Business / New owner takes on The Lounge
AN ICONIC pub in the centre of Lerwick has a new owner – with its doors expected to reopen in the weeks ahead.
The Lounge – which had been up for sale – has been acquired by Lerwick’s Grand Hotel, with a representative telling Shetland News that the company is “delighted” to be the new custodian.
They described it as a “very special traditional music venue” which has been enjoyed by local people and visitors from around the world.
The owner of the Grand is Harvey Richmond, with his company also owning the Queen’s Hotel.
The Lounge, which had been on the market for more than a year, was temporarily closed last month amid staff shortages.
The representative of the Grand Hotel said: “When we found out it was going to be closing, that afternoon we tabled an offer within minutes of hearing the news to save it.
“We intend to open as soon as the licence transfers which will take a number of weeks allowing much needed time to prepare for re-opening.
“It was agreed at the start with the vendor that we wouldn’t disclose information about the purchase without their permission, this at times has proved awkward with a number of conversations so I am delighted that it can now be made public.
“We would like to thank Philip [Manson, previous owner] who has been such an influential part of the Lounge’s history over a long number of years, for passing the baton to ourselves as we look forward to being part of the next chapter.”
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