TATAMAGOUCHE: A solid wood door tucked away in the middle of the village’s Main Street is the gateway to Tatamagouche’s best kept secret.
Behind the unassuming entrance and down the stairwell lies the Loquacious Compendium book club’s headquarters, Fables.
The solid wood bar stands alone as a work of art. Behind it are glass shelves lined with the vessels for Fables’ homemade drink concoctions, some only found at the basement bar. Tall-backed burgundy leather chairs beg to be sat in. The fireplace is warm and welcoming, leaving you with the impression this is more than a place to get drunk.
What began as a venue to enjoy discussions about literature over a glass of wine has become an alternative to the ordinary nightclub atmosphere.
Fables is owned by the book club and might just be the only not-for-profit bar in the world. All the funds earned go straight back to the club to hire entertainment, purchase provisions and maintain the space.
“Fables is built for the book club and that will always be its number one purpose,” said Annette Hunziker, president of the Loquacious Compendium. “The book club is open to everybody; you just have to read the book.”
While the book club is open to the public, Fables is a semi-private establishment. From Monday to Wednesday the space is open only to its members. From Thursday to Sunday anyone is welcome to enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment. Special events exclusive to members only are generally held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
According to Hunziker, the club decided they would need at least 150 members in order to make Fables a reality. Since it’s opening in the fall of 2008 that number has skyrocketed to over 700 and counting. Club members hail from across the province, including Tatamagouche, Pugwash, Pictou County, Halifax and Cape Breton. Other members stretch ever farther to New Brunswick, the USA and even Germany.
It is easy to understand why people would travel such distances to spend time at Fables. Members are truly treated like royalty. From the time you become a part of the club the Fables staff creates a personal profile to record everything from your most-loved drink to your favourite style of music and even whether you prefer to sit near the window or the fireplace.
“Most people who come here are not the type who will down drinks,” said Hunziker. “[It is a place to] appreciate alcohol as a speciality as opposed to as a necessity.”
Fables works hard to provide what Hunziker describes as a “non-toxic environment.” Every drink available is made completely from scratch and is chemical-free. The “Just Us” coffee is fair trade and the food they serve is organic.
“It’s what our clients wanted,” said Hunziker. “It’s an alternative place to go to have some down time and not be in the fray of the hustle and bustle. It’s a place to relax and meet your friends, a place to have an incredible homemade drink.”
The Fables group wanted to create a drink that was a part of the local history. With the help of Las Vegas bartender Matthew Maisey, they concocted a tall blue drink named after Tatamagouche giantess Anna Swan. The “Anna Swan” has become the Friday night specialty.
The Fables crew brought Dale Swan in to get the go ahead to name the drink after his great, great aunt.
“After he drank an Anna he said, ‘You have my blessing,’” said Hunziker.
Fables takes preserving Tatamagouche’s culture seriously. During the tourist season the club sees a different crowd of visitors. Many of its summer members consider the North Shore their home away from home so Fables does its part to provide them with an insider’s view of what it means to truly be a part of the community.
“During the summer we try to educate our ‘from away’ members on what it is that holds Tatamagouche together,” said Hunziker. “So we will have more Celtic bands and local performers and authors.”
The club also supports the independent film scene by holding a free movie night every Sunday. Most often the films and documentaries are based on issues such as social justice, animal rights and the environment. Each film is followed by a group discussion, some of which have lasted long into the night.
While the book club will always remain Fables’ number one focus, there is an apparent demand for this offbeat bar to continue to grow. The one thing Hunziker wants to make clear is that Fables is an open venue for everyone to enjoy.
“Fables is not a VIP bar,” said Hunziker. “It is your bar, it is your club, it is what you make it.”