The long-awaited return of Publicans is here. The exterior of the pub is charcoal gray with a simple sign in black letters stating Publicans, which when photographed makes you think of an old-fashioned photo. Truly a blast from the past, only better.
The pub has been gutted and revamped with cedar walls, exposed painted brick and large open windows to make Publicans brighter inside, according to Matt King, the new general manager.
The look is comfortable and has many of the original great features, redone in today’s style. King indicated the original bar was in poor shape and needed to be fixed, so it was reworked and redone with the tin plating from the original building lining the base of the bar. The walls of the bar are lined with white subway tile, which makes a nice backdrop to the different liquors on hand.
The booth lighting hosts suspended gunmetal domes over new bench-like booths across from the bar. The bar lighting has a bronze glow, making for a relaxing, warm and comfortable setting. In the back, there are tables and chairs as well as a back room with a Dickens sign affixed to the wall.
The high ceilings are painted dark gray and have modern ceiling fans installed. In addition, 11 flat screens, one 110” projection screen, 10 speakers and a 16-camera closed-captioned television system has been installed to make it the perfect setting to catch a game or just hang out.
King says you’ll love the burgers and the owners are currently working with Kenny at A&F Market on a special “A&F Steak.”
The place already had its soft opening last week for an AHRC Nassau County Chapter fundraiser and a special 40th birthday party for a local resident and the reviews are in—it’s awesome. Publicans is the dream brought to life by Manhasset resident Sean Peters and Johnny Heil, who have hired a first-rate staff.
Peters knew former Publicans owners Steve and Georgette Schnitzer when he was growing up in the community. Like many natives, Publicans and the then-renamed Edison’s was the place to pick up a burger and a beer. Many groups of little leagues, civic associations and Manhasset community groups all have had gatherings there and, from the look of it, will do so in the future.
