2009.01.06
New Irish pub to replace former pub
An Irish pub in downtown Roanoke has closed, but a new pub is moving in.
I found out the scoop on Gunther O'Darby's, an Irish pub that closed in late December. Today, new pub owners were clearing out this former restaurant space at 303 Jefferson St. in downtown Roanoke, preparing it for its new identity.
Mike Flanary and Brian Pollock, co-owners of Cornerstone Bar & Grill in downtown Roanoke, have taken over the former Gunther's space. In six weeks, they're planning to open a new Irish pub, called Flanary's.
Mike Flanary told me that he's always wanted to own a pub. Hearty sandwiches, fish & chips, shepherd's pie and other foods will make up the menu at his new establishment.
Extensive renovations are going on inside the Jefferson Street space. There are plans to shift the front door to the left and replace the current entrance with large windows fronting the street that will open during warmer months, Flanary told me.
Dean Bostic is the former owner of Gunther's. It's unclear why he closed the pub, which he opened in 2007.
Nice! This is exciting news! I am sure Flan and Pollack will make this establishment a success. I would imagine that some of the regular Cornerstone crowd will make its way to Flanary's and make this place enjoyable.
Any word on what sort of sports media they will show? The one thing that I love about Annie Moore's is that they always have an EPL (English Premier League soccer) match on. I would love it if Flanary's adopted the same atmosphere.
Bryan
Comment by Bryan — January 7, 2009 @ 10:08 am
This is great news!
I think that those of us who enjoyed, and very much miss, the old Kara O'Caens are excited and hopeful that Flanary's will be similar in feel, in ambience, and have similar food. I miss the Shepard's pie and the very authentically presented Guinness beer (ice cold and improperly poured Guinness is not acceptable).
Sorry, but Annie Moore's is a very, very poor attempt at an Irish Pub. It has about as much feel of a real pub as a McDonald's, and the food doesn't make it. Also, this is the U.S., so I hope Flanary's doesn't get too fake and keep Soccer on the TVs since almost no is interested (this is the only exception I allow for in an authentic pub) and it adds nothing to the pub feel.
Comment by ShutEyeThinkin — January 8, 2009 @ 7:24 am
If they're going to have TVs at all, I'd rather have them showing sports than news. And if they're going to have sports, they should at least have soccer available for those who want or expect it. For one thing, it might help draw in a few Irish or UK ex-pats, which does enhance the pub feel in my experience.
On the other hand, I wouldn't want them to insist on showing soccer when patrons want to watch other sports. And obviously if no one ever requests soccer matches, they might eventually phase it out.
And yes, good Guinness is a must! Appropriate glasses are important, too. They don't have to say "Guinness" or anything, but they should be the right shape and style (and ideally the right size as well).
Comment by MarkR — January 8, 2009 @ 11:45 am
I wasn't implying that soccer and only soccer should be playing at Flanary's, but it would be nice to have a place to have some pints and watch a bigtime match. There are more soccer fans out there than you think "Shuteye". We are out there and we love it!
Bryan
Comment by Bryan — January 8, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
As a former patron of Sgt. Pepper's, Kara's, and O'Darby's, I am very excited about the opening of Flanary's. I look forward to great Guinness, great food, and great conversation. I feel confident that Flanary's will be far more pub-like than Annie Moore's.
Comment by Wanda Carter — January 8, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
I miss the old Kara O'Kanes - they used to have a nice sandwich that was huge for a very decent price.. and i would love to see some beers on tap that others dont have on around here too.. Not thats it is Irish.. but Heniken on tap would be nice.
I am not into the "fake irish" that many pubs try to do.. There is one up in Falls Church,Va that has some irish food.. some american.. but they do have the tradional (non-machine) trivia games.. those are good times.
Heres to Flanerys being a success - and somewhat authentic..
Comment by Scott — January 8, 2009 @ 5:08 pm