New bar and grill to open in place of Wetherspoon in heart of Waterford city – News – Waterford News & Star

A franchised pub in Waterford is to close its doors and hand over the keys to a local company, who will reopen with locally produced food, beverages and, crucially, retained staff members. 

Wetherspoon’s announced some months ago that it would close its premises, and as that deadline approaches this week, the Causeway Group is to make for a rapid changeover. 

Plans are in place for the new Waterford-run business to officially open on Friday, June 28. 

The new business, which had been called An Geata Arundel, will trade as The Broadstreet Bar and Grill, with all staff being kept on and additional positions being advertised in the near future. 

“It’s a prominent venue in the heart of the city and it’d be a shame to see it not bought and not used in hospitality,” said Neil Kelly of the Causeway Group to the Waterford News & Star. 

“It’s a city centre pub in the Viking Triangle and it’s a smashing building inside,” he added of the premises which stretches from Broad Street through to Arundel Square.

Mr Kelly was asked by the Waterford News & Star if there are any concerns regarding the challenges being faced by the hospitality sector, both locally and nationally, as the Group takes on the new business. 

He said the changes the company will implement will mean the business will supply local Waterford produce from food and beverage sources, which should bring a boost to local businesses and their own. 

In addition to the new food and drink menus, other major changes can be expected as an entertainment plan and sports plan will be put in place, including the addition of live music. 

In an honest account, Mr Kelly said, “pricewise, we can’t match Wetherspoons” but he did promise the management will be “trying to keep it reasonable”. He added that some drinks “will still be the cheapest in the city”. 

The new menu will include a breakfast menu, followed by a separate menu with light bites, sandwiches and wraps, burgers, ribs, soups, salads and more.