Benjamin Zephania takes a turn at the microphone on 'Poetry Night' at Weekenz. EIGHTY CONSTANT Spring Road (a.k.a. across from Priscilla's) is now the home of an interesting combination. The complex features a bar and bistro and a furniture store. Both organisations, the Weekenz Bistro and Bar and Phoenix Originals are run by Beverley Dunkley.
She noted that when she first took over the space, she had not intended to have the bistro and bar. However, since the owners of Harry's Bar had moved out and the equipment was being sold, she decided to have both projects housed on the complex.
What it therefore means is that after shopping for wrought iron furniture and/or art from Phoenix, persons can relax at the bar and have a quiet drink or meal.
Phoenix Originals offers a plethora of items that can furnish every room of the home in some interesting colours. Dunkley explained that she had come upon the business through the decoration of her own home, and her disappointment in what was being offered as grille work. As such, what began as designing for her grille and patio furniture branched out into a business. Dunkley added that what she hopes to capture with the furniture is the charm of the old world, to replace 'white sterility'.
Many of the pieces come in colours such as cobalt and pink. The pieces of furniture range from every kind of table to candelabras. There are wine holders, magazine racks, beds, lamps, bathroom shelf caddies, bar stools, picture frames, plant holders, toilet paper holders and, of course, grilles.
Interestingly, because Phoenix is situated in what used to be a home, the store has the advantage of recreating all the rooms so that the shopper actually has an idea of what the furniture will look like in a lived-in space.
There are currently two designers, Dunkley and her older brother Billy Woung. The furniture is produced in a factory on Bedford Close, which employs six main welders and four finishers.
Dunkley revealed that though Phoenix Originals is the base of the operation, it is Weekenz which is her passion. What she hopes to do is integrate the bar into the live performance local scene. She argues that her decision to create the bar was guided by the vision of "recreating the dynamism of live performances."
Those who used to haunt Harry's Bar may be privy to the change in the venue. The only thing that seems to have remained, however, are the locations of the two bars. Taking full advantage of the open-air setting, Weekenz has created a home garden a way from home. The grounds are beautifully decorated with wrought iron. This ranges from the bottle racks at the bar to the new arches that lead to the lawn.
The lawn serves a double function. Not only is it a space where patrons of the bar can watch the performances etc., but it also showcases the Phoenix's lawn furniture. The furniture is then complemented by lush greenery. At the front of the house (which is Phoenix) is an imaginative three-tiered
water fall. This small, though intriguing, fall comprises three barrels containing
waterlillies.
Another waterfall is one of the main attractions of the bar. This one, constructed from sheet iron, is positioned behind the stage. The fall was designed by Michael Walker, who also functions as an artist with Phoenix Originals.
Despite the wonderful setting created, Weekenz Bistro and Bar does not seem to be able to draw a very large crowd just yet, although Dunkley hopes to change that.
One of their larger nights is Tuesday, which houses 'Voice: The Spoken Word in Action'. Interestingly, Voice had originated on that compound while it was still Harry's Bar. Since then it moved to a few other venues but returned after Weekenz opened last October. The night is one of poetry, music and sometimes fashion. Additionally, on Tuesday night a few craft persons also come in and showcase their wares. Patrons are therefore able to purchase items such as scented candles, handbags, clothing and jewellery.
On Thursday nights, the music is selected by Gabri Selassie. Fridays feature the Jive Solution, which is hosted by the creators of Pip 'n' Ting. Saturdays feature music from the 'old school' while Sundays return to live music being played by the band Cultural Impact, which plays mento, reggae and other genres.
Dunkley noted that the bar hopes to host many more live performances on a periodic basis. She hopes to include comedy, classical music and jazz shows among others. Currently, Weekenz closes on Mondays and Wednesdays although Phoenix is open throughout the week. Additionally, the furniture store remains open, as long as the bar is open every day except Monday and Wednesday when it closes at 5 p.m.
