A cultural mutation and a new era for Montreal nightlife

This story originally appeared in URBANIA, an online magazine based in Quebec focused on pop culture and society.

“The first six months were the golden age,” recalls Charles-Étienne Pilon, co-founder of Nouvel Établissement, a bar discreetly nestled in the heart of Mile End. For nearly three years, it stood as a quiet yet indispensable cornerstone of Montreal’s nightlife.

The opening was brimming with promise: an electrifying atmosphere and a devoted clientele surfing the post-pandemic wave. The intimate nightclub quickly carved out its niche, drawing in a young crowd of Gen Z and Alpha enthusiasts moving to the rhythm of cutting-edge electronic music. It wasn’t long before it became a launchpad for fresh talent, showcasing nearly 200 emerging DJs.