The Laurentian Room - Jan 7, 2005

http://www.geocities.com/salonnoir

Address: 51A Winchester St. (Enter through sidedoor and go upstairs)

The buzz was out for this one before the doors were even open - and it's only been open for a few months. Even so, my friends and I have managed to frequent The Laurentian Room several times.

This gorgeous space is an art deco bar/lounge that exudes class in the most unlikely of locations - above the Winchester Tavern in Cabbagetown. There’s history up that flight of stairs—the Laurentian Room was, back in the days of Al Capone, a ladies-and-escorts-only lounge. The size of the space is what surprises initially. A long, shiny bar (with drink options sandblasted on the mirrored glass behind) is the perfect place to scan the hip gay, lesbian, and straight crowd under a tall, glowing recessed ceiling.

Go early and it’s an excellent place to sip martini's cozied up in front of one of the 4 fireplaces; go late and it’s a great place to dance to the uptempo beats of special guest DJ's. You're likely to meet one or two of the four stylish and amicable owners mingling with the crowd. One can start their night, or end their night at the Laurentian Room all by your lonesome with the feeling that you are amongst friends.

Scale of 0-10 (10 being the best)
Music - 91/2 People - 9 Ambiance - 91/2 Love factor - 9