High spirits

By Leslie Wu

Len Fragomeni moved his bartending school and opened a bar.

TORONTO—“It’s all about the celebration of spirits,” said Len Fragomeni, proprietor and general manager of the 3,800–square-foot, 96-seat SpiritHouse.

There are currently 400 bottles on offer behind the bar for devotees of everything from small batch bourbon to high end vodka.

Although SpiritHouse is currently in a soft opening phase, it will officially open in late summer or early September to coincide with the Toronto International Film Festival.

When Fragomeni, also the president of the Toronto Institute of Bartending, unexpectedly got the opportunity to take over the 3,000-square-foot space next door, he jumped at the opportunity.  

With the help of his friend, designer Sandra Rojas, he designed and built SpiritHouse in the space occupied by the Institute, and moved the school into the new space which is currently under construction.

It will contain a smaller tasting bar, storage and more space to continue the Institute’s training courses.

More than 400 bottles behind the bar means a wide variety of drinks can be poured.

Fragomeni has plans for an annual spirit awards and a Toronto cocktail week, to be held twice a year, featuring different brands and bartenders.

He is also planning events based around single cocktails such as the The Boulevardier, a twist on the Negroni with bourbon instead of gin, which is aged in-house in a mini barrel and served in small bottles for $48.







SpiritHouse, 487 Adelaide Street West.  647-277-1187. www.spirithousetoronto.com.     @SpiritHouseTO.