Every single week it feels like Hamilton’s food and drink sector expands.

Christ Hewlett, the owner and founder of popular Barton Street Brunch spot, MOTEL, has assured the people of Hamilton that this trend will not stop anytime soon.

MOTEL, which opened over two years ago, has boiled down the essence of human indulgence and pleasure by encapsulating it in the form of hefty breakfasts, delightful throwback bangers, and bright backsplashes.

MOTEL has experienced great success since its opening, adored by foodies, hungry students, and locals alike.

But what happens when the daily brunch window closes?

Well, co-owner Chris Hewlett and the MOTEL team have you covered with the addition of their newest Barton street attraction — a cocktail bar called Stardust.

Located just three doors down from MOTEL, Stardust is what Chris describes as a “premium dive bar.”

The name was inspired by the 80’s cocktail bars of Las Vegas and will feature dark, dingy walls covered in neon tube-lighting, with “cherry fuchsia bench allure plush seating”, complete with palm trees and cacti to capture that Nevada feeling.

By all means, this establishment is set to embrace a unique gritty, dirty, and lived-in charm that is difficult to encapsulate but paradoxically adored by all.

Chris, an incredibly creative and passionate restaurant owner and manager, imagined Stardust as a compliment to MOTEL. His current restaurant was never designed to be anything more than what it is; a premium brunch service. This is why MOTEL maintains its hours, closing at 3 pm, despite often having waiting lists of over 100 people.

When MOTEL closes for the day, Stardust will open. This flexibility will allow for Chris and his team to offer the same unique and premium indulgent experience after dark. Brunch fanatics will be happy to know that Stardust will also offer its own brunch service too, but only on weekends!

Stardust is postured to fill the void of premium cocktail bars in the downtown Hamilton area. The bar scenes of Hess Village or Augusta Street are unique and valuable in their own ways, but neither of them offer the experience that Stardust is set to provide.

Chris, the British Columbia native, is delighted to be able to offer this experience to the people of Hamilton. After working across all of Canada, he was drawn to Hamilton by the opportunity. He saw a city filled with people who love great food and local business.

When asked why he decided to open Stardust he said that he’s witnessed a “domino effect” of amazing restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more opening around him since he opened MOTEL. He, like many others, has noticed the beauty in Hamilton, using the encouraging statement, “Let’s keep investing in it!”

Stardust is set to open in 12 weeks’ time. Until then, you’ll just have to settle for the always-pleasant brunch at MOTEL just a few doors down.