Smiley's Pub & Beer Garden

Pub 39... Doesn't mean much to most people. That was the name of the one-room bar that Harold (Smiley) Rankin purchased back in 1964. That was also the precursor to Smiley's Pub. Harold soon expanded into an adjacent building, moving the bar to the next address over. This was the core that people would come to know as Smiley's; but he was far from done. He built a second full bar and expanded the dance floor, while acquiring three more adjacent buildings over the years. Now the vision was complete...

Or was it? If Smiley's could no longer expand up or sideways, outside seemed to be the way to go. In 2009 Smiley's opened "The Beer Garden". A custom built outdoor facility the likes of which Richmond has never seen. Painstakingly designed to be true to Harold's original vision, the Beer Garden is the region's premier outdoor gathering place for adults. Decreed the model beer garden in Indiana, it must be seen to be appreciated.

Come see what's new at Smiley's!

When we first put together our original website we of course wanted to sign up as "smileyspub.com" but that address was already secured by what we believe was a pub over in Ireland. They never did put a site at that URL, or respond to our repeated inquiries about it. We resorted to signing up as smileyspub.net. In recent weeks we noticed that their registration was expiring and put in a bid for it. We got it and put together the site you see today. Just some minor internet trivia for ya ;)

Smiley's was recently featured in the special Progress section of the Pal-Item. We thought it was a good write-up. Here are some snippets from the article by Mike Bennet...

Smiley’s was designed to have the feel of a British pub. It’s friendly and inviting, yet mysterious. Such as hundreds of pubs in London, the front door opens right off a busy street and customers are treated to a myriad of surprises.

“I think we have one of the most eclectic, diverse crowds around,” Owner Nancy Rankin said. “This is a fun, safe place for everyone. We love it.”

Something amazing has happened at Smiley’s, too. An inviting new beer garden adds a popular dimension to the pub's traditional role as a meeting place. The meticulously planned area sits off the back alley. It feels like an oasis in the middle of an urban setting with large buildings surrounding it, another nod to life in London.

Nancy is thrilled with the results. “It exceeded our expectations,” she said. “It’s a nice environment. The Beer Garden is central to our goals of moving forward. People want to be outdoors.”

She said the pub has evolved a lot through its 45 years, but a fun and friendly social atmosphere will always remain a constant. “There’s a different feeling here. It’s a sense of family.”

We set up our Facebook page a few months ago and we're pleased with the response. It's a great way to to get info about current happenings at the pub. Become a fan (or these days just click "like") to get updates and other info about all things Smiley's.