Re: Blethering Place closing, to be replaced by bistro

elle

Posted on 1/30/11

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On 12/30/10, Nick wrote:
> Patterned tablecloths and lace curtains will be taken out
> of the Blethering Place Tea Room and Restaurant -- a 35-
> year-old Oak Bay institution -- when it closes to make way
> for a new bistro.
>
> Ken Agate, who bought and expanded the existing Blethering
> Place in 1981, is shutting down his restaurant, known for
> its English-style food and decor, on Jan. 30. Agate is
> ending with a celebration of Waitangi Day, a national
> holiday in his native New Zealand.
>
> New owners Bart Reed and Petr Prusa are aiming to spend a
> month renovating the leased space to transform it into the
> Oak Bay Bistro, featuring a chef from the renowned
> Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. Prusa is an owner of Floyd's
> Diner and Reed is a partner in the Mocha House, the Beagle
> Pub, and Island Meat and Seafood, all in Cook Street
> Village.
>
> Like the Blethering Place, the bistro will open for
> breakfast. Reed expects it will have longer operating
> hours, closing at midnight. The hope is to open March 1.
>
> For Agate, 66, the sale allows him to turn to another
> chapter in his life. After the doors close, he's going to
> take a few weeks to decide what's next, saying he doesn't
> like the idea of retirement. Agate has retained the rights
> to the Blethering Place name. He also vows to continue
> heading up the popular Blethering Place Car Show, set for
> Aug. 14 along Oak Bay Avenue.
>
> Despite economic ups and downs, "we have been profitable
> the whole time," Agate said.
>
> Under pictures of Queen Elizabeth and Winston Churchill,
> customers show up for afternoon tea, and traditional fare
> such as roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, steak-and-kidney
> pie, sticky toffee pudding, all-day breakfast, and live
> music. There's no minimum charge and some customers even
> bring their own tea bags, Agate said.
>
> He estimates customers have made 3.5 million visits over
> the years to the restaurant, where regulars chat with each
> other and know the staff well. Locals and tourists,
> including tour groups, all come to the Blethering Place.
>
> This is where the local Monarchist League has held teas and
> the place that news organizations across the country call
> to get reaction to events such as the late Queen Mother
> celebrating her 100th birthday.
>
> "We've got a wonderful culture," Agate said, adding the
> goal is to "welcome everybody" with special attention given
> to older customers.
>
> In addition to running the Blethering Place, Agate is a co-
> founder of Tourism Oak Bay.
>
> Server Candice Carruthers recalls finding $1,000 cash in an
> envelope at her home a few years ago when she was off work
> because of illness. No one ever admitted to helping her
> out, but she's sure the money came from a group of
> gentlemen customers at the Blethering Place.
>
> It's not clear who is going to miss the Blethering Place
> the most. Agate lives on the upper floor above the
> restaurant but will be moving out. "My whole life is tied
> up in these walls," he said. "I feel guilty almost. I feel
> like the vicar that deserts the church."
>
> Co-manager Joan Stein said, "We have so many special
> customers." She used to be one, until one day 20 years ago,
> she started clearing a table and joined the staff.
>
> Scotty Gardiner, Doug Henderson, and Dr. Michael Cooper
> meet every Wednesday at 10 a.m., along with other friends,
> for coffee at the Blethering Place. Gardiner has restored
> every one of the restaurant's 138 wooden chairs and will be
> leading the Robbie Burns supper for the 10th time on Jan.
> 25.
>
> Agate has led community events to raise money to help a
> child who needed specialized surgery, for guide dogs, and
> for environmental causes. Every year the Blethering Place
> has hosted a Christmas feast for those in need, whether
> they are homeless or alone. "Really, I think I get more out
> of it than them," said Agate.
>
> He is planning to help the 18 staff members find new jobs.
>
> As for the future, Reed said the new owners plan to install
> a bar and create a slightly eclectic but comfortable
> environment with the permitted 136 seats.
>
> The foyer, now a gift shop, will feature high-top tables
> and bar stools creating more of a lounge area, allowing
> customers to drop in for a drink and snack, as well as a
> meal if they wish, he said.
>
> "In my mind, it is one of the premium locations in
> Victoria."
>
> Reed favours local, organic food and said the menu will not
> be as large. Chef John Waller has been dazzling the owners
> with his creations already.
>
> Oak Bay has been called the place behind the tweed curtain.
> But Reed disagrees with those who see Oak Bay as stodgy,
> saying he hopes the bistro will "make things a little bit
> more fun."
>
> Oak Bay Mayor Christopher Causton said that while the
> Blethering Place has been a draw for visitors, the village
> as a whole has become a destination. "Ken has been a really
> good owner there and has been a good corporate supporter."
>
> Causton welcomes the bistro, saying it will bring more
> people to the village in the evening.

My husband and I travel to the Blethering Place for the
atmosphere and entertainment supplied by Ken, and his staff.
Ken is a gentleman and a superb host. We have never had, nor
did we need a drink while there. The BP is a place for
seniors to gather to enjoy the company of other seniors, have
a homecooked type meal and the fabulous entertainment. I
cannot imagine those same people coming to a bistro for the
food or the drink. It certainly could never be MORE FUN!
Good Luck to Ken and his staff and we anticipate you opening
another BP in another local.
>
>
>

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