Day After Re-Launch, Lacey-Lou Tapas Lounge Forced to Close Broad Street Location

On June 1st we re-opened the doors to the lounge and had one of our most memorable evenings. This re-opening came after a 2-week hiatus, during which I worked to restructure the business to be able to overcome financial difficulties. The business was by now floating itself and had very promising events and partnerships that would have virtually guaranteed a successful next year. However, this debt restructuring process depended on the agreement of all our suppliers.

Unfortunately, one key supplier was not willing to participate in this process: shortly into the night a letter was delivered informing us that our landlord had not accepted our proposal and would expect us to vacate immediately. It is within their right to do so and we were forced to close the doors of this location.

Please let me tell you what happened and why – and what the future may hold for Lacey-Lou!

Those of you who were working with us, including artists, supplier and contributors, please read on to find out the immediate arrangements.

In the last year, we learned that with a lot of persistence, passion and collaboration we could generally move forward through what to many seemed impossible. We began our adventure with renovations that ran us double the cost and triple the time expected. Recovering from this wasn’t going to be easy. We had a plan.

At our re-launch on June 1, the stage was open to the public, and musicians, poets and comedians came together to bring us the most organic and fun night of entertainment and laughter. It was impossible not feel the camaraderie and joy in the space. That night the lounge was run with 6 volunteer staff members and so many friends. Everyone was there because they wanted to be, and you would have been hard pressed to find a single of the nearly 100 people without a smile on their face. It was inspirational and felt exactly how Lacey-Lou was always meant to be – an inspiring cultural hub that feels like home to everybody.

The business’ location was in a building donated to the University of Victoria by Michael Williams. Michael, who founded Swans hotel, was a huge advocate for the arts (he also donated one of Canada’s most extensive art collection to the university) and wished to see his buildings best serve Victoria’s community. Several of his former friends and colleagues said he would have been over the moon to see what Lacey-Lou had brought to the downtown core, in one of his own buildings.

The forced closure of this fantastic location is a huge set back. Disappointed feels too soft a word to explain how we feel; we are heartbroken. I would like to personally assure each and every one of you that our efforts to re-open were sincere and committed. You gave us your trust, your cooperation, your time and your contributions to our campaigns. Please be assured that every contribution was used to allow us to re-open and to make a realistic proposal to our suppliers and landlord. At this point, without a location, we are obtaining professional and legal advice on what our next steps need to be.

What’s next?

With over 550 performances in our first year alone, it is evident that a space such as Lacey-Lou is much needed in the community. Weekly poetry nights, jazz jams, monthly flamenco and hip hop – everyone was drawn to the space. And it was more than just performance; we served local and fresh food, wonderful local brew and island wine. Lacey-Lou’s hosted countless fundraisers, whether it be for an individual’s cancer treatment, environmental causes, or for local music festivals. The lounge also accommodated university student groups, alternative lifestyle groups, government workers bringing art into the workplace, and local business and networking associations.

Despite the loss of the location, we at Lacey-Lou’s believe in the vision. We are determined to keep alive the amazing community that has been created. Other businesses generously offered their space to hold cultural events that would combine poetry, music, dance, and more to showcase the abundance of local talent in Victoria. It is clear that there is a need and desire to continue bringing people together for cultural events that bring life to the city and inspire creativity. Opportunities of alternative ways of continuing Lacey-Lou’s are already forming. Stay tuned!

We apologize from the bottom of our hearts to the many who will be let down by this news.

A note to current artists: All artwork has been removed from the premises and is safely stored. Please collaborate with Natasha and Amelia in regards to pick up or delivery. We will contact you with details.