Edge lounge reinvented as weekday pub

Bye-bye, stripper stage

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.

Algonquin College journalism grad. Podcaster @qqcpod.

Read More About:
Culture, Travel, News, Nightlife, Ottawa

Keep Reading

Six members of the Rideau Speedeaus hold a sign with the league's name on it in front of a pool

Queer sports leagues offer safety and joy

Recreational sports leagues across Canada are offering LGBTQ2S+ people something essential: the freedom to just show up and play
The cover of 'I Remember Lights'; Ben Ladouceur

‘I Remember Lights’ is a time machine trip to Montreal’s gay past

Ben Ladouceur’s rigorously researched new novel is romantic, harrowing and transportive
A black and white photo of speakers at a rally; a sign that says "Love and Let Love" hangs behind them

‘Parade’ invites us to embrace queer history to tackle the present

Noam Gonick’s new documentary turns the spotlight on Canada’s long-overlooked LGBTQ2S+ activists to tell their stories
Countess Luann holding a microphone

Countess Luann on cabaret superstardom, Kenya Moore and life after ‘The Real Housewives’

“Elegance is learned, my friends,” and the Countess’s class is in session