Hamilton’s only jazz bar and supper club officially opens its doors

Sparkling wine, prime rib and live music are part and parcel of the elegant, roaring 20s dining experience Hamilton residents and visitors can partake in when they visit a brand new addition to the thriving restaurant scene on James Street. 

On a wet and overcast day in May, the doors to Henry’s on James slipped open to welcome a select few diners to Hamilton’s only jazz bar. Ensconced in a historic building that dates back to at least 1894 (and is likely older), Henry’s–named after co-owner Erin Dunham’s son–is supremely stylish. 

The building, which has served as Bank of Hamilton and Bank of Montreal branches over its long tenure in the city’s downtown core, was most recently occupied by Woolcott Real Estate. On its website, the real estate company said the space, home to former vaults, sky-high ceilings, unbelievably intricate crown moulding, a cozy balcony, wall murals that invokes images of Havana and more, was renovated by famous local architect Trevor Gardwood-Jones in 1969 and briefly functioned as an illegal cannabis shop before being converted to an office in 2021. 

Now, the building boasts an intimate 50-60-seat dining room with velvet drapes, gold accents, intimate lighting, a welcoming bar and a small stage. Owners Dunham and Matthew Kershaw, the duo behind local and Ontario restaurants The Mule, Burro and Rapscallion and Co., say the new venue will redefine the “classic supper club experience” with a mix of chef-driven menus, nostalgic touches and jazz and contemporary musical performances.

As for what inspired the concept, Kershaw tells YourCityWithIN.com that he and Dunham have always been big fans of jazz bars. 

“It’s something Erin and I have been discussing for years. When we travel, we often find ourselves at blues or jazz bars,” he says.  

Photo by Geoff Fitzgerald

Kershaw says that the look and feel of a certain location often inspires the theme or cuisine and in this case, the beauty and history of the building inspired the duo to embrace a refined 1920s aesthetic rather than the darker, grittier, smokier (but not literally) bar they initially envisioned. 

“We were thinking of a dingy, smoky jazz club, but the building is so nice, so this is what we decided to do,” he says, adding that they began working on the space last November.  

“It’s so beautiful. The ceiling alone, they don’t make those anymore. I don’t even think I could make that if I wanted to.”  

Kershaw says the palm tree-laden mural that adorns the walls of the resto was inspired by Delilah, a fine dining restaurant in the luxurious Wynn hotel in Las Vegas. Starting with a blank canvas, Kershaw and Dunham pretty much built the interior from scratch. 

“All the banquettes had to be built, the bar had to be built, the foyer had to be put in, etc. Erin was totally responsible for the design of the space.”

While the restaurant is visually striking, it needs food, drinks and music to truly come together and while Kershaw says the duo is new at running a live music venue, they’re working hard to learn the ropes and provide diners with an experience they won’t find anywhere else in the city. 

“We’re the only specific jazz bar in Hamilton. Sometimes jazz pops up, but no one else would describe themselves as a jazz bar,” he says. 

As far as food goes, diners can indulge in traditional fare, including elevated (but old school) wedge and Caesar salads, shrimp cocktails, tuna and steak tartare, beet and goat cheese shepherd’s pie and the venue’s signature dish: tableside-carved prime rib.

The prime rib, carved by Kershaw, is slow-roasted and served with horseradish, jus, red skin mashed potatoes, rolls and salad.

“We’ve put a shocking amount of work into it,” Kershaw says about the signature offering. 

Photo by Geoff Fitzgerald

The late-night restaurant is also, of course, a purveyor of libations. Diners can enjoy $50 wine bottles, $8 cocktails and glasses of wine, a Bubbles & Champs list for toasting and a range of cocktails. After 10, the kitchen serves such comforting snacks as popcorn, kettle chips, sliders and a Henry’s Happy Meal with a martini, Caesar salad and chips. 

During happy hour (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), diners can purchase non-sparkling bottles of wine for $25 or order a cocktail or glass of wine for $5. 

The music, of course, is key. The venue has kicked off its grand opening with a lineup of jazz and contemporary performances, with paid entry for select shows. Launching the series is 2024 JUNO nominee Denielle Bassels and other performers slated to take the stage in May include Matt Weidinger, Mike Elliott, Greg Briscoe, Alfie Smith, the Mark Ucci trio and more. 

Kershaw says the restaurant, open Thursday through Sunday, could open other days of the week for performances. 

“Those nights could be for ticketed events,” he says.  

Photo by Geoff Fitzgerald

Not to miss out on a trend, Henry’s on James will also offer patrons a jazzy brunch and will host its first service on Mother’s Day (May 11). The brunch, which will take place every Sunday, will feature a buffet spread and live music. 

Kershaw says the venue will be a space where local jazz musicians, including graduates of the now-closed jazz program at Mohawk College, can thrive. 

“We have a lot to learn, but we’ve learned that there’s a ton of local jazz talent. Mohawk had an amazing jazz program, and it left in its wake a ton of great jazz talent in and around the area.” 

While the restaurant is launching its first dinner service today, Kershaw says the feedback from early customers has been positive. 

“We’re going to do well in the short run and everyone will check it out, and it’s up to us to do a great job. I’ve been sad seeing music venues closing since COVID, so I hope people are happy to see one open,” he says.