A new bar and lounge has opened in downtown Amherstburg.
The Hole in the Wall has re-opened as a new bar and lounge, complete with food service, and it operates in the event space above the River Bookshop.
While maintaining the 1920’s atmosphere that it has when it opened as an event space, the new Hole in the Wall has added a bar, additional furnishings and art, and a full kitchen.
The grand opening was last Friday night with master sommelier Jennifer Huether on hand serving hand-picked wines while members of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) performed. Huether is the only woman master sommelier in Canada.
Owned by Richard and Colleen Peddie, Richard noted some of the artwork is from the famed Group of Seven, while local historical photography is on the walls leading up to the establishment.
Richard pointed out there have been over 250 events hosted in the Hole in the Wall but a common comment they heard was about making it into a bar. The concept was tested during the TRUE Festival, and they decided to go forward. He added they try to create businesses not already in Amherstburg and believe they have done it with the new Hole in the Wall.
“We want to make wine our point of difference,” he said.
There are over 500 bottles of wine on hand with it coming from all over the world. Richard calls it the “most robust” selection of wine anywhere in the area.
“It’s unique,” he said. “It’s all picked by a master sommelier.”
The Hole in the Wall presents an “intimate and quaint” atmosphere people can go to late in the evenings to enjoy the wine and cuisine, with Richard noting there will be themed events as well. Those will include such events as poetry nights with Marty Gervais, Rumrunners nights, movie nights and more. They plan a showing of “Die Hard” during the Christmas season. He said they are also trying to team with other local businesses on events.
The upstairs space will still be used for book clubs, author events and to be rented for such things as weddings and parties.
Rosemary Skinner noted the establishment features “an elevated wine list” with meals with fresh ingredients. Chef Enzo Mancuso added they offer dishes that can be enjoyed individually or shared among groups.
Reservations are recommended as the Hole in the Wall seats about 40 people. Richard said they are trying to make it a destination for people in the region.
Reservations can be made through the Tock reservation site or through www.theholeinthewall.ca.
For more information, call 519-736-9492 or e-mail zelda@theholeinthewall.ca.
By RTT Staff