Pointe-Claire Pub Saying Goodbye
Clydes Restaurant and Pub to Close Doors at End of Month
The faithful patrons of Clydes Restaurant and Pub in Pointe-Claire will have to find another place for a beer, warm meal and local music. Come December, the pub’s owners have announced they will not be renewing the lease.
Clydes first opened its doors to the public in January of 1995, and with its pub-style food and live local music, quickly became the go-to watering hole in Pointe-Claire.
“It’s evolved into a real community place, which is kind of what we hoped for when we started,” said Matthew Stephens, one of the restaurant operators. “We still have the business plan that we did back in 1994, and if we go back to it, we’re pretty close.”
During the Ice Storm of 1998, which saw most of Montreal lose electricity for several days, Clydes was one of the few places to retain power. It became a haven for nearby residents looking for a hot meal and a comforting environment.
In their early years, Stephens admitted that the pub was trying to get bigger bands to play on its stage. But one of Clydes’ most popular aspects is its support for local music.
“We found that the local bands were way better,” Stephens said. “Having local bands not only benefits the band [themselves], but our business and the community as well.”
Michael Abraham, lead guitarist of local band Static Kings, is disappointed that the pub is closing down.
“Clydes is extremely important for the local underground scene,” he explained. “It is one of the only places in the West Island that caters to young musicians.”
“It’s a great hangout, unlike any other bar in the West Island,” said Concordia student Andrew Rametta. “Clydes supports local bands and displays their talent for anyone to enjoy.”
This isn’t the end, though, for Clydes’ owners. They are currently in the process of setting up a new business, to tentatively open late next year. Depending on the location, there are doubts as to whether they would feature local bands.
“I think the main thing will still be the community connection,” Stephens said of the new business venture. “If it will be able to host live bands, that’s fantastic, but it’s more about making it a safe and fun place that everyone can enjoy once again.”
