Exciting New Dining Concepts Coming to West Columbia
West Columbia is buzzing with excitement as a familiar face from the local dining scene, Matt Catchpole, gears up to launch two brand new bar and restaurant concepts in the city. If you’ve dined at Terra, you might recognize Catchpole as their former general manager. Now, he’s taking a fresh dive into the local hospitality scene, focusing on bringing a unique cocktail bar and a laid-back wine bar/restaurant combo to life.
What’s Cooking?
Catchpole has big plans for West Columbia, a place he believes is ready for some serious revitalization. He expressed how he’s been watching the city grow and develop, saying, “I’m very excited about West Columbia’s potential in general and starting to kind of see it realize a little bit of that potential.”
Although he looked at spots in other cities like Aiken, Atlanta, and even Greenville, West Columbia felt like the right fit for him and his family to kick off their hospitality venture. “We decided that we would make an effort to help the community along, and kind of help it develop,” he shared.
The Cocktail Bar/Supper Club
The first concept set to launch is a semi-private cocktail bar and supper club. Renovations are underway for a space that’s hidden along Sunset Boulevard, not far from West Columbia’s lively River District. Catchpole is aiming to have the new spot ready by January. One suggested name for the bar is Ikie Lu, which pays tribute to his grandmother.
Catchpole envisions it as a place offering a twist on traditional dining with a fun mix of cocktails and classic comfort food. “That would be ‘champagne and hot dogs,’ that’s the thing that I like very much,” he said, drawing inspiration from a concept he admired in Tybee Island, Georgia. The Sea Wolf there serves up hot dogs alongside oysters and creative cocktails, making for a great dining experience.
Catchpole recognizes that the term “wine bar” can sometimes be a turn-off for some, and he wants to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. He is still figuring out how to blend upscale wine selections with more approachable food but promises some exciting updates soon.
The cocktail bar will also have an intimate space for small events, accommodating about 30 people. Plans involve offering classic cocktails and adventurous mixes, keeping it open only a few nights a week. And while they’re not out to establish a “country club” vibe, there will likely be a small membership fee for those wanting to join in on the fun.
Leonard’s Peach: The Future Plans
Next up is the second concept that will hit West Columbia, which is still in the approval process. Catchpole’s team is working towards constructing a new venue at 1051 Meeting St., close to the Triangle City area. He’s had the idea for this place brewing for about ten years now, and they’ve already selected a name: Leonard’s Peach, in honor of his grandfather.
This venue promises a unique experience, with a design inspired by a popular spot in New Orleans called Bacchanal. Catchpole laid it out like this: “You walk through a little wine shop, and if you want to take wine home, you can let them know, and they’ll sell you a bottle to go.”
But most folks choose to take their wine and enjoy it in a charming courtyard area with friends. Leonard’s Peach will feature a full-service bar along with a kitchen offering delicious food, making it the perfect hangout spot.
Looking Ahead
Given all the buzz surrounding the area, Catchpole believes that West Columbia is at a compelling juncture for development. “That whole corridor is overdue for some development,” he confidently stated. With residential growth continuing and a push for more pedestrian-friendly spaces, he anticipates a vibrant transformation over the next few years.
So get ready, West Columbia! There’s a lot to look forward to, whether it’s sipping cocktails at Ikie Lu or kicking back with a bottle of wine at Leonard’s Peach. Exciting times are ahead, and it seems like the dining scene is on the brink of a delightful evolution!
