A year after its closure, the Wilton, famous billiard room, reopens in a new place

The many nostalgic customers can already rejoice: the Wilton is not dead ! A veritable institution in Nantes, this billiard room, which also served as a bar-lounge and restaurant (and even a discotheque in more distant times), had officially closed its doors on February 28 after 30 years of activity on rue de Rieux, a stone’s throw from of the City of Congresses. The establishment, forced to lower the curtain from October 30, 2020 due to the health crisis, had to give way to a real estate transaction.

“We received a lot of messages, disappointment and thanks. It touched us a lot and made us think. Especially since the Covid had not allowed us to organize a closing party. It couldn’t end like this, ”explains the management.

Twenty-two pool tables

The couple of managers therefore finally decided to reinvest to “write a new chapter”. A location has been found: rue des Brèches in Rezé, near the Trois-Continents bridge, on the site of the former restaurant-bar Nâo (ex New Saloon). And after “heavy work”, the Wilton is preparing to open to the public on Friday evening. Seasoned enthusiasts or simple beginners will be able to discover 22 billiard tables (18 English and four American), which again makes it the largest room in the Nantes conurbation.

The establishment will also be able to accommodate up to 400 guests in its bar, restaurant and take-out cellars. “Unlike our previous site, we have a large outdoor terrace that we are going to green. We will offer pétanque and puck activities there on fine days”, appreciates the management. The Wilton, which employs 13 people, will be open seven days a week. Until 4am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

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