The recreational landscape continues to evolve beyond the traditional bar scene, and activity-based venues are gaining momentum thanks to home teams focused on offering up alternatives.
First there was the revived relic of Montreal Bowling, then the indoor driving ranges of the alt-country club Muni, and now? The latest entrant, Willie's Clubhouse, transforms a mothballed, 3,230-square-foot space in the Montreal Forum into a refined space that combines classic billiards, darts, and cocktail culture.
In development since last summer, what started as aspirations for "just another pub" evolved into something more ambitious: a trendy English-style pool hall connected to a sophisticated dart room with distinct personalities.
"We wanted a space for people to really be able to hang out, whereas bowling seems more of an event," explains Peter Mant, who worked on the project alongside Renaud Lambert, Phil Allard, and Vincent St-Pierre.
"This is very much a hangout spot—pool, darts, bar, some sports on as well—with a different feel than bowling, a little more laid back."
The design mandate given to Ivy Studio was clear: create an "old English clubhouse vibe" that evokes nostalgia for high-end pool clubs while maintaining accessibility. The result is a space divided into two distinct zones that still feel cohesive.
"Walking into the Forum, it's so white, and it can feel surreal when you come into the lobby of Willie's through the elevator," Mant explains. "This just feels like a whole other world."
The entrance to Willie's Clubhouse.
No neon, no busted felt, no sports bar clichés
Willie's Clubhouse deliberately avoids the stereotypical pool hall atmosphere. The main area houses multiple pool tables—not the massive tournament-style ones, but classic 8-ball tables—surrounded by carefully considered design elements that elevate the experience.
