Growing up in pubs, Olivia Kelly always had a unique childhood. Imagine heading from bed to a pub, grabbing a packet of crisps and sipping a J2O before school while her classmates watched cartoons. Her life revolved around washing dishes and serving patrons. Fast forward, and Olivia’s not only following in her parents’ footsteps but is thriving as a pub owner herself, with both her sisters by her side.
Rewind to 2013, Olivia’s parents juggled the tough gig of running pubs and raising three girls. Today, 27-year-old Olivia is at the helm of her own pub, often joined by her sisters, Danielle and Estelle. “It’s not your average nine-to-five, but it’s our family,” she says. The sisters have always pitched in, making the bustling pub life their own form of playtime.
For Olivia, it’s more than just pulling pints. After a brief stint at BT, she quickly returned to her passion. Taking charge of the Harvester in Llanedeyrn, a venue that struggled through years of instability, she’s transformed it into a buzzing community hub. With events like live music, DJs, and a massive £516,000 revamp, it’s now a beloved local hotspot.
When the pub reopened, the community rallied around, with long-time regular Bryan cutting the ribbon, tears in his eyes. For Olivia, this is more than managing a business; it’s about nurturing a community. “We’ve become a family,” she beams, her pub now a place where everybody knows your name.
Her sisters, Danielle balancing table tennis and shifts, and Estelle working full-time, are her right hands in this venture. Even Olivia’s parents, though retired, pop in with advice and to enjoy the refurbished venue, still contributing to the pub quiz nights.
Running a pub might sound overwhelming, but for Olivia, it’s life as she knows it, blending family, business, and a love for hospitality into one. Her journey from childhood pub chores to running her own pub is a testament to her passion, determination, and commitment to keeping her family legacy alive. As Olivia looks ahead, she’s ready for whatever comes next while rooting deeply in her community pub. Cheers to that!