Ceili’s Irish Pub & Restaurant regional chef Tyler Goddard is a staunch defender of the business’s take on the Irish pub. Absent are walls crowded with black-and-white photos and bric-a-brac, nor are there seats wedged into nooks and crannies. Tyler says the traditional pub look that became so popular in the ’90s has become too common.
“That other way is a lot more authentic,” he concedes. "But, places like that are all pretty standard. We just took a modern take on it.” This means a little more breathing room, comparatively judicious decorating and a focus on the social function of a pub over its “Irish” atmosphere.
The social angle is reflected in the name, as “ceili” is the Gaelic word for an informal party. Pub-ish decor isn’t totally out, however. Ceili’s still features the warm woodwork and lamp lighting customers love. The Royal Oak location also features a massive five-tiered chandelier constructed from green Jamieson’s whiskey bottles, a display piece Tyler is particularly proud of.
