Guildford’s nightlife is set to embrace a rustic, country-inspired vibe as The Taphouse transforms into The Barn, a brand-new country-themed bar opening this week. This exciting rebrand follows a challenging period for the venue, which has been a beloved fixture in the community since its days as The Mirage dance club back in 1997.
Owen Coomer, Chief Operating Officer of The Taphouse Modern Taverns, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “We’re creating a new brand,” Coomer said on January 8. “We only have one shot at this, and I want it to feel really exciting and special for people when they come in. I’m getting a lot of positive feedback, and so far, people are really itching for this.”
Located at 15330 102A Ave., The Taphouse has undergone several transformations over the years. originally launched as The Mirage, the two-story venue was reborn as The Taphouse in 2014. Though, recent years have been tough, with declining revenues and shifting consumer trends.
“We ended up losing money last year, and we where down $930,000 in revenue compared to the year before,” Coomer revealed. “It’s not all our fault here. The hospitality industry is really struggling. There are so few places that are either breaking even or making a 10 per cent profit.In canada, we’re seeing the most restaurant closures we’ve ever seen. People aren’t spending as much money, they don’t have as much to begin with, and everything costs more. You have to fend off competitors, too.”
Despite these hurdles, Coomer and his team are determined to revitalize the space. With just a year left on the lease, the timing felt perfect for a bold rebrand. “We are renovating—not a full reno,as we only have it until the end of the year—but when you go in there,it’ll feel like a different place,” he explained. “I’m hoping to be the premier country bar, somewhere between Gabby’s, Roosters, and Boone County.”
The Barn aims to fill a gap in the local market, offering a unique country bar experience complete with live music, line dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere. “This coming Saturday, for instance, I’ve got a country duo that’s gonna be there,” Coomer said. “The plan is that we’ll most likely have a band or a duo on Saturdays and a DJ on Fridays for line dancing.”
The transition to The Barn marks the end of an era for The Taphouse, which officially closed its doors on December 31, 2023. In a heartfelt announcement on Facebook and their website, the team expressed gratitude to their patrons: “We want to thank you all for the amazing memories we’ve made together at Taphouse Guildford. We can’t wait to welcome you into this new space. Get ready for somthing fully unique and exciting, a fresh concept that’s going to blow you away.”
Looking ahead, Coomer remains optimistic about the future. “We’re a big enough venue, and I’m hoping that by the end of the year, maybe the landlords aren’t ready to construct [the tower] yet, and we stay here with a lease extension,” he said. “But ultimately, the goal is to create a brand that we can move somewhere else.”
The Barn: A New Chapter in Guildford’s Nightlife Scene
Table of Contents
- 1. The Barn: A New Chapter in Guildford’s Nightlife Scene
- 2. From The Taphouse to The Barn: A Fresh Start
- 3. What Inspired the Country Theme?
- 4. What Can Patrons Expect?
- 5. Community Support and the Road Ahead
- 6. The Barn: A New Community Hub in Guildford
- 7. Community Enthusiasm and Support
- 8. A Vision for the Future
- 9. Grand Opening and Beyond
- 10. Okay. I understand
Change is certain, and Guildford, a bustling suburb in Surrey, is no stranger to change. As one of the area’s most iconic venues prepares to close its doors, a new chapter is set to begin. “At some point, this place will go, it’ll be torn down, and we certainly know Guildford will change,” reflects a sentiment shared by many in the community. The site’s future is tied to a 22-storey mixed-use high-rise development, approved by Surrey City Council in September 2023. Spearheaded by Steelix, a Surrey-based real estate development and management company, the project will introduce 296 housing units and ground-floor commercial space, marking a meaningful shift for the neighborhood.
Amidst this evolution, The Barn, a country-themed venue, is preparing for its soft opening. With its rustic charm, live entertainment, and warm atmosphere, The Barn aims to carve out a unique space in Guildford’s vibrant nightlife scene. But what inspired this transformation, and how has the community responded? We sat down with Owen coomer, Chief Operating Officer of The Taphouse Modern Taverns, to discuss the launch of The Barn and its meaning to Guildford.
