Villains Beastro

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Just approaching their one year anniversary (May 2012), Villains Beastro has many talking. As you walk into the bar you are greeted with the history and layout of the building and its grass roots in our very own Windsor, Ontario. Bar owner and entrepreneur Geoff Zanetti examines the importance of storytelling and grasping the changes of a city with so much history.

Onto the interior through the vintage set of doors, you are immersed into a unique environment. Walls compiled of hand drawn images by graphic artist Dave Houle met with the extravagant décor, one wonders, how did this all come together? Like many in our blue collar city Geoff Zanetti started working in tool & die. Opening Villains was a long time goal for this creative and zany Windsorite. His way of approaching the business: mental freestyle.

The name Villains is described by Zanetti as “themed, playful, enticing and a little dark”. The art on the walls was a collaboration of concept and talent between Zanetti and his long-time friend Dave Houle, “an idea will surface, and he’ll knows exactly where to go with it”. The décor holds as much history as the building itself. From fake light switches, a dart board from his parents place, to recycled wooden railings, everything was chosen with careful consideration and keen attention to detail.

playful fun

portraits of villains, the gorgeous brick arc, and a peak at the infamous dart board

pick your poison

As the aesthetics of the bar catch the interest of many, the pleasing designs most certainly do not exclude the layout of the menu, flyers, or events hosted every week at Villains. With acronyms like P.U.K.E (People Using Karaoke Equipment) and V.O.M.I.T (Villains Open Mic Instrumental Talent) who could resist?

So what does this bar owner think the biggest misconception of Windsor is? “That downtown is a dangerous place. Windsor (a border city) is right across from Detroit Rock City!!! Many people have given up on the possibilities. You’ve got it all Cleveland, Chicago, NYC within a 10 hour radius! You can do a lot in a span of 10 hours”.

Zanetti, posing like it ain't no thang

As Windsor continues to expand and change from being solely an industrial city, I ponder and ask Zanetti “Are there any other cities in Canada that you can compare it to?” He answers “No, you can’t. Maybe Coventry, England?”

Located at 256 Pelissier, Villains Beastro hosts an array of events (including themed parties and hair cuts with pints). Remember to check their website and like their facebook page for up to date information.