'Like Cheers': Downtown pub Cat 'N' Fiddle closing after 28 years

After 28 years as a downtown Hamilton mainstay, the Cat 'N' Fiddle pub has announced it will close its doors Oct. 2.

Co-owner Suzanne Keast says the family business, known for its live music and welcoming atmosphere — "almost like a Cheers" — just seems to have hit its expiry date, largely because of COVID-19.

"It's taken away the identity of our business," Keast told CBC Hamilton on Wednesday, a day after announcing the pending closure on Instagram. She says the pub has been so focused on live music in the past that new rules forcing only three tables in the room where performers play have completely changed the vibe.

"Most people want to be where the band is," she said, adding staff is constantly having to tell customers to spread out and physically distance. "We feel like we're bylaw officers… We don't feel like we are running our business, the government is running our business. 

"Things don't look like they are getting better in the near future."

Less than a month ago, the Cat was advertising for new hires. Keast said the widespread hospitality staff shortage, as well her family's desire to do something different after so long, also played into the decision. But it wasn't an easy one. 

"It's hard, but it's time."

Keast's father Reg Collett opened the Cat 'N' Fiddle on the main floor of a three-story building at John and Augusta streets with business partner Dario Pacini. When Pacini wanted out, Keast and her husband joined the business, with Keast and her dad running the bar together until Collett's death in 2006. Her brother Steven was involved for a while, and is credited with starting the popular Wednesday night jazz jam. Their mother Susan lives upstairs and still helps out, while Keast's son Kevin also works full-time for the business.

The building will soon go up for sale, Susan will move out, and Kevin and Keast will have a chance to move on to the next chapter of their careers, said Keast. 

"We want to thank all of our staff, the musicians and customers that have supported us throughout this endeavour," stated the message announcing the closure. "We hope that we have provided a venue for many special moments and memories for those that have entered our establishment."

Many responded to the announcement with messages of support and thanks. 

"I'm so saddened to read this. Your contribution to the music scene can't be stressed enough. I'll miss our usual Wednesday nights with the music 'family.'  Thank you for everything," wrote tour manager Michele Gare. 

"So gutted. Thank you for everything you did for the Hamilton music scene, Wednesday nights will never be the same," wrote trumpet player and Mohawk College music instructor Troy Dowding. "For the last 20 years I've been going here on Wednesday nights for the jazz jam," he added on his own Instagram account. 

'Open to everyone'

In addition to its live music, the Cat has always aspired to be known as a safe place for people from all walks of life, and draws many patrons from the LGBTQ community, says Keast. She adds that kind of hospitality was her dad's vision from the start. 

"We've tried to be very open to everyone," she said, adding, "something my dad always promoted was a safe environment for women to be able to come in on their own, and not feel like they're being bothered. And just [for any community] to feel comfortable and safe."

Local musician Bonnie Hamilton says she fell in love with the Cat almost 15 years ago after first moving to the city. She'd go to the jazz nights, and eventually started being called up to sing with some of the performers. Her cover band Bonnie and the Midnight Daydream would eventually play there, in the cramped room with no stage that seemed to bring the musicians and patrons closer together.

"I'd set my keyboard up right in front of a table," she said. "I felt like I was part of their conversation."

Hamilton says the age diversity of the clientele and their uniform warmth made the bar unique. 

"Where am I going to find a place like that?" she asked. "Never again."