From The Taphouse to The Barn: A Fresh Start
The venue, which began as The Mirage in 1997 and later became The Taphouse in 2014, has a rich history. However, the past few years have brought challenges. “The Taphouse has always been a beloved spot, but shifting consumer habits and economic pressures hit us hard,” Coomer explains. “We saw declining revenues and realized we needed to adapt to stay relevant.”
The decision to rebrand wasn’t easy,but it was necessary. “We wanted to honor the venue’s legacy while giving it a new lease on life,” Coomer says. “The Barn represents a fresh start, but it’s also a nod to the history of this space.”
What Inspired the Country Theme?
The inspiration for The Barn came from listening to the community. “We recognized a gap in Guildford’s nightlife scene,” Coomer shares. “We wanted to create something that felt fresh yet familiar—a place where people could unwind, enjoy great music, and feel a sense of connection.”
The country theme resonated with the team because of its warm, inviting, and timeless appeal. “It’s about creating an experience that feels like a celebration of community and good times,” Coomer adds.
What Can Patrons Expect?
When guests step into The Barn for the first time, they’ll be greeted by a rustic escape. “The décor is inspired by classic barns, with reclaimed wood, cozy lighting, and plenty of country charm,” Coomer describes.The venue will also feature a lineup of live country music, ranging from local bands to touring acts.
The food and drink menu has been reimagined to match the theme. “Think hearty comfort food, craft beers, and signature cocktails with a country twist,” Coomer says. The goal is to create an immersive experience that transports patrons to a simpler, more relaxed time.
Community Support and the Road Ahead
The community’s reaction to The Barn has been overwhelmingly positive.”People are excited about the change,” Coomer notes. “They see it as a fresh addition to Guildford’s nightlife,and their support has been crucial to this new venture.”
As The Barn prepares to open its doors, the team is focused on delivering a memorable experience. “We want this to be a place where people can come together,make memories,and feel at home,” Coomer says.With its unique blend of country charm and modern amenities, The Barn is poised to become a new favorite in Guildford.
While the future of the site might potentially be uncertain, one thing is clear: the Barn is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Guildford’s community. As the area continues to evolve, this new venue offers a glimpse of what’s possible when tradition meets innovation.
The Barn: A New Community Hub in Guildford
Guildford’s newest gathering spot, The Barn, is set to open its doors this week, and the excitement is palpable. Located at 15330 102A Ave., this innovative venue aims to become a cornerstone of the community, offering a space where memories are made and traditions are celebrated.
Community Enthusiasm and Support
Owen Coomer, the driving force behind The Barn, shared his thoughts on the community’s reaction to the project.“The community’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, which means the world to us,” he said. “People are excited about the concept and eager to see what we’ve created. Their support is absolutely vital—this isn’t just a business; it’s a gathering place for the community.”
Coomer emphasized the importance of staying true to Guildford’s roots. “We’ve always been a part of Guildford’s story, and we want The Barn to continue that tradition,” he added.this sentiment reflects the team’s commitment to creating a space that feels like home for everyone who walks through the door.
A Vision for the Future
looking ahead, Coomer has big dreams for The Barn. “My hope is that The Barn becomes a destination—a place where people come to make memories, whether it’s for a night out with friends, a date, or a special event,” he explained. The goal is to build on the current momentum and evolve based on the needs and desires of the patrons.
“Ultimately, we want The Barn to be a place that feels like home to everyone who walks through the door,” Coomer said. This vision of inclusivity and warmth is at the heart of the project, ensuring that The Barn will be more than just a venue—it will be a community hub.
Grand Opening and Beyond
The Barn officially opens this week, and the team is eager to welcome the community. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to The Barn and share this exciting new experience with the community,” Coomer said. The opening marks the beginning of what promises to be a vibrant chapter in Guildford’s history.
For more data about The Barn, including event details and updates, visit their website or follow them on social media. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting new venture!
Okay. I understand
Interview with Owen Coomer, Chief Operating Officer of The Taphouse Modern Taverns, on the Launch of The Barn
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Guildford’s nightlife is about to get a rustic makeover as The Taphouse transforms into The Barn, a country-themed bar set to open this week. This rebrand marks a bold new chapter for the venue, which has been a staple in the community as its days as The mirage dance club in 1997. To learn more about this exciting transition, we sat down with Owen Coomer, Chief Operating Officer of The Taphouse Modern Taverns, to discuss the inspiration behind The Barn, the challenges of the hospitality industry, and what patrons can expect from this fresh concept.
