Maud’s Variety is a bar owned by Tyler Rawcliffe, Josh Walters and Cameron Starr, along with six partners and a dozen angel investors who helped kickstart the place.
The opportunity arose in 2021 when the 60-year-old building hit the market, and the three, always keen on starting something together, seized it. By March 2021, they had the keys, and after 2-3 months of renovations, the bar opened up for the public later in June.
Cameron, Josh and Tyler aimed to fill a void in the neighbourhood, creating a third space for people to relax and socialise, complementing work and home. Maud’s Variety isn’t just a bar; it’s a community hub. The name “Maud’s” adds a personal touch, giving the space its character.
It’s a nod to Maude Hannah and her contributions to Sarnia, Inspiring “Variety” represents the diverse range of beer in cans and other liquors, that the bar offers. The initials of Maud’s Variety (MV) also symbolise the location - Mitton Village. Having worked with the Refined Fool chain, the owners always dreamt of doing their own thing, never really having another full-time job.
The Roof Rats
Tyler Rawcliffe (guitar), Cameron Starr (bass) and Josh Walters (drums) are also a part of a band called the Roof Rats. They all do some vocals, but Tyler does most of it. The band was formed about two years ago and has played with the Beef Boys, Lovers (London, ON), Swims (Sarnia), Anamatist (Toronto), Born Ruffians and many more ever since. They have also played at some shows such as the Empty Fest, Lights on the Bowl Skate Jam and many more.
Maud’s has been dedicated to making the space accessible to local vendors, artists and musicians. They are making efforts to make it a happening place, with events taking place every weekend, for instance, Roof Rats and Beef Boys played on December 8th 2023, and Galaxy Records located at the end of Mitton Street had a record sale at Maud’s on December 9th.
On entering Maud’s, it’s like entering a time capsule. You will feel as though you are in the 90’s, with all the furniture preserved from the restaurants that have come and gone over the years
They also have a little arcade that adds to the atmosphere of the place. They have pictures of popular musicians from back in the day, pictures of the same building from time to time when it used to be Harry’s and other restaurants, and other photographs and little artworks. Overall they have put in the work and the effort to give the space its personality and something that people will have vivid memories of and would want to come back to over and over again.
Maud’s launched their Christmas special cocktail menu on the night of December 7th 2023. Tyler had a group of friends come in so they could get a taste of the new cocktail menu and pictures of the gang enjoying their drinks to promote on social media to generate more traffic into the bar.
Originally from Camlachie, and later moved to Sarnia, Billy-Jean Whiting has settled in Mitton Village. The area’s beauty and untapped potential lead her to what she now calls home. Billy started work with Maud’s in 2021, it was a natural fit given her connections with the owners, some of whom she learnt from at a job five years ago. Beyond the nine-to-five culture, her true passion lies in curating vintage clothing from the late 1990s to the early 2000s in collaboration with her partner, Natalie who’s stationed in London as a graphic designer and together have founded “Smack Studios” which isn’t just a business venture but it's a shared love for reviving nostalgia through fashion. “My interests extend to music, with vinyl collection as a personal favourite.” “Dream is to establish my own boutique in Mitton Village for Smack Studios and expand its reach to Toronto.” She has a passion to explore different countries for bulk thrifting, adding new layers to her creativity. It’s about breathing new life into forgotten garments, witnessing the joy they bring to others and contributing to a sustainable ethos.
Cameron Starr grew up in Sarnia and went to London Rd and SCITS. He loved art, drama, and music, even forming a band called Vice with pals in high school. He helped set up the first Sarnia Artwalk in 2004, then went to Fanshawe for Fine Art and later NSCAD University. Back in Sarnia, he worked on a play called "Crudementary Tales" before joining Gallery Lambton. He also rocked out in local bands like A Huron Union and Ellen Bolthe. He moved to London and then Toronto, managing bars and playing music with Two Suns. Cameron co-worked on the Halifax music fest Obey Convention and co-founded Crystal Lake Fest. After opening Mauds Variety in Sarnia during the pandemic, he and his kindergarten buddy Jeremy Latawiec started working together, often getting mistaken for each other due to their good looks and humour.
Kyle McDougall, a Sarnia local works in Chemical Valley with concrete and demolition during the day. He's a chef and bartender at night, serving delicious food and drinks. Plus, he's part of a band called The Swims. Kyle loves food and music, and he's all about finding balance in life. Whether working or rocking it, he's living life to the fullest.
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