The beer garden at Loyalist Plaza began serving
Saint John’s boardwalk just added a new spot to enjoy refreshments this summer.
The Gahan House opened a beer garden at Loyalist Plaza on Friday.
The beer garden will be open 12-9 p.m. on days weather permits, and will remain open until September.
Ben Tsang, Gahan House Port City’s general manager, says they’re excited to help the uptown’s economic rejuvenation during the pandemic.
“We think it’s a great way to bring the community together, and bring some life back uptown,” said Tsang.
The city accepted the proposal to use the space as a beer garden in order to help encourage residents to return to the uptown after the COVID-19 lockdown which began in March.
Phil Ouellette, the city’s deputy commissioner of growth and community planning, said they felt “compelled” to help recover from the pandemic shutdown.
“We want to bring people together while respecting social distancing,” Ouellette said. “We want to support our businesses that are struggling, and we need to give people reason to come out again.”
The Loyalist Plaza beer garden has a smattering of picnic tables and a few chairs available for people to sit and enjoy their refreshments.
Ouellette says they are aware many residents still feel uncomfortable eating indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, so providing outdoor space has been top of mind for the city.
“The city is trying to make it quite easy for you to enjoy our parks, and even some new parks to enjoy those meals, and those products you’re purchasing (uptown),” he said.
The green-space next to Loyalist Plaza, which previously housed the Beaver Tails stand, has been converted into what Ouellette dubbed a “pop-up park,” with trees and picnic tables for residents to eat lunch or sit for a chat.
Tsang says he hopes the beer garden gives residents another reason to come uptown and enjoy the city’s many amenities.
“I think we all deserve a beer in the sun this year,” he said.