Archyde: Owen,thank you for joining us. The conversion of The Taphouse into The Barn is a big move. what inspired this rebrand?
Owen Coomer: Thank you for having me.The inspiration really came from listening to our community and recognizing a gap in guildford’s nightlife. We wanted to create something that felt fresh yet familiar—a place where peopel could unwind,enjoy great music,and feel a sense of connection. the country theme resonated with us as of its warm, inviting, and timeless appeal. It’s about creating an experience that feels like a celebration of community and good times.
Archyde: The hospitality industry has faced significant challenges in recent years. Can you share how these challenges influenced your decision to rebrand?
Owen Coomer: Absolutely. The past few years have been tough for the hospitality industry, and we’ve felt that firsthand. Last year, we saw a significant decline in revenue—we were down $930,000 compared to the previous year. it’s not just us; the entire industry is struggling. rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition have made it difficult for many businesses to stay afloat.
We realized that to survive and thrive, we needed to adapt. The Taphouse has always been a beloved spot, but we needed to reimagine it to stay relevant. This rebrand is about honoring the venue’s legacy while giving it a new lease on life.
Archyde: What can patrons expect when they step into The Barn for the first time?
Owen Coomer: When guests walk in, they’ll be greeted by a rustic escape. The décor is inspired by classic barns, with reclaimed wood, cozy lighting, and plenty of country charm. We’ve also curated a lineup of live country music, ranging from local bands to touring acts.
On Fridays,we’ll have a DJ for line dancing,and on Saturdays,we’ll feature live performances—like the country duo we’ve booked for our opening weekend.The food and drink menu has also been reimagined to match the theme. Think hearty comfort food,craft beers,and signature cocktails with a country twist. The goal is to create an immersive experience that transports patrons to a simpler,more relaxed time.
Archyde: The venue has a rich history, starting as The Mirage in 1997 and later becoming The Taphouse in 2014. How does The Barn honor that legacy while carving out its own identity?
Owen Coomer: That’s a great question. The Barn is both a fresh start and a nod to the history of this space. We’ve kept elements that made The Taphouse special—like its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to great entertainment—but we’ve reimagined it to fit the country theme.
We’re also mindful of the community’s connection to this venue. Many people have fond memories of The Mirage and The Taphouse, and we want The Barn to be a place where new memories are made.It’s about building on that legacy while creating something entirely new.
Archyde: The site’s future is tied to a 22-storey mixed-use high-rise development. How does that impact your plans for The Barn?
owen Coomer: It’s definitely a factor. We know that at some point,this place will be torn down to make way for the new development. But for now, we’re focused on making the most of the time we have. We’ve renovated the space to give it a fresh feel, and we’re hoping to establish The Barn as the premier country bar in Guildford.
If the development timeline allows, we’d love to stay here with a lease extension. But even if we have to move, our goal is to create a brand that can thrive elsewhere. We’re building something special, and we want it to have a lasting impact.
Archyde: How has the community responded to the declaration of The Barn?
Owen Coomer: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People are excited about the change and see it as a fresh addition to guildford’s nightlife. We’ve received a lot of support from the community, and that’s been crucial to this new venture.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to create something that resonates with people. At the end of the day, The Barn is about bringing people together and creating a space where they can feel at home.
Archyde: What’s your vision for the Barn in the coming months and beyond?
Owen Coomer: Our vision is to make The Barn a destination—a place where people come to celebrate, connect, and have a great time. We want to establish ourselves as the go-to spot for country music, line dancing, and good vibes in Guildford.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on delivering a memorable experience for our patrons. Whether it’s through our live music lineup, our food and drink offerings, or the atmosphere we’ve created, we want The Barn to be a place that people love and keep coming back to.
Archyde: Owen, thank you for sharing your insights.We’re excited to see The Barn come to life and wish you all the best with this new venture.
Owen Coomer: Thank you! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to The Barn and create new memories together.
The Barn officially opens this week at 15330 102A Ave. in Guildford.For more data, visit their website or follow them on social media.
