New East Nashville bar to focus on affordable drinks

Two best friends with a background in successful business coaching are preparing to open an East Nashville bar with a focus on affordability and top-notch service.

Robyn Donnelly and Katie MacLachlan plan to open community-driven bar Walden in the former Hop Stop space at 2909B Gallatin Pike in March.

“Affordable” is a word you don’t hear often as Nashville’s dining scene grows leaps and bounds. But at Walden, the beer, wine and housemade cocktails will all be priced under $10. This comes as $12 and even $14 cocktails have become commonplace at new Nashville cocktail bars.

“Walden will be a place that feels as familiar and accessible as a dive bar, while having the service and selection of a high-end spot,” Donnelly said.

Walden is a passion project for Donnelly and MacLachlan, who together own Crush It Harder and coach business owners to eliminate efficiencies and perfect their customer experience. MacLachlan is the director of design systems for Hearst and Donnelly has 18 years of client service under her belt with 11 of them in the food and beverage industry.

The women spent years living in New York City but now call Nashville home.

The 2,000-square-foot Walden will be able to accommodate up to 100 guests. The design will feature warm woods, greenery and statement lighting. The murals, interior and exterior were designed and painted by Tarabella Aversa, a stylist at the nearby Local Honey. The designs draw inspiration from native plants written about by Henry David Thoreau.

“We want to bring the outside in and vice versa for this concept,” MacLachlan said.

The bar will have a pet-friendly patio with lounge-style seating.

The food menu will feature shareable items with a late-night menu and light brunch menu coming in mid-2018.

Walden will open at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; and from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Donnelly and MacLachlan also announced they plan to expand their monthly series Crush it Nash to introduce more unique programming, including educational classes and seasonal neighborhood events.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at lalfs@tennessean.com or 615-726-5948.