New restaurants opening in This Ain’t Hollywood, Ray’s Place

New businesses are opening in two of Hamilton's quintessential watering holes.

Ray's Place (or Ray's Boathouse) closed rather unceremoniously at the beginning of the pandemic after serving customers for decades in the Kirkendall neighbourhood.

An all-day restaurant, Ray's served brunch all the way to late-night pub grub at the corner of Dundurn Street and Stanley Avenue.

Recently, the owners of King William Street's Berkeley North announced that they took over the 303 Dundurn St. S. spot.

In an April 24 Instagram post, they introduced BNLocal restaurant - one they hope will continue the history of a true neighbourhood hangout."

The targeted opening date for the casual and fun concept" is sometime this spring.

Over on James Street North, the sign for a mysterious new tavern has replaced one for This Ain't Hollywood.

The former landmark rock club also closed down in 2020, but with plenty of fanfare.

Skate shop The Local moved into the green room" half of the venue in 2021.

Now, a new sign for Le Tambour Tavern is hanging at the corner of James and Murray Street. The website only says coming soon."

Jeremy Kemeny is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach him via email: jkemeny@thespec.com