Couple expands club business into much bigger venue

Mark Ribble, Leamington Post

For Andrew Longmore and his wife Natashia, their dream is coming to fruition and it doesn't stop there.

The Longmores have opened the Caribbean Pulse Lounge at 70 Talbot Street East.

The couple met in Toronto about 10 years ago and Andrew's love of music is what brings him to the dream of opening a club.

The two were selling clothing as vendors at local fairs and festivals when they arrived in Leamington in the summer of 2008 to offer their clothing at the Leamington Fair.

Natashia, originally from Trinidad, was so impressed with Leamington, she wanted to return.

"I thought Leamington was so beautiful and the people so friendly," she said.

Within two weeks, Natashia and Andrew packed up their kids, Leah and Joshua, and moved to Leamington.

Once here, they started on getting a restaurant and bar opened, which they did at 36 Talbot St. East.

During their previous visit, they noticed the large amount of offshore workers here and thought there might be a niche to be filled.

"These workers need somewhere to go to relax after work," said Andrew.

When they soon discovered that their clientele outgrew their small place, they moved to a larger location down the street until that lease expired this summer.

Now, with their new, even larger location, the Longmores are ready to provide a fun place for everyone to enjoy music and get to know each other.

The front of the club is a lounge area where the lights will be low and the music not as loud for people who want to have conversations and relax.

The back portion of the 4500 sq ft building is a huge wide-open dance floor, complete with lighting, sound, DJ booth and a long, full service bar stocked with a diverse array of beverages for all cultures.

The club can hold up to 300 people. Spacious washrooms will accommodate the larger crowds.

A complete renovation of the building has taken place inside since June and the Longmores are grateful for the help and support they've received.

"We cannot say enough about the support we have received from the contract workers and local residents too," said Andrew.

In fact, Andrew is hoping to start his own Caribbean Pulse soccer team next year.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.