History - The Little Pub

The Little Pub is as natural to Ocho Rios as its beaches, beauty and glorious sunshine. However, in June 2002 a major portion of the building was destroyed by fire, all of its archives from 36 years were destroyed and we also got a blow when the Insurance's Average Clause hit us. It's with this loss of mind that the Little Pub is asking all its friends and well wishers from around the world to send us any vintage records, footage and photographs of the Little Pub of their time spent here.
We will be staging a reggae show called the 'Rebirth' on Saturday April 30, 2005, and we are asking for your kind support. Reggae Sun will be streaming this show live at a cost of US$20.00 to aid in the restoration of the Little Pub.

Some of the artistes that will be performing are: Turbulence, Abijah, Mackie Conscious, Fanton Mojah, Chris Kelly, Yogie, Ce'Cile, Jessie Jendah, Black Ice, Chappa Jan, Peter Lloyd, Gandhi, Queen Paula, Little Hero, Nature, Mickey Ranks, Sugar Roy, Conrad Crystal, Nicky O.J., Richie Stephens, George Nooks and others.

Before the fire, its administration, restaurant, main bar, conference facilities, and shops were housed in a building dating back to1885. In those days, Ocho Rios was an old fishing village, and the area specialised in cattle rearing and the growing of pimento (all spice). The main dining area was once a horse stable, and the staff facilities were originally the slave quarters of the plantation.

The Little Pub has changed hands three times and has taken one hundred years to become an accomplished resort. The first owner dates back to as far as 1885, when the now property was a cattle rearing farm. With the escalation of labour cost, the estate soon ceased to be a viable entity. Thus the first change of hands took place. The property was bought by the Mesquita family, who renovated the setting to a private residence. This was maintained as such until the early 1900's. The estate now moved into the hands of Dr. Page and Cecil Byass, thus the second change of hands. This remarkable change is still reflected in the property today, the property then became Cecil Byass Centre and Art Gallery.

This Centre became known as the first shopping centre of the town, boasting:

• An art gallery, displaying the best of Jamaican Art Work
• A factory, producing only miniature furniture
• A restaurant and a pub (named Little Pub)

In 1964, the property changed hands to Mr. Keith Foote, who is the present owner. He has done extensive re-furbishing and additions over the past thirty six years, carrying on the legacy that Dr. Page taught him "add to, but never take away", thus keeping the name Little Pub. The Little Pub is a place that caters to Jamaicans and Tourists; its aim is to make their visit a fun filled one.

During the renovating stages, the property got rid of the "out house" and a new discovery of an underground spring was found, which ran into the sea. On any sunny day patrons had the pleasure of catching their own lunch. Unfortunately, such a golden find could not be sustained because of the new development in Ocho Rios.

The Little Pub Complex, was once one of Ocho Rios most beautiful and historical spots that boasted a superb Restaurant (Dinner Theatre), Hotel, Cocktail Lounge and International Sports Bar.

The Little Pub Dinner Theatre has staged three of Keith Foote's musical productions:

• "Caribbean Dream"
• "Ocho Rios- Ocho Rios"
• "The Mighty Digger"

Plus movie stars, producers, directors, and dignitaries and other celebrities have stayed, dined and entertained at the Little Pub:

The Little Pub is the franchise holder in the regional beauty pageant Miss Jamaica World Surrey now Miss Jamaica World Eastern - the winner of the pageant automatically becomes a finalist in the national finals which leads to the Miss World Pageant.

Keith Foote the owner, producer, director, and visionary started his own business, the Little Pub Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge 36 years ago. During this time he has served the community of Ocho Rios and its environs very well. He has employed many people, has been a mentor to both young and old, and has taught many people in the hospitality and entertainment industry.

He has been producing, directing and choreographing musicals for the past twenty five (25) years, some of which include: "The Mighty Digger", "Caribbean Dream", and "Ocho Rios-Ocho Rios" which has toured Europe, the United States of America and the Caribbean Islands.

Working in front and behind the camera, he has had the pleasure of working with veterans in the motion picture business such as:

• Roger (James Bond 007) Moore and producer Jeffy Holder in the movie "Live and Let Die";
• Steve McQuinn and Dustin Hoffman in "Pappion";
• Stewart Whitman, Rod Taylor and Elkie Summers in "Treasure Seekers".

He also worked on the set of the first James Bond movie "Doctor No" with Sean Connery, and producer Harry Salzmann, "Live and Let Die", and also worked at Germany Studio 6 (TV) in Frankfurt, Germany.

Over the years Mr. Foote has been awarded for his services for contribution as follows:

• Jamaica Tourist Board Awards
• Outstanding Contribution to the Development in the Entertainment Industry - JAMPRO
• Certificate of Appreciation for his Invaluable Contribution and Support in the Promotion and Development of Commerce and Public Welfare - St. Ann Chamber of Commerce.
• Citizen of the Year Award - Kiwanis Club of Ocho Rios
• Outstanding Contribution to the Advancement of the Miss Jamaica World Pageant
• Lifetime Achievement for Contribution to the Music Industry - Jamaica Federation of Musicians
• The Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for Service to Jamaica - 2003

He has always strived to help in the development and progress of the community and its environs. With this in mind he and his business partner Cheryl Levy boldly started the first community television station Reggae Sun Community Network in 1999 - now Reggae Sun Television. Reggae Sun Television focuses on Jamaica's rich cultural heritage and its people. In this context, their aim is to aid in the education, entertainment and motivation of our island people, and also to promote Jamaica in a positive way to the world at large. Reggae Sun TV is the first to stream (broadcast) live 24/7 from Jamaica via the Internet. Reggae Sun has also received several awards:

• Certificate of Appreciation for your Support Race Season 2001-JMC PROCHAMP
• Certificate of Appreciation of your Contribution - Kiwanis 84th Eastern Canada & the Caribbean District Convention 2001
• Middlesex Local Award 2001 Cable Television - Jamaica Federation of Musicians
• Middlesex Local Award 2002 Cable Television - Jamaica Federation of Musicians
• Certificate of Appreciation of your Contribution- Friends of the Sea

Both his businesses Reggae Sun Television and the Little Pub Restaurant, Hotel and Entertainment Complex suffered severely when the property was destroyed by the fire June 17, 2002. With all the adversities he faced including - the loss of his son just days before the fire - he has never given up HOPE! He's a man of strength, courage and ambition, who strives for excellence.

We, thank you in advance for your support.