A classic cocktail bar in Vancouver is closing after 47 years of being in business.
The Bayside Lounge has been a West End staple, supporting local musicians and artists and welcoming visitors from around the world.
“When I found out we were closing, firstly, just pure shock,” general manager Danica Walker told Global News.
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“I think a lot of people thought this place would be here forever and it’s been devastating.”
A petition to save the lounge has been launched online, saying rising rental costs and redevelopment pressures are forcing the business to close.
Creator David Millington said the goal of the petition is to show the owner of the building that there is lots of community interest in keeping the Bayside open so they will reconsider the lease agreement.
In a social media post, lounge staff invite anyone to come for one last drink and make a memory before it closes.
It’s nothing to do with cost, bayside wasn’t even offered a new lease price wasn’t an issue, the lease was given to a different company without bayside even being given an oppertunity.
So sad, what a wonderful place. I lost my dignity many times here 🤣 over the years
I met my last 3 boyfriends there. RIP Bayside Lounge
GREED WILL CLOSE EVERYTHING EVENTUALLY
Great spot, had many night here with my girlfriends in our younger years. It’s really unforunate to see Vancouver losing its classic heritage, charm and unique spots for franchises and corporate boringness. Really sad.
Strange comment section. They say to slow down. You are posting too quickly when I haven’t even commented yet!
Please disclose the real reason this iconic bar is closing. You missed the major detail that although high lease costs are often the issues with many establishments in vancouver, the bayside lounge wasn’t OFFERED a chance to renew as the building owner already made a deal w the adjacent restaurant lucky sushi and offered them the lease for a new wine bar.
Community establishments like this are SO rare but it’s not just luck that has kept the Bayside Lounge alive for almost 5 decades, it’s because they truly understand the community who lives in the West end . It’s an along rainy winter , and somehow the bayside is the place that continues year after year. Please sign the petition and hopefully the community can get the attention of the building owner and have the decision reversed. For the sake of preserving the last of vancouver history, please save the Bayside Lounge.
Been going there since 1981. Vancouver doesn’t care about its heritage. It’s become a soulless city that only cares about money. What a shame to lose this gem.
Took many a first date there. Chicks loved it and was usually a good closer.