In late 2013 when we learned that Noe’s Bar/Bassos was becoming a new restaurant and bar called Horner’s Corner under a partnership that included Ivor Bradley from The Creamery, we were excited. Ivor's vision for the new place was promising:
We are a local partnership team who are looking to reopen Noe's as a local neighborhood bar with good food, and we are calling it "Horner's Corner Bar" after John Horner, a historical figure from 1850 who purchased the surrounding area of Noe Valley from Jesus de la Noe in the mid 18th century. He's also known as the man with the plough, a father figure of California agriculture.Sounds great, right? Alas, Horner’s Corner never delivered on the promise of its owner's pedigree or its namesake - and was sadly just a local bar with basic bar food. So it wasn't a huge surprise when this May, barely a year after it opened, Horner’s Corner quietly closed. Around the same time, we also learned that John Dampeer, co-owner of Caskhouse, was buying the place and planned to call it Hamlet.
The sale of Horner's Corner finally closed and although he's a man of few words, Dampeer graciously gave us this rundown about his plans for the new corner bar and eatery:
What made you decide to buy Horner’s Corner? The opportunity presented itself and I believe the potential for the space/location is huge.
What opportunities do you see that you can’t do with Caskhouse? Caskhouse is a much smaller space. The kitchen itself at Hamlet will essentially be the entire size of Caskhouse. Also, Hamlet has a full liquor license, so we will have a carefully curated cocktail program as well.
Will Caskhouse remain as is? Caskhouse will remain as is.
For Hamlet, what changes are you planning to the bar? What changes are you planning to the restaurant? I'm doing pretty much an entire overall of the space: new bar, new floor & new design. The kitchen and back seating area will be converted into a large kitchen, prep storage and employee only space.
Why Hamlet? Hamlet is defined as a 'small settlement, generally one smaller than a village'. I believe that perfectly defines what Noe Valley is.
When do you plan to reopen? And will there be any special event? If all goes well, opening should be early fall (target is the end of September).
15 comments:
A "carefully curated cocktail program"?!? Ugh...
A "carefully curated cocktail program" = Peak Noe Valley!
Right - ugh. Caskhouse is bad enough - a vapid, character-less and noisy bar with overpriced beer that is anything but interesting. So many better places to drink here in NV.
Love Caskhouse! Can't wait to check out Hamlet!
Bummer that they are getting rid of the back seating area. Although Horner's Corner reminded me of a vapid hotel bar, it was really nice to be able to go there for a drinks and appetizers with a young child. And I foresee a big price jump in drinks and food if it's anything like caskhouse.
I hope they sell or rehome the bar. I understand wantin to reorganize the space but the bar itself is pretty phenomenal.
@Anonymous 5:57 PM
WHERE?? Where is better for a drink?
Goodnight sweet prince ...
Alas, poor Horner! I knew him, @Horatio; a commercial establishment of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; it hath borne me on its back-eating-area a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those awnings that I have tread under I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar?
@Junior: There's rosemary, that's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember. And there is pansies, that's for thoughts. There's fennel for you, and columbines. There's rue for you, and here's some for me. We may call it herb of grace o' Sundays...
ok - I'll run with it:
“To be, or not to be, a crappy watering hole: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageously terrible bar food,
Or to take arms against a sea of horrible surly service,
And by opposing end them? To die: to drink watered down cocktails;
No more; and by a drink to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d - granted - that this crappy watering hole is gone"
Caskhouse is way too loud and too dark.
I like that John is invested in Noe Valley. My only hope is that Hamlet offers more affordable options to make is an accessible dining destination for local residents. I would love to get snacks and drinks at Caskhouse more often but it's simply too expensive to be a 'go-to'.
While I do recognize the desire to make changes in the historical establishment. Specifically the bar is a representation of historical value and charm which CAN NOT not be replaced once destroyed. So I request inclusive of the new renovations, to keep the original historical value and charm, which is reflected in the craftsmanship of this bar as of the time of creation !
@SFBrit there's nothing either good or bad but drinking makes it so
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