Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago · 2 min. reading time · 0 ·

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Surrender to the places that seduce you...

Surrender to the places that seduce you...

Easily missed from the main street if you are not looking carefully; its only marker is a Carlsberg beer sign high over the alcove to the entrance. If not for the neon OPEN sign and THE HOLE IN THE WALL  embossed in gold on a window tucked back in the shadows, you would not know it is there. It may seem you should go down the stairs but don't - That is not the way in.

2c7dcef4.jpgInside, the space is narrow and long, with the bar along one wall. There is a rustic feel to the space with the wooden floor, the brickwork walls, and the back lit stained glass over the bar; all complimented by the eclectic style of the booths, the art on the wall, and the music in the background... there is a warmth that invites you to take a seat and sample the many craft beers, try the cocktails they can make or enjoy the food they offer - An oddly familiar sensation of being in a speakeasy takes hold; a bygone era that with a little imagination becomes real. 

The people come in waves, leaving the bar empty one moment and full the next. Standing room only on a Friday or Saturday night with live music filling the air, only ever escaping into the street when the door is opened.

It is a place I keep returning to (alone or with friends), as if being seduced by a forbidden lover. 

I would not go so far as to say I am a "regular" but there was one time my beer was poured and in front of me as I sat down; a brown ale called 10w30 from a local craft brewery. It is my beer of choice, Woodford Reserve is my bourbon of choice, and an incredible bacon cheeseburger is my default for food. 

It is curious how a place can seize you and create a connection never to be forgotten; The Village Kitchen and Pie Shoppe in California, the Ranstead Room in Philadelphia, the Hotel de la Montagne bar in Montreal*, and now The Hole In The Wall - I will carry them with me always. These places spur on the human condition I suppose... they give us a place to savour all of our senses, be a voyeur or an exhibitionist, remain solitary or be social, and allow for engagement in the conversations that bring us together. 

They whisper your name, forever calling you like a great love, "Come join me, I am waiting. We have much to talk about."

Surrender to the seduction, but don't pick just any place.

iamgpe 

* I almost broke down and cried when I heard they demolished the Hotel de la Montagne. The bar in the lobby was truly one of a kind. 


"
#HOLE #Hotel de #Montagne #WALL #Carlsberg
Comments

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #22

Where is Jim Brown when you need him Lisa Gallagher ? lol

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #21

#20
Thanks for your comment Nicholas Fester. I hear you about so many little places calling... what I have found there is always one that calls just a little more "seductively". lol

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #20

#14
LOL, we are Cleveland fans Graham Edwards. My husband and I both grew up in Ohio. At least the Cavs pulled it off this year, FINALLY after years!!! Now, we shall see about our Browns?? That would be a miracle.

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #19

#18
Thanks for the note Mamen Delgado. You are right... it does sound musical. Cheers!

Mamen 🐝 Delgado

7 years ago #18

No wonder Graham Edwards that place makes you feel that way with such a musical name, "The Hole in the Wall" ( it reminds me "The Hole on the Moon"). ;) Great feelings! Cheers!!!!

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #17

#10
This is fantastic! I will join for sure.

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #16

#6
Thanks for the comment Sara Jacobovici. I think it is something about the 20's that has captured my imagination. I'm not proud of it but at the Hotel de la Montagne I drank eight martinis... in the middle of our gin drinking adventure the bartender tried to switch gin on us and we made such a fuss. He was surprised, apologized and corrected the slight. Only in Montreal can you have this kind of fun! : )

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #15

#4
Thanks very much David Grinberg

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #14

#3
Thanks very much for the comment Lisa Gallagher. Travel safely and enjoy Pittsburgh... I will have to admit I'm a Philly fan : )

Kevin Pashuk

7 years ago #13

#11
... and sometimes, all you get is the buzz.

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #12

#2
Thanks for the comment Randy Keho. I will admit I did feel very special when the beer hit the bar the same time I hit the stool. No one screamed out "Norm" but it was special none the less.

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #11

#1
Thanks for the comment Kevin Pashuk. You are right the best conversations come out of these special places; and sometimes a buzz topic.

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #10

#9
Done! Hope you like it Lisa Gallagher. https://www.bebee.com/producer/@sara-jacobovici/where-everyone-knows-your-name

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #9

#8
Great Sara Jacobovici, let me know!

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #8

#7
On my way Lisa Gallagher. Will post asap. Thanks for the encouragement.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #7

#5
I like that idea Sara Jacobovici! I find that a catchy first word for those searching help. Maybe something like - "Foodies Where everyone knows your name." Or "Pubs" or "Travel, hidden gems, where everybody knows your name." I bet you can come up with a better one than me. I love the Cheers theme. Do it, I will join!!

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #6

Thanks Graham Edwards for taking me back to a couple of spots of mine. (As a former Montrealer, I share in your loss). Although I lived in Toronto for many years, the closest I got to The Hole in the Wall was drooling over the description/review in the newspaper. Now I know I have to go there on my next visit! I just want to share that your Buzz came across for me almost like a description from a "film noir". Nice style for conveying this story.

Sara Jacobovici

7 years ago #5

#3
Nice idea for the Hive Lisa Gallagher. One name that came to mind (on a lighter side) is "Where everyone know's your name."

David B. Grinberg

7 years ago #4

Nice storytelling Graham Edwards, I can hear the buzzing now!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #3

You made this a very seducing article Graham Edwards! There is something to be said about places which keep drawing us back. We had a special place in my home town which drew in people for their good spirits, food but most importantly, the people. You could walk into Shenanigan's knowing you'd see at least 5 people you knew. It was one place I didn't feel uncomfortable walking into alone. It would be fun to have a hive which highlights all the wonderful places people love to drink or eat at, not just for the food but the ambiance of it's surroundings (the energy). We are headed to Pittsburgh next week, and we have a favorite Tapas bar we love to hit when there. I will have to take some photos- it's unique and I don't think many know about it except for the locals! By the way, Shenanigans closed down too and I know that sad feeling!

Randy Keho

7 years ago #2

There's nothing like having your drink of choice waiting for you on the bar by the time you reach your stool. It just makes you feel like you're among friends.

Kevin Pashuk

7 years ago #1

These are the kinds of places Graham Edwards, that produce the best conversations with good friends, once good beverages (Bourbon or Beer), and burgers are added.

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