MP tunes into the vibe at Johnny’s
IT’S ALL GO, JOHNNY GO! AT QUEENS ROAD BAR
Johnny’s Bar in Queens Road is an “excellent place to go” with a “vibrant atmosphere” says Watford’s MP Matt Turmaine.
Co-owner Tim Reynolds invited Mr Turmaine along to visit after being inspired by the government’s drive to convert disused shops back into use and reinvigorate town centres.
Friends and business partners Mr Reynolds and John Verlander took over derelict premises at 94-96 Queens Road which John then renovated with the help of free labour from friends and supporters. This culminated in Johnny’s Bar opening last year and hosting live music. “The bar has a vibe and is a veritable music emporium – the antithesis of Wetherspoons,” said Tim Reynolds.
Mr Turmaine toured the venue which also houses a vinyl record and guitar shop run by Neil Shannon, former owner of the Wacky Barber in Market Street prior to closure.
“I was really pleased to see Matt and show him how we’ve launched three separate, independent businesses from here, creating real jobs and even a new career path for new entrants,” enthused Tim Reynolds.
“We are proud to be an independent venue for independently-minded people and would like to thank all our great customers for helping us reach our first anniversary in September,” said John Verlander.
“It is an excellent place to go and well located in the centre of town. There’s a vibrant atmosphere and an intimate basement incorporating a stage for live music. They hold ‘open mike nights’ and there is plenty of interesting music memorabilia on the walls. It just shows what can be done with redundant properties,” said Matt Turmaine.
The government’s High Street Rental Auctions roll out allows councils to put properties up for auction that have been empty for more than 365 days in a 24-month period, for a one-to-five-year lease, reinvigorating town centres and “giving local businesses the backing they need to thrive,” said Mr Turmaine.
Ends
Further details:
Steve Cox, Press and PR Officer
Matt Turmaine MP for Watford
07425 605735
Photo credits: Matt Turmaine MP
