Grub hears that Nic Ratner and Robert Morgan — the team behind East Village bars Shoolbred’s and Ninth Ward — are opening another nightspot, Kingston Hall, at the end of the week. Ratner tells us the theme is Jamaica in 1962: The country has just become independent and the vibe is still “British colonial, but with a sixties feel … not Bob Marley, more Ian Fleming,” he says. The upstairs space at 149 Second Avenue formerly housed Thai place Holy Basil; now it’s been made over to resemble a “Jamaican mansion that’s been taken over by sixties hipsters,” with two fireplaces and a pool table, Ratner tells us. Drinkswise, the house specialty will be rum, with a wide selection of the spirit and cocktails served in coconut shells, “but not like Trader Vic’s.” On the food menu: upscale pub grub with a Jamaican bent — think beef and chicken patties. Look for a Friday night opening.
