Pat Burke putting the finishing touches on his Vernon Blvd establishment
August 12, By Christian Murray
Long Island City, NY: A gastro-pub is scheduled to open at 47-10 Vernon Boulevard this Thursday where the storied Lounge 47 used to operate.
The pub, to be called Woodbines, is owned by Pat Burke, who runs three other bar/restaurants throughout the city—including the Courtyard in Sunnyside.
Burke said that Woodbines, named after the cigarettes his grandfather smoked in Ireland, would offer 12 craft beers, 50 different types of bottled beers, and an Irish-themed bar menu.
He said there would be no TVs inside the pub, since he aims to create a local pub atmosphere. However, there will be power outlets placed throughout the bar so patrons can power up—and use– their lap tops, iPads and other devices. Furthermore, there will be Wi-Fi.
He said that SingleCut Beersmiths, an Astoria-based brewery, is working on a pale ale exclusively for his bars. The unique brew is expected to be ready in about 4 to 6 weeks. He plans to reach out to some of the Long Island City brewers as well.
Burke said the interior of Woodbines has been designed to have a rustic look. He said that a lot of time was spent finding old timber from Pennsylvania as well as vintage lamps. “We want to create a comfortable atmosphere,” he said.
The menu will include items such as: scotch eggs, sausage rolls, jerk chicken, pork sliders, beef sliders, lamb nachos, fish chips, lamb meatloaf, chick curry, burgers and salads.
Some of the produce will come from local farmers– while the bacon will come from the Butcher Block in Sunnyside, a well-known Irish meat grocery store.
Burke is not permitted to use the backyard space at Woodbines. This stems from an old controversy when the former tenant, Lounge 47, was denied the use of it after several neighbors complained about noise.
Burke, 39, owns the Courtyard as well as the Brickyard Gastropub in Manhattan and the Kent Ale House in Williamsburg.
Woodbines to open Thursday where Lounge 47 was located.
