Return of the Grafton Seven

Well, not exactly. Yes, there will soon be a lounge once again at the location of Seven Wine Bar (1579 Grafton Street), co-owned by local restaurateur Costa Elles who was in charge at Seven. Right now it doesn’t have an official name--- though the Facebook Group identifies it as The New Lounge on Grafton and gives these details: “this hip, sexy lounge invites patrons who love the nightlife to come and stay for the evening and take pleasure in one of the signature cocktails while lounging on the inviting sofa style banquette seating”---nor does it have a firm opening date. April 29 looked like a possibility, but with renovations still ongoing, it could be May before the doors open. General manager Khephra Ahounou says it will offer “small plates,” and no dance floor. “We’re aiming for a more mature crowd,” she says. She understands that Seven may have been intimidating for some, so this will be a more casual joint, somewhere that will appeal to the “five-to-seven crowd” and the “six-to-two crowd.” “I do like the word ‘swanky’,” she says. Watch this space for more details as we have them.

Update, April 20, 2010, 4:07pm

The opening date remains in the ether. According to Ahounou, best we can tell you: "Coming soon."