Bringing a 40-Year Legacy Online: Modernizing Flanagan’s Pub’s Digital Presence

From responsive pioneer to polished destination – this story explains how I transformed a local pub’s dated website into a dynamic digital hub that celebrates their 40-year milestone.

Project Snapshot

• Challenge: Transform a decade-old website into a modern applications that could showcase daily specials, upcoming events, and capture the authentic atmosphere of a beloved local pub – all while working solo with minimal existing assets.
• Solution: Created a custom WordPress implementation combining professional photography, a thoughtful content strategy, and an efficient content management system that the staff could easily maintain.
• Tools Used: WordPress, Elementor, WP Astra Theme, iPhone Photography, Contact Form 7
• Results: Delivered a custom WordPress website that doubled as both a practical tool for regulars and a destination for new visitors.

The Situation

As a local resident living just two blocks from Flanagan’s Pub, I’ve had a unique perspective on this Shillington institution. Having developed their first responsive website back in 2012, the existing site had served its purpose, but it was showing its age.

As they approached their 40th anniversary and planned a landmark St. Patrick’s Day celebration for 2024, the timing was perfect for a complete digital refresh.

The pub was struggling with a common challenge in the restaurant industry: communicating regularly changing specials and events to their loyal customer base. They needed more than just a visual update – they needed a solution that could keep pace with their business.

The Work

My approach started with asset gathering, which proved to be one of our biggest initial hurdles.

The pub had virtually no digital assets – no high-resolution logo, no professional photos, and minimal existing content. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, I recognized it as an opportunity to build a library of assets from the ground up.

I began by asking their designer for a vector version of their logo. Then, I conducted two strategic photo shoots at the pub: one before opening hours to capture pristine interior shots, and another during business hours to document the authentic atmosphere.

Armed with just my iPhone and a clear vision, I created a library of images that would serve as the visual foundation for the site.

Content development required a deep dive into the pub’s history and operations. I conducted recorded interviews with the owner, transforming casual conversations about the pub’s 40-year journey into website copy.

I also tackled the challenge of their extensive menu, creating a system that would make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for.

A key innovation was the development of an easily updatable specials section on the homepage. I created an Elementor block system that allows for quick updates to their rotating specials menu – a process that now takes just 15 minutes every two weeks. This solution struck the perfect balance between sophisticated design and practical functionality.

The Impact

The Short Term:

• Launched a WordPress website with custom images that properly reflects the pub’s physical experience
• Created an efficient system for managing bi-weekly specials updates
• Established a reliable events calendar to promote upcoming activities

The Long View:

• Provided a scalable platform that can grow with the business over the next decade
• Developed a maintenance-friendly system that requires minimal technical expertise
• Built a digital hub that strengthens the pub’s connection with local residents
• Created a visual archive that documents and celebrates their 40-year legacy

What makes me particularly proud of this project is how it serves multiple audiences so effectively.

For regulars, it’s a practical tool for checking specials and events. For first-time visitors, it’s an inviting introduction to a local institution. For the staff, it’s a manageable system that doesn’t create additional work.

This project exemplifies my belief that effective digital design isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating solutions that serve real business needs while respecting the unique character of local institutions.

By combining practical functionality with thoughtful design, we created more than just a website; we created a digital extension of a beloved community space.