First Look: The Addisons Residence

Vv Magazine’s Alexandra Grigorescu visits Wellington St.’s latest hangout spot, The Addisons Residence, for a first look. 

The just-opened Addisons Residence is built on a great premise.

There’s this family—the eponymous Addisons—who are “rarely around, but their presence is always felt, and their hospitality’s always appreciated.” They look as though they sleep in sweater sets and frequent polo matches. They wear matching pink shirts, with crisp collars. They hold hands, half-embrace, and might blink in pleasant confusion if asked what sadness is.

Their smiles gleam from the portraits that line the walls of this new concept bar, but—surprise, surprise—they don’t actually exist.

Rather, they’re the fictional owners of this new Wellington St. hangout spot that’s a near-perfect incarnation of what you’d imagine their beachfront bungalow to be. The bar is designed to be warm, approachable, and convivial, much like your best friend’s place. Sako Dekirmendjian (EFS), a partner in the venture, says that the vision for the space was “a 1980’s Beverly Hills home.” Think ocean hues, lush potted ferns throughout, and prints that scream tastefully-executed Malibu.

There’s no signage to announce the space at 456 Wellington Street, just a house number. From the sidewalk, it’s an unassuming bungalow with trimmed (faux) green hedges, a large black door, and a doormat that rather adorably declares “The neighbors have better stuff.” It’s hard to believe it’s taken over the former C Lounge space.

Inside, you’ll find a front foyer with white-and-black checkered floor, and a large gilded mirror (all the better to primp before entering). After that, it’s a winding road from the front of the house, through the large kitchen, into the living room, and finally into the rec room.

Every detail has been meticulously thought out—from the bookcases filled with books and board games, to the retro furniture, to the long kitchen island that doubles as a bar—and they are the immaculate work of Lisa Ho (EFS, previously of Yabu Pushelberg).

Much like a friend’s house, you can get lost on your way to the bathroom, studying the mix of personal (fake!) photos and curated art photography on the walls. You might even be moved to pop open a drawer and make sure there’s not a perfectly folded cardigan hiding there (we don’t judge).

The rec room features shuffleboard, foosball and bubble hockey with two more arcade machines coming soon, plenty of standing room and plush seating, more TVs, and yet another bar. Through the windows here, you can scan the backyard/patio space which is still in development, but will feature communal seating, cabanas, and yes, one more bar. That’s four bars, for those keeping track. There are even rumours of a future pool—because the Addisons just have to have the best of everything.

The bar program, which is spearheaded by Ryan Smyth (Director of Operations for Toronto’s John Doe Group), boasts beer, wine, drink specials before 10 p.m., as well as cocktails.

If you’re feeling quite at your leisure, benefit from the cart service which will circulate throughout the living room area and whip up cocktails on the spot. Conversely, the kitchen serves up a punch bowl program—The White Strawberry Sangria (with white wine, Bacardi white rum, and strawberry lemonade) sounds like a guaranteed summer thirst-quencher.

The Addisons Residence’s food partners are The Food Dudes, with the food rolling out in the next few weeks. Expect elevated bar fare, with necessary staples such as pizza, nachos, and fried chicken available until midnight. Oh, and it will most likely steer towards finger food thanks to the layout of the space.

There’s no cover at The Addisons, but there is live music, DJ nights, and a slew of wall-mounted big screen TVs that will mostly stream sports. Nobody would fault you if you actually started to get a bit too comfortable in front of the game, over a beer and some fried chicken, but maybe don’t put your feet up—after all, you are a guest of the Addisons.

The Addisons Residence opened Friday, July 24, and will be open Wednesday to Friday, 5 p.m. to late, and Saturday from 7 p.m. to late. As soon as the patio is ready, they’ll also be open on Sundays from 5 p.m., and plan to be open on Tuesdays in the wintertime.

Related Link: AG Macarons

Are you excited to visit The Addisons Residence? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.