By Ivana Woodcock
This article was originally published in IPH’s bi-monthly Membership newsletter. To get exclusive offers and news, become a Member (or renew) today!
When I was scrolling through social media last August, I noticed the announcement that McHale’s Irish Pub was opening in NoDa. I immediately stopped mid-scroll. An Irish pub, right down the street from IPH? That felt meant to be.
After living in England for nearly 20 years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for a proper pub meal. The thought of popping over for fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or sticky toffee pudding (all proudly on McHale’s menu, and absolutely worth trying if you haven’t yet) followed by a movie made me genuinely excited.
So I reached out.
As a welcome to the neighborhood, I offered co-owners Kyle Kennedy and Brendan Kuhlkin one month of complimentary on-screen advertising at IPH. What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into bigger conversations about community, creating shared experiences, and how naturally a neighborhood pub and an independent cinema fit together.
Since then, we’ve been brainstorming ways to collaborate in a way that feels authentic, fun, and rewarding for our guests. I recently sat down with Kyle (KK) and Brendan (BK) to talk about their vision for McHale’s, why partnering with IPH made sense, and exciting perks and events we now have in the works together.
McHale’s opened in NoDa in August 2025 — what drew you to the neighborhood, and how has the response been so far?
KK – I’ve been living in NoDa for a few years and always felt it needed a proper pub, somewhere that felt like “the local,” as we’d say back home. I was fortunate enough to meet Brendan, and the rest is history. To see our vision come to life and be embraced by the neighborhood is pretty cool.
BK – I moved to NoDa seven years ago, but I’d been coming here since 1994. I was walking my dog Eli when I saw the space and just felt strongly that the neighborhood needed a pub. And it has exceeded my expectations. The neighborhood has fully embraced us.
For those who haven’t visited yet, how would you describe the vibe and experience at McHale’s?
KK – It’s a warm and welcoming feeling, a place where you can walk in and have a pint and a good conversation with anyone, and feel like you belong right away.
What sparked the idea to collaborate with IPH?
KK – I love what IPH has done and continues to do for Charlotte’s arts and film scene. We both provide fun and welcoming places for people to gather, connect and enjoy themselves.
BK – It was a no-brainer for me. I love love love IPH! I go at least two times a month, sometimes more. It has a sense of community much like a pub’s.
Since I’m representing IPH, I’m pretty sure it’s written into my contract that I have to ask about your favorite movies. What’s your all-time favorite?
KK – Ohhh, so hard to nail down just one… I’ll go with something with an Irish theme: THE DEPARTED. Great cast and great movie.
BK – That’s way too hard of a question! Most recently, HAMNET is my favorite. It’s just a beautiful film.
Have you seen a film at IPH yet? If so, what did you see and what did you think of the experience?
KK – Yes – I saw THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN here, and I loved it. I love the way you guys provide retro movies as well.
BK – As I’ve been frequenting IPH for a few years now, I’ve seen at least 25 films and rented the MicroCinema for my birthday. I love it!
On March 26, IPH is teaming up for a first of its kind, special Dinner & Movie night — where guests can enjoy dinner at McHale’s and then head to IPH to see THE COMMITMENTS. What made you want to be part of this event?
KK – It felt like a great opportunity to bring a classic Irish film to the neighborhood, and also for the growing Irish community that lives in Charlotte. We’re lucky to be able to have a great partner in IPH that is open to doing so.
Why was THE COMMITMENTS the perfect choice for this collaboration?
KK – It was one of the first Irish films to gain real international attention and one of the best Irish movies ever. As someone from Dublin, it gives a glimpse into what life was like there in the late 80s, early 90s. Great soundtrack, too.
BK – I remember seeing it in the theater when it came out in 1991. The music was great, the story of a group of people coming together to create something great reminds me of building a pub and all the people it takes to create a great atmosphere and culture.
What can guests expect from the dinner experience before the film?
BK – Good food, good people and great community.
How important are community partnerships like this to you as business owners?
KK – It’s what it’s all about. A pub only works if it’s part of the neighborhood and for the neighborhood. Collaborations like this make NoDa better and more fun.
If you could host a future film night tied to Irish culture, what movie would you pick next?
KK – THE SNAPPER.
BK – THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY.