We're dropping the Wilde

(JB) Customers to Oscar Wilde's pub in the Grund should expect to see some dramatic changes to the cosy little venue in the coming weeks.

As well as undergoing a full make-over, the bar is to drop a word from its name to become Oscar's.

“We're going to drop the Wilde, and just call it Oscar's. That's probably the biggest change,” said Dane Henrik Jenson, one of the bar's four new owners.

Henrik, Tim Probyn (English), Sergio Costa (Portuguese) and Balazs Hajdu (Hungarian) are the driving force behind the renovation. They took over managing the premises on November 1.

And the business partners are no strangers to the food and drinks industry, having been involved in the running of Soul Kitchen (formerly the Point), in Hollerich and pool bars Q42 and Q45. But, this is the first time they have gone the other side of a traditional “pub”.

Tim Probyn, who has lived in Luxembourg for the last 21 years, explained: “Each of our venues is quite different. One of the reasons that we liked this place was because the Soul Kitchen is about loud music and late nights. I think this is a more family oriented place. It's about going out and talking to your friends.

"When you get to my age you don't need to be a party animal any more.”

In order to make the renovations, Oscar's will close from November 14 until its relaunch party on November 25.

For fans of the friendly atmosphere and good food, they should not be too concerned about the changes. Tim says he has no plans to create a “lounge bar” and they plan to keep the popular fish and chips on the menu.

However, with Henrik's carpentry skills, they plan to improve the look of the place, renovating the upstairs room for private functions and generally “cleaning up” the downstairs and improving the terrace. Henrik said: "There will be some big changes. Nothing structural but, I suspect people won't recognise the place!”

Oscar Wilde's, named after the famous Irish writer, has held its current name for the last nine years. Prior to that it was known as Am Haffchen.

Oscar's opening night relaunch will be held on November 25 from 7pm.