Ward Lane Tavern
From HtownWiki
The Ward Lane Tavern is a tavern/venue situated on Ward Lane (off Ward Street), which was the major venue for Hamilton's original bands through the early 1990's. The bar first opened c.1985, but initially catered to inner city buisness people for after work drinks. Bands began to play around 1990, with the first band booked called Kaos. This band eventually changed their name to the Clap, who became Ward Lane regulars (along with Whisperscream, and much later 5 Girls). Many of Hamilton's original bands played here in the following years. In 1994 the bar changed ownership and was converted into a wine bar, closing what was at the time the only inner city venue for original bands. The wine bar did not fare well, and with the advent of dance culture it was soon rebranded as Pulse. It has also served as a hip-hop/rap venue. Since the late 1990s, it has again become the home of Htown music, something of Hamilton's very own CBGBs or Cavern. Not only local bands play here though; several out of town and international bands have also graced the stage at Ward Lane.
