A portion of the Oxford Village Planning Commission got its first look at Sullivan’s Public House during its Sept. 17 meeting.
That’s the name of the new Irish pub that Lake Orion resident Jerry Cremin is planning to open at 23 N. Washington St. in the downtown’s northwest quadrant.
‘Authentic? was the word that kept coming up as Cremin described his pub, the theme of which will be cottage style/country shop.
All of the pub’s fixtures and fittings are being built in Dublin, Ireland. Cremin said both the interior and exterior will be ‘very aesthetically pleasing to the eye.?
The authenticity will extend to the pub’s menu as well. Cremin’s wife, Jamie, told the commission they will serve Irish favorites such as shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash, but also have a kid’s menu.
Sullivan’s Public House, named for Cremin’s grandmother, will be able to seat 129 patrons.
The first floor will contain the bar, a dining room, kitchen and a lobby. The second floor will contain another dining room centered around a natural gas fireplace.
‘That’s going to be cozy, especially during the winter time,? Cremin said.
He’s hoping to open the pub sometime between the middle and end of February. He’s still in the process of purchasing the building, which currently houses Wilson & Associates, Architect.
Cremin went before the planning commission because he’s seeking special land use approval to create an outdoor cafe behind the building. The patio area would be approximately 360 square feet, surrounded by fencing and contain five tables, each with four chairs.
Jamie Cremin told the commission the patio area would be an ‘extension? of the pub’s Irish authenticity. For example, they’re considering using thatching to decorate the fencing as opposed to the usual flowers.
Because the outdoor cafe would be partially located on public property, Cremin’s plan required approval from the village council, which it received at the Sept. 10 meeting.
Council’s approval was subject to the patio plan’s compliance with zoning ordinance provisions and approval by the planning commission.
The planning commission was unable to vote on the special land use for Cremin’s proposed outdoor cafe because only three members were present at last week’s meeting.
At least five members must be attendance in order for the planning commission to conduct business.
Cremin is currently the assistant food and beverage director, Grill Room general manager and cellar master at the famed Detroit Athletic Club. He’s worked there since 2011.
Prior to that, he held managerial positions at a number of well-known establishments in New York City including Tavern on the Green and The Palm Court.