The Nic’s manager Gerry Shields.
Camera IconThe Nic’s manager Gerry Shields. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Big plans for small bar buzz in Shenton Park

Erienne Lette, Western Suburbs WeeklyWestern Suburbs Weekly

Martin Shields bought The Nic, formally The Suite, with good friend Jim Anderson in February, rescuing it from liquidation.

Mr Shields already owns popular small bar The Stanley, which his son also manages.

Martin said he was passionate about pushing the idea of the local bar.

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‘We really want to satisfy the needs of the community,’ he said.

‘Obviously the reputation’s not great at the moment but we want to bring it back for them, the community.’

Gerry Shields has been involved in bars since he was 18.

The 35-year-old said while the bar’s reputation ‘is not great,’ he was confident they could bring it back.

‘The key ingredient is the customers so whoever they are, that’s what we’ll cater to,’ Mr Shields said.

‘The previous owners did not serve people under age 21 or allow pets in the bar, whereas we will cater for the whole family.’

At last week’s City of Subiaco development services committee meeting, councillors agreed to change the use of the premises next door from shop to small bar, allowing the small bar to expand.

Mr Shields said he was drafting plans to submit for council with their vision for the bar’s expansion.

‘People need to be able to sit in comfort,’ he said.