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
