Sadness, admiration, gratitude and appreciation were expressed following the Pullman’s Instagram post announcing its closure on May 18. The legendary Montreal wine bar, located at the corner of Sherbrooke and Bleury streets, has been part of the Montreal landscape for 20 years.
The decision taken by its owners, Catherine Bélanger and Bruno Braën, took a long time to consider. Rumors were already circulating, as the fateful date of the lease renewal approached. Unfortunately, negotiations with the new owner of the building were unsuccessful. The new rent charged was far too high for what a catering business can afford to pay these days. Vague renovation projects, with all that this could entail in terms of dust, noise and obstacles to access, also weighed in the balance.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Frédéric Simon and Catherine Bélanger, in 2016
“We could have moved to another location, but we didn’t see how to reproduce the Pullman elsewhere,” explains M.me Bélanger, also co-owner of the Pinard et Filles vineyard with Frédéric Simon and the Moleskine counter at the Time Out Market.
“The restaurant business has changed a lot in 20 years. There are many restaurateurs on our watch who are hanging up their aprons. »
If we had to reopen a wine bar in 2024, we would do it very differently because it is no longer the same reality as in 2004.
Catherine Bélanger, co-owner of Pullman
“Maintaining an institution that people attend with expectations is not that easy,” continues the veteran. We have to keep everything as it is. If I wanted to remake the Pullman as it has been since its inception, it would be a full-time job. And I already have a few jobs, with the vineyard, the pizzeria and the family. When we opened the Pullman, I was 30 years old and that’s all. If we ever do something else one day, the model will be different. We will start by letting ourselves digest this end of the chapter. »
Bruno Braën intends to devote more time to his designer projects. It was he who designed the Pullman’s unique decor, on several levels and with private rooms of variable geometry.
Many restaurant workers have moved to Pullman over time, whether it is Véronique Dalle (today at Foxy) who has long held the strong sommelier side, Morgane Muszynski (she announced her departure from Denise last week) , Rosalie Forcherio (co-owner of the Paloma restaurant, whose chef, Mr. Forcherio Sr., is retiring in a month), Nadine Boudreau (Butterblume) and a host of owners or employees of wine representation agencies like Oenopole , Drinks, Primavin, Planvin, etc. Chefs Stelio Perombelon, Frédéric St-Aubin, Éric Dupuis and Danny St-Pierre, among others, also spent time in the Pullman kitchens.
PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRECHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Sommelier Véronique Dalle
The last evening of the wine bar will be Saturday May 18. Until then, it will remain open from Wednesday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. The wines that remain will be sold on the online store.
Visit the Pullman website