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.”