Montreal’s Cluny ArtBar is a Hot Spot Furnished with Salvaged Materials

The award winning <a href="http://www.cluny.info" target="_blank">Cluny ArtBar</a> is an Old Montreal hotspot, serving up coffee and lunch during the day in its repurposed industrial setting. Located in the historic <a href="http://www.fonderiedarling.org" target="_blank">Darling Foundry</a>, the building was once a hub during the late 1800's industrial period, and is now home to an <a href="http://inhabitat.com/photos-san-franciscos-southern-pacific-brewing-is-a-tree-filled-beer-sanctuary-in-a-renovated-warehouse/" target="_blank">innovative arts center</a>. In Cluny's cool new design, the center fuses local food and cocktails with furniture and décor upcycled from the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/preserved-cannon-foundry-wrapped-in-a-glass-box-makes-for-a-striking-modern-house/" target="_blank">original foundry</a>!

The Darling Foundry was transformed into its new state in 2002 by <a href="http://www.insitudesign.com/" target="_blank">In Situ Design</a> after being abandoned for over 10 years.

Three exhibition spaces, which maintain the original industrial charm were created, as well as a network of artist studios and an artist in residency program. The artists that work and live within the building mingle and nosh downstairs in the award winning Cluny.

The area in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/montreals-historic-fairmont-the-queen-elizabeth-hotel-grows-its-own-produce-on-an-edible-roof-garden/" target="_blank">Old Montreal</a> is still somewhat industrial, but the Foundry and Cluny draw a crowd despite its desolate location.

When approaching the Foundry, visitors are greeted by a grid of stacked boxes that line the corner outside Cluny’s front window. In warmer months, the boxes function as a living wall, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/verticrop-processes-10000-plants-every-3-days-using-vertical-hydroponic-farming/" target="_blank">raising herbs</a> that are used in the Cluny kitchen and bar. The restaurant is known for fresh ingredients and impeccable dishes, specializing in tantalizing sandwiches at lunch and award winning bread pudding for dessert.

Visitors enter the restaurant through a side door for the Foundry, and are greeted by a large <a href="http://inhabitat.com/miniaturist-jason-daquino-creates-tiny-portraits-on-recycled-matchbooks/" target="_blank">portrait</a> of the restaurant’s namesake, Cluny the pug, the owners’ pup.

Inside, the restaurant is flooded with like that shines through the industrial windows, which open in to circulate fresh air.

The furniture is all clad in wood- <a href="http://inhabitat.com/jamesplumb-uses-upcycled-materials-to-create-their-romantic-renovated-interiors/" target="_blank">made from reclaimed materials</a> that were salvaged from the contents of the foundry.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/salvaged-chinese-riverboats-become-sturdy-shipwood-furniture-designs/" target="_blank">Rustic wooden tables</a> of all sizes are polished to a fine sheen. Lamps and hooks are made from upcycled industrial parts and tools.

During the day, Cluny is a great spot to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/bakeri-brings-freshly-baked-bread-and-a-warm-vintage-cafe-to-williamsburg/" target="_blank">grab an espresso and croissan</a>t after seeing an art exhibition. At night, the restaurant transforms into a hotspot for the building’s artists to hang out and have drinks, making Cluny Artbar a great spot for both people watching and conversation.