Through Julien Elder
Published on
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The page of Wilton, rue de Rieux in Nantes (Loire-Atlantique), was definitively turned with the demolition of the building and the forthcoming launch of a real estate operation. “Volume 1 [du livre] was finished, we open volume 2”, image without too much nostalgia Valérie Thaumoux, manager of the establishment with her husband, Hugues.
One year after its forced and hasty closure, the famous billiard club reopened its doors on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Rezé, a stone’s throw from the Three Continents Bridge, in place of the NÂO restaurant-bar (formerly New Saloon). A new place for a new look.
Five months of work
Five months of work were needed to give a soul to the building of 1000 m2. “A rather heavy construction site”, confirms the management, which has invested in brand new equipment with 22 pool tables (18 English, also called “pool”, and four Americans) approved to host official competitions.
On the other hand, neither French billiards nor snooker. “A choice had to be made,” notes Valérie Thaumoux about the place that these variants of billiards require.
The spirit of the bar he remained the same. Friendly and warm. Billiards therefore, but also sofas in its lounge and restaurant area, and television screens. New: a cellar service to take away and a very large terrace which will offer up to 200 seats. Starting in the spring, petanque and shuffleboard activities will also be offered to customers.
“We got off to a very good start”
The Wilton, which historically relied on a family clientele, wishes to expand its audience and is counting on the development of the ZAC Pirmil-Les Isles to achieve this.
“Everyone must find their account, hopes Valérie Thaumoux. From the delivery man who comes for a coffee at 10 a.m. to the youngster who stays until 4 a.m. » The establishment also wants beef up its offer to businesses with spaces (including terraces) that can be privatized.
The reopening has already confirmed that the club have missed their regulars. “We got off to a very good start. Everyone was happy to meet again, we were looking forward to it, ”says Alexandra Lecoq, in charge of accounting. “We have a very good clientele who come for the name, the brand. The Wilton does not need to have a storefront”, supports the manager while pointing out that the bar now has ample free parking.
Convinced of the establishment’s potential, the staff also remained loyal to the Thaumoux couple. Two servers have even joined the team, which has a total of 13 employees.
Practical information :
The Wilton, 2 rue des Brèches in Rezé. Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. to 4 a.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. to midnight.
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