August 22, 1997

Anyone who has seen the t-shirts shouting "Screw Downtown" has to wonder who has such balls. But that's just what Will's Loch Haven Pub has been doing for two wildly fun years - screwing downtown. Across the street from what once was Bucket's Bar lies the best little bar in Orlando, and it's not on Church Street.

I live in the same neighborhood as this establishment and have been going since the first week it opened. So when I heard that its two-year anniversary was coming around, I thought it was time to interview the cast and crew of this most spirited of establishments.

Will Walker is a local, "an Orlando fixture" to hear Will tell it. Will and his father, along with a partner, own the Loch Haven Motel and Will's Loch Haven Pub. Then there's the cast: Matt Mochow (who owns his car), Natalie, Tony, Dan, and the two Jennifers (both are employees; one is engaged to Will himself). This motley crew has been serving up some of the best times, best music (both live and jukebox) and best bar-sports that Orlando has to offer for the past two years.

Here's what Will and some of his friends had to say:

• What plans did you have when you opened Wills?
  We had no plans when we opened this damn place! We just wanted a place that "Everbody's Welcome."

• What problems have you had in the past two years?
  Too busy at times! I guess lack of encouragement from the music communities. We have been doing venues since late in the first year we were in business. And you never see anything on the bar or the events from the local press.

• What about the parking? (My biggest bitch).
  What are you talking about? It's like parking in Bithlo!
  READ THE REST OF