The
story of Whiskerz Pub:
The sleek black moustache hanging
over 75 Cottage St. has added new flair to the city's downtown
bar scene.
Handcrafted from wood, stainless steel and two short links of
motorcycle chain, the mustachio represents yet another sign of
change on Cottage Street and the lifelong dream of one man: Joe
Bernier.
"I always wanted to own one," said the 47-year-old
Bernier, standing behind the storied bar of his pub. Whiskerz.
"This is where I really wanted to be."
With Bernier's years of experience behind the bar, he's given
the former "Peanuts Pub" a new identity, an atmosphere
that is as easygoing and relaxed as the mustache hanging over
the sidewalk outside his front door.
"Whiskerz is a friendly place where you can have a drink,
shoot some pool, play cards, or watch a game," says Bernier,
who he himself sports a thick moustache and beard.
Bernier is no stranger to that kind of place, or to Cottage Street,
for that matter. In the late 1970's and early 1980's, he lived
in an apartment above his pub. Downstairs, he tended bar at what
was then known as Len's Lounge, a popular haunt where customers
were once two and three people deep at the bar.
"The crazy days," says Bernier, cracking a smile.
In fact, that history lingers in Whiskerz. Photographs from years
ago adorn some of the walls, and a mirror that once hung over
the cash register at "Len's Lounge" is now centered
above the very same bar; where a variety of beers are available
on tap.
"Some older customers get a kick out of it," Bernier
says.
Televisions flank each end of the bar, which has a touch of a
motorcycle motif, and booths line an opposite wall. In an adjacent
room, a colorful jukebox plays in the corner near two pool tables,
and in another room; just behind the bar is a cozy little more
private room ideal for darts, which then connects to another larger
back room, when open; hosts all the live music along with a dance
floor.
- Sections from The Daily Hampshire
Gazette:
Easthampton/ Towns Section
Circa 2001
