You've Been Served: Wesley O'Regan, Popscene

Wesley O’ Regan is the General Manager of Popscene in Voodoo Rooms, Cork city. Popscene opened last November and is Cork’s only themed bar that is dedicated to celebrating the best of the 80s and 90s.

https://www.facebook.com/PopsceneCork/

I’ve worked in the hospitality sector for over 15 years. My first full-time job was as a waiter in a hotel. I got 95 punts a week!

Now, I’m a bar manager in Voodoo Rooms and Popscene. I’ve been with the company for nearly 13 years in total.

This is my second stint with the lads. I started out in security with them and progressed to management over time.

During the day I do office work. This could involve anything from rostering, to interviews, to repairs. Every day is different. At night, I prep the club before opening, set bar rosters, organise reserved tables, etc. I then make sure the night runs smoothly and that the customers get the experience they deserve — a fun-filled night.

The best part of my job is the people I meet. There are some great characters that come through our doors; whether they be staff or customers. I really enjoy the banter. A lot of the time work feels more like my social life. I’ve seen so much now that very little shocks me.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Irish Examiner (@irish_examiner)

During the last snow storm we had when most of Cork was blanketed, I wasn’t rostered for the night but live really close to town. I came in to help out in An Brog bar. I just remember the atmosphere being so great the whole night. People were so happy that after years we had actual decent snow and they were enjoying every minute of it. Some customers even built a snowman near our front door.

I’ve encountered a few Irish stars of sport from both rugby and soccer.

But my favourite encounter was with 1990s rapper “Coolio”. Coolio by name Coolio by nature. There’s a photo with him hidden somewhere. I also met with the Corona’s frontman, Danny O Reilly. Such a gent and all-round nice guy. He seems to have time for everyone that comes up to him.

If I didn’t work in this industry I would love to work with animals. Not as a vet though. Maybe just a guy helping out in a zoo; or better yet a safari reserve in Africa.

I’m fascinated by nature. The guys at work say I could talk for Ireland; so maybe I could be a nature programme presenter. Step aside, Mr Attenborough.