McGregor loves the food on offer at his pubCredit: @thenotoriousmma – instagram

‘Notorious’ has invested his MMA fortune into many things, including a portfolio of Dublin bars, which includes the award-winning Black Forge Inn.

On Thursday, McGregor popped down to the venue with a gift for Ed Raethorne, the pub’s head chef, whom the Irishman frequently raves about on social media.

Ed was celebrating his 50th birthday, and his boss made it extra special by giving him a brand-new Rolex watch to mark the occasion.

“A big happy birthday. Happy 50th birthday to you,” McGregor said in a video later shared on Instagram by the chef.

“I want to thank you for all the amazing work you do, we are very grateful to have you here. I have a big gift for you. I want to give it to you on your 50th birthday. You’ve joined the Rolex club.

“Your work is astounding, mate. Keep going, we appreciate you.”

After thanking McGregor personally, trying on his new luxury timepiece and celebrating with his colleagues, the cook took to social media to express his appreciation.

“What can I say, a huge thanks to Conor McGregor for such an amazing birthday present, always going above and beyond looking after me here at Black Forge Inn,” Raethorne wrote.

McGregor shocked his head chef with an expensive giftCredit: @eddraethorne – instagram

Raethorne showed off his new watch on InstagramCredit: @eddraethorne – instagram

The Black Forge Inn manager was the first staff member to join McGregor in the Rolex clubCredit: @LIAM8656 – instagram

“Such a beautiful and generous gift and for him to present it to me personally was such a massive honour. Thanks again, one I’ll never forget.”

McGregor replied in the comment section: “Thank you Ed and happy birthday my man!”

Ed is not the first member of the Black Forge Inn team to receive a Rolex from the UFC legend.

McGregor made Liam Flynn the pub’s manager after buying it in April 2021, and less than a year later he rewarded him for his efforts with a new watch on his birthday.

A delighted Flynn showed off the £5,000 gift in a March 2022 Instagram video, saying: “Look what the best boss in the world bought me.

“He just gave it to me there in front of everyone in the pub – a Rolex.

“Now I’m in the club of the Rolexes, which I never thought I would be.

“Thank you so much, Conor. From the bottom of my heart.

“Just want to say a big thank you to the best boss ever for making me part of the Rolex club.”