Diners seated on the patio or by the front windows of Gastown's Jules Bistro used to have a view of the historic Winters Hotel.
The cozy French restaurant, which has been open for 15 years, is located at 216 Abbott Street, right across from where the Winters stood. On April 11, a devastating fire rendered the 115-year-old building with retail and restaurants on the ground floor and an SRO on the upper levels unsafe and the Winters was ordered to be demolished.
Demolition took place over several days, delayed by the heartbreaking discovery of two bodies inside the rubble.
The neighbourhood and city have felt the impact of the loss. Businesses in the area have rallied around the displaced SRO tenants and their neighbours who lost everything inside their spaces. The Winters housed businesses like Bruce Eyewear Inc, Gowon Cafe, Lemongrass House, Nika Design, and the Gastown location of The Flying Pig restaurant. All are gone now.
Jules Bistro has had to keep its doors closed since the fire thanks to road closures and other issues as a result of the fire and demolition, but the restaurant finally has an all-clear to welcome back guests. Jules will re-open May 3 and is open 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
"Our team is currently cleaning and getting the restaurant ready for you. We’ve missed you and hope to see you next week!" shares Jules Bistro on Instagram.
