Although I am in talks with a few potential new partners this is where we stand at the moment -Michael Adieu from Andy Poolhall September 1, 2014 It’s often said that all great things must come to an end. In this spirit, today we announce the closure of Andy Poolhall, the lounge, pool hall, dance bar and social spot long located at 489 College Street, in Toronto. Co-owners and life partners Michael Sweenie and Scott Lane launched Andy Poolhall in 2003. They had already opened Ciao Edie – a fun, friendly and absolutely unique neighbourhood lounge and bar – at 489 College in 1998. Open at a very different time in College Street’s social history, Ciao was known for its ‘60s inspired décor, stellar cocktails, and incredibly diverse sounds and crowds. Sundays were long infamous for Here Kitty Kitty, a queer women’s social that ran for the better part of a decade, while the UKULA crew brought a fresh take on Brit pop and indie rock to Fridays. Ciao also featured a range of DJs from CKLN radio, including Curtis Smith, Sassa’le, Abacus and Switch, along with a wide range of other fresh local talents. When Andy Poolhall opened in the considerably larger space beside Ciao Edie in 2003, it expanded on its success, took the artful, bright 1960s and ‘70s modernist aesthetic inspired by Andy Warhol to a whole new, red-soaked level, and furthered the owners’ commitment to interesting music and open-minded audiences. Andy Poolhall and Ciao Edie were combined into one sizable, stylized space in 2007. While Andy will be remembered for its unique aesthetic, incredible furniture, and many paintings by Marc Sorozan, it was the people who populated Andy Poolhall that brought it to life. Andy’s incredible staff was a tight knit collection of friends and industry veterans; many of the people who worked there – be it at the bar, security or elsewhere - were at the venue for most of its history. Andys staff was colourful, vibrant and professional. From mixing specialty drinks for the customers they came to know by name to the courteous, friendly vibe of the security team, they helped make Andy Poolhall a cool, welcoming spot for all to enjoy. Michael and Scott thank them deeply for all that they brought to Andy Poolhall. Andy Poolhall will, of course, also be remembered for the music that bounced from its speakers. Over the course of 11 years, hundreds of DJs mixed sounds ranging from hip-hop to house, electro to dub and disco, breaks to moombahton. The names are too many to mention, but resident nights such as Synchro, Fascination, UKULA, Savour, Cherry Bomb, Version Xcursion, Beatdown, Major Rager, Turbo, Unwound Wednesdays, Air Horns, Get Slayed , Big City Nights and the B-Boy & B-Girl Tuesdays hosted by Benzo D will be remembered for entertaining enthusiastic audiences while also debuting fresh new (or long buried) tunes. Above all, Andy Poolhall has been a venue for all people who love great people, music, service, décor and variety. 2014 was a year of change for Michael and Scott, both of whom have been involved in the restaurant and entertainment industry since the late 1970s. After 38 years together, the two were married this past July. Both have also faced a major health scare, with Scott currently undergoing treatments for cancer. This helped make clear that it is time for the two to move on to other projects. After decades in the industry, the two are in need of change, new challenges and new adventures. They appreciate everyone who contributed to the nearly 16-year-adventure that has been Ciao Edie and Andy Poolhall. Thank you for the many wild nights, and great times had together! ~ written by Denise Benson, co-producer/resident DJ at Synchro, Savour, Cherry Bomb
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 16:42:58 +0000
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