Mahdis Habibinia | Executive Editor (Online)
Featured Image: The Ab is the only student-run, operated pub on campus since 1968–an integral part of the community holding a variety of memories. | Fatema Ali
Press kit information and events list courtesy of: Frances Santiago, Winters College Council Director of Promotions
Winters College has been operating since 1967 and holds many features that students can benefit from, both socially and academically.
They offer numerous social events and services throughout the year such as: orientation week; club funding and provision; intramural sports; spoken-word nights; movie nights; a world café event where students can enjoy hot beverages, conversation, billiards, ping-pong, or board games; live music nights, karaoke, coffee houses, and themed pub nights; Zumba, yoga, and hip-hop classes.
However, one of the most important services offered by Winters is The Absinthe Pub and Coffee Shop located at 013 Winters, also known as The Ab.
“It is the only student-run, operated pub on campus since 1968–an integral part of our community with so many memories. It is a favourite spot for many students, professors, and alumni in the Fine Arts Faculty; however, all are welcome at this cozy location,” says the pub’s press kit.
Most of the College Council events that take place at the Ab allow students to de-stress and socialize.
“Thursday is traditionally pub night at many universities, and the Ab is no exception. There is always an abundance of students out at the Ab on Thursdays, and lineups can get pretty long if you do not head over early, but it is, of course, worth the wait. It provides the ideal opportunity to make friends, while council members make sure to keep the line thrilled by blasting music and sometimes even giving out free popcorn.”
There was a brief moment of worry in May when the Ab announced that, due to the strike, they had to close its doors for the summer and that they didn’t know if they could open again for the Fall 2018 term. There was a substantial lack of students on campus due to the labour disruption. This put the Ab in a tough financial situation.
Luckily over the summer, they have managed to raise $9,547.00 (as of today) and are set to open again tomorrow September 10 at 3 p.m.
Since the Ab is the longest standing and only remaining student-owned and operated pub on campus, many students and faculty are happy to see its doors open once again.
You can visit their fundraiser page at https://www.gofundme.com/save-the-ab.
And for information on their schedule, hours, and more, you can visit http://foodservices.info.yorku.ca/eat/absinthe-pub-coffee-shop/.
