There’s good news for the scores of Newfoundlanders of a certain age who would make the pilgrimage to Lar’s Fruit Mart in search of a custard cone.
Former Connemara front man Tom Nemec and Chris Andrews of Shanneyganock have an application before St. John’s city hall to convert the historic building at 79 New Gower St. into a pub called the Newfoundland Embassy, and paying homage to Lar and Winnie Crocker’s fabled little shop was paramount in their plan.
“I’m from Logy Bay and we used to go downtown and it was a big deal. I can remember that like it was yesterday,” says Andrews.
“I can guarantee you his picture will be in there and we’re going to sell custard cones.”
What’s more, they’re trying to arrange to have Winnie come down to serve the first one.
The idea for the Newfoundland Embassy has been kicking around in Andrews’ mind for some time and he almost pulled the trigger on a spot on the West End of Duckworth Street some years ago.
“It would have been a nice little project, but looking back on it, you know how they say good things come to those who wait, I’m way happier with this location, the building and the history.”
After Lar’s ceased operations in the early 2000s, the building was purchased by Johnny Breen, who operated Breen’s Delicatessen from the location. Eventually, Breen moved out and the Express Café moved in and stayed there until late last year.
As for what patrons can expect from the new pub, Andrews says they’re aiming for a cozy atmosphere over two floors with a capacity of fewer than 100 people.
“We’re just looking to create a nice atmosphere where before eight o’clock you can come in with your kids, eat and have a beer and go to the game or continue downtown, and then after eight a place where people can pop in and have a bite to eat and a few drinks and go to a concert or continue on to George Street, Water Street and the other entertainment places around,” he says, noting that it will have a rustic feel and celebrate the province’s culture and identity.
Despite both owners’ involvement in the music industry, live music isn’t a prime objective as it is at Erin’s Pub on Water Street, where Andrews is a co-owner with Great Big Sea’s Bob Hallett.
While Andrews admits that the confirmation of a hockey tenant across the street at Mile One Centre won’t hurt the fledgling operation, it wasn’t precipitated by the arrival of an ECHL franchise to St. John’s.
“It was very short notice. We had to make a decision pretty fast and there was no talk of hockey then,” he says of the early January opportunity to lease the space.
Pending approval from the city at Monday’s council meeting, they’re planning on a June 1 opening, Andrews says.
Twitter: kennoliver79
