After months of anticipation, The Wobbly Whale is set to surface in St. Augustine.
The European-style brewpub and beer garden along U.S. 1 will officially begin doling out drafts on Oct. 4, following a packed soft opening this past weekend, owners Sean and Ashley Hassan announced.
“This journey has been a long one, taking a lot more effort than we ever anticipated, especially as first-time restaurant owners,” they told The Citizen. “However, the excitement from our community has kept us going, and we are incredibly eager to embark on this new chapter and create a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy themselves.”
The Jacksonville natives purchased the property from the former owners of the Kings Head British Pub, an Anglocentric beer-and-bangers mainstay that presided over the location for decades before finally hanging a for-sale sign.
With help from their kids, friends, and extended family, the Hassans reimagined the space in recent months—while preserving some of the pub’s well-worn charm.
A longtime beer buff, Sean Hassan told The Citizen that he aimed to evoke the convivial, rustic spirit of European beer emporiums at the location, which features a lush grassy expanse ideal for picnic benches and al fresco quaffing.
As they head towards the big day, the Hassans will host a limited number of guests for two more preview days this weekend, and you can request to secure your stool by emailing [email protected].
While The Citizen did spot a Miller Lite tap, specialty brews, both foreign and domestic, will be the Whale’s wheelhouse, Sean pledged.
The venture will also mark its opening with free samples from wooden barrels.
“Initially, we will have a small menu and you can look forward to a great burger or delicious fish and chips,” they said.
Well-wishers streamed into the newly christened space Saturday as Sean pulled pints and Ashley zigzagged between crowded tables.
Thirsty patrons clinked sloshing steins and tore off hunks of oversized pretzels, while curious drivers slowed down to glimpse the commotion.
The Hassans say their vision for The Wobbly Whale is part revival, part reinvention—blending Old World charm with a fresh, family-driven energy.
From the start, they sought to engage the community—inviting locals to vote on the name from a shortlist of contenders.
The Whale won out—and is set to make a splash in just a few short weeks.
