Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

The British are Coming: UK-Themed Pub Opens on Bleecker St.

By DNAinfo Staff on March 20, 2011 2:31pm  | Updated on March 21, 2011 6:41am

By Elizabeth Ladzinski

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer


GREENWICH VILLAGE — If Bleecker Street is known for its noisy sports bars, then GMT Tavern seeks to become the exception to the rule.

GMT, a nod to the Greenwich Mean Time zone used during the winter in the United Kingdom, unofficially opened at 142 Bleecker Street this week, just in time for the rush of St. Patrick's Day revelers.

"We just kind of opened the doors to see if anyone would come in," said Aimee Corley, a bartender at GMT.

The tavern, which has seating for 74 people as well as patio space, is decked in maroon-colored dining booths, orange chandeliers and a dark wood bar.

Owner John Keogh described the spot as a "British pub meets New York tavern," and hopes to lure in a "more educated crowd" to counter the throngs of people who line up at sports bars down Bleecker Street.

"We don't carry Bud Light or Miller Light," Keogh said, and the tavern's walls bear no televisions.

The food menu is yet to be determined, but should be ready in two weeks for the Tavern's official opening on May 1. Keogh remained mum on what type of food would be served.

The Tavern is stocked with 22 draft beers, 10 of which are from Great Britain, with the rest local to New York or from Europe.

The Tavern's signature cocktail, GMTeaTime, contains Absolut Wild Tea vodka, lemon juice and honey water. The GMT Spring Punch contains Beefeater Dry Gin, Pimm's, lemon juice and ginger ale. The cocktails start at $12, and the tavern has an extensive wine list.

"We want to try to make this your new local," Keogh said.

Check out GMT Tavern's website for more information.