If you find yourself on edge after work on a weekday night there’s a new place to go — sort of. Club Edge has renovated an old space to give customers’ a fresh feel. These days, their former lounge area, where the stripper platform used to be, looks a bit more like a pub.
The new digs are equipped with a pool table, gaming machines and topped off with ’70s-style rumpus room faux-wood panelling.
With the new look comes new hours, with the Edge Pub now opened weekday afternoons and evenings.
Pub manager Jim Miller was approached by Edge owner Donovan Olexy to run the new addition to the Edge family of businesses, which include Club Edge and the Edge bathhouse.
“He approached me because I have been in the pub business for years,” says Miller. “It’s a little different for the community. It’s a pub atmosphere; like a Peel Pub in Montreal kind of look. It’s made to be a kind of alternative bar because we have both straight and gay clientele.”
The pub was packed on opening night, Mar 31. It hosted Ottawa’s favorite karaoke team Dog and Pony sound. Dog and Pony will remain a permanent fixture every Monday night.
Other additions include bathroom access directly from the pub, a big screen TV and draft on tap.
Patron Bill McLean says the new Edge Pub has a welcoming feel and reminds him of gay bars from Ottawa’s past.
“I feel very comfortable here; so far the clientele seem to be causal people who you know won’t cause any problems,” says McLean. “It reminds me of the old places like Bottom’s Up and VIP. It really doesn’t feel like you are in a basement.”
Miller encourages anybody looking for a good time on a mundane weeknight to come and check it out.
“We have both older and younger crowds coming out, no matter who you are, you are more then welcome to come and experience our pub set up,” says Miller.
Why you can trust Xtra
