A new Polish publican is bringing communities together with a toast – and a cool English pint.
Since Grzesiek (Greg) Wiglusz opened the Station Gates pub in Winsover Road four weeks ago, he says he is getting excellent feedback from all of his English and Polish punters.
He said: “It’s going really well. We have Polish and English using it – and they keep coming back which is the important thing.”
Greg is new to being a publican but he is enjoying the challenge. He moved to Spalding 12 years ago, at first working in the fields and factories and more recently running a cleaning business.
He said: “I decided to open a pub because a lot of Polish do not feel comfortable going in English pubs.
“I wanted to open one where all communities felt welcome and comfortable.
“Now all nationalities can get together and have a few beers. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and have a good time.”
After decorating throughout, the pub now has maroon and cream decor with cool blue lighting behind the bar, large pot plants in the corners, an 80-inch TV and a similar sized hand-painted eagle on the wall – the emblem of Poland.
Greg said he thought the English name was a nice spin on the long-gone rail network in Poland.
At the moment he has three Polish members of staff, but this could expand as there are plans to offer Polish and English food at a later date.
Euro draught beers on sale include Zywiec, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel, as well as Fosters and Guinness.
The pub is open on weekdays from 4pm to 11pm and at weekends from noon to 11pm.