News / Back bar at Queens set for new lease of life
LERWICK’S pub scene could be set to take a turn for the better with the announcement that the much-missed back bar in the Queens Hotel is set to reopen in 2016.
Following a long absence, the watering hole at the Lodberries is expected to be back up and running by the middle of next year – and could represent what many feel is a long overdue shakeup of the town’s pub-going opportunities.
Amid the continued popularity of the global craft beer scene – which resulted in a new specialist shop, Beervana, opening on Commercial Street earlier this year – J.W. Gray & Co has been speaking to hugely popular Aberdeenshire producer Brewdog, and also aims to stock many of the beers and spirits now being produced locally.
J.W. Gray & Co director Ian Johnston said the company would be reopening the “much missed back bar… with a view to showcasing a wide range of craft and boutique products”. It has been closed since around the year 2000.
“We have taken on board comments from the Shetland public and now think the timing is right for us to reinvest in our retail option at JWG,” Johnston said.
“We are delighted to announce that the Queens back bar will reopen and I am sure that the Shetland public will appreciate what I am intending to do.
“We are currently working with Brewdog who are giving us advice on the fixtures and fittings as well as the products we will be selling.
“We are, however, a local company and with this in mind our plan is to showcase the many excellent local beers and spirits now being produced in the isles. Work will start on this new and exciting venture early 2016.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
