Verant Group moves into downtown

Barleymash restaurant and Ginger’s lounge set to open in Gaslamp Quarter

By Kai Oliver-Kurtin | Downtown News

Setting up shop in the previous Whiskey Girl location on Fifth Avenue and Market Street, Barleymash and its adjoining lounge, Ginger’s, will open their doors later this month. Ginger’s will be located below street level; both locations are at 600 Fifth Ave.

“With over 30 handcrafted beers on tap, the Barleymash concept is a reflection of what San Diego is embracing,” said Eric Lingenfelder, a partner at the Verant Group.

For the past five years, the Verant Group has been watching and waiting for a space in the Gaslamp Quarter that fit with their vision. The opportunity presented itself when the Whiskey Girl’s building lease ended.

The partners are also the entrepreneurs behind West Coast Tavern and True North Tavern in North Park; Offshore Tavern and Grill in Bay Park; Sandbar Sports Grill in Mission Beach; Tavern at the Beach and Brewley’s Pint in Pacific Beach; and The Tavern on Mill in Tempe, Ariz.

The Verant Group developed the name for Barleymash by referencing the barley found in beer and the mashing process used to create whiskey. The owners hired Matt Gordon of Urban Solace to help develop their menu and to establish beer and whiskey pairings for the food. They also brought in Chef Kevin Templeton from Austin, Texas, who has previous culinary ties to San Diego.

Barleymash will serve lunch and dinner during the week, with an added brunch menu on the weekends and will feature a DJ every night of the week. The restaurant will have two bars and open-air seating available as well. Much of the building’s 140-year-old foundation has been preserved and reused during construction to keep its original charm intact.

Alternately, Ginger’s will provide an upscale atmosphere, with a full martini bar, low-top seating and a lounge for more intimate conversation. Gin and vodka will be the true stars at Ginger’s, with music provided by DJs throughout the week to set the tone.

“We’re really looking forward to getting into the downtown community,” said Lingenfelder.

“With all our other establishments throughout the beach areas and residential neighborhoods, this really completes the circle,” he said, adding, “We’ve always based our business decisions on the industry clientele. This is something we think the locals will enjoy.”

Barleymash and Ginger’s will have soft openings in late March and a grand opening celebration featuring a band and guest DJ in April. For more information, visit barleymash.com and gingersgaslamp.com.