The only way is up as Johnnie Fox’s pub profits reach new heights

Pre-tax profits at one of the best-known pubs in the country, Johnnie Fox’s in the Dublin Mountains, reached new heights last year, increasing 15% to €226,801.

This followed gross profits increasing by 6%, from €2.9m to €3.08m in the 12 months to the end of March 31, 2014. Fox’s Pub Ltd recorded a pre-tax profit of €196,769 in 2013.

Owner Tony McMahon said yesterday “business is going extremely well” and he expects higher profits this year.

Mr McMahon said that, over the years, the pub has provided hospitality to seven heads of state and six prime ministers, along with celebrities including Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The pub employs 86 and Mr McMahon said: “There is a different crowd here every night and we have bookings six months in advance at the moment for food and entertainment”.

He said coming to Johnnie Fox’s is an adventure for people. “They’re climbing this windy road in the darkness and the expression on their faces when they open the door to a place that is alive is something to behold,” he said. “You can see them tipping each other saying ‘what the hell is going on here?’ It is great to see.”

Mr McMahon said the key to their success is great music and great food, along with a very friendly staff.

The Limerick native said that, last Thursday night, there were 17 different nationalities in the pub.

Mr McMahon said just 420 people live within a radius of 4km of the pub.

“We are 12 miles from Dublin and that is a great advantage,” he said, adding that the business benefits from the many conferences regularly taking place in Dublin.

Mr McMahon said there are no TVs on the premises, because “TVs in pubs have killed the art of conversation”.

He said the business has no plans to expand. “We don’t want to take away from the authenticity of the pub in any way.”

The accounts show profit last year takes account of non-cash depreciation of €76,477.

Employee costs increased by 4% from €1.54m to €1.57m, with directors’ remuneration remaining static at €111,0000.

The firm’s administrative expenses increased marginally, from €2.6m to €2.7m.