The Morrissey House–my local haunt
When I was an English student at Western University–oh, back in the early 90s– I worked at the bar on campus. In the basement of Somerville House, The Spoke Tavern was a place where staff hung out after class, after work, on the weekends–you get the idea. I was introduced to bands such as Ontario’s The Lowest of the Low, The Hip and Spirit of the West–to name a few; I also met one of my best friends there.
I spent more time at the Spoke than in class.
In the late 90s, the Spoke moved to a new location in the main student building. But sadly, it didn’t carry of the old Spoke charm–no dingy basement feel, no dark corners to hide with a beer and a new man. Eventually, the bar section closed off from the kitchen and a muffin and coffee kiosk joined in. It felt like a franchise.
But, good news: the Spoke charm has reemerged: my former Spoke boss Mark Serre has opened his own bar. The Morrissey House, named after The Smiths’ vocalist Morrissey, and I believe Mark’s mom’s nickname, Mo, it’s a bar with all the feel of a hang out: located in an old brick house, there’s cozy rooms and live music all the time. I know Dave the bartender who worked with Mark at another bar, and I know Amy, the server who I could chat with forever.
Many former Spokers hang out here, including me.
After teaching at the university, I often bring my laptop to do some work to the Mo and order my Irish fav: a Kilkenny beer. I also love the celtic Thursday nights. Three Penny Piece play folky favourites like Stan Rogers.
Since discovering this place, I have introduced it to my writing group and most recently, my mom’s friends on mom’s stagette night. I will not publish any of my mother’s drunk antics, suffice to say the ‘girls’ loved the place.
To read Mark’s latest, visit www.themorrisseyhouse.wordpress.com.