage from his fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov or his second consecutive loss to Poirier - which saw him break his leg in the final few seconds of the opening round.
Nevertheless, the locals appeared to be enjoying their time in the pub, sinking pints of Forged Irish Stout as they waited in anticipation for the Notorious to arrive.
But it's not just the locals that love the Crumlin pub. The Black Forge Inn has become synonymous with celebrities since opening its doors in the summer of 2021.
When I was there, Tony Bellew, David A. Diamante and Ade Oladipo were out in the beer garden smoking cigars and having a few drinks after attending the Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron weigh-in on May 19.
The Notorious then invited me behind the bar to pull a pint of his Forged Irish Stout (above)
While the plush seats and brass piping gave it a sense of superiority over any regular pub
There were several tributes to the Irishman incorporated into the decor at the pub
There were several screens around the pub playing highlights of McGregor's fights
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn made an appearance at the pub, drinking a few stouts with McGregor before heading off for the evening, while Ariel Helwani was also spotted out in the beer garden enjoying the company of his DAZN colleagues.
I caught up with Helwani and asked him what he made of the pub. He said: 'The first time I ever spoke to Conor was in February 2013. He told me his dream was to open up his own restaurant and that he wanted to call it Shreddy Joe's, a healthy version of Sloppy Joes.
'So, 10 years later and here I am at his own establishment. I know it's much more than a restaurant but it's been incredible. What a spot. I am very happy for him. Congratulations to Conor on what he's built here.
McGregor is the proud owner of Forged Irish Stout (pictured above)
'It's beautifully decorated, the staff are so friendly and the food is fantastic. We've had the steak on the stone twice already in the last three days. So, it's two thumbs up from me.'
Soon after, McGregor arrived at the pub - pulling up in a custom made Bentley. It didn't take long before his fans realised and swarmed towards the front door to chat to the 34-year-old MMA star and ask for pictures.
McGregor kindly obliged, making time for every single fan that approached him. He even went out of his way to take a selfie with an elderly lady who explained how her grandson was a mega-fan of his.
McGregor then strutted into the pub with his family by his side.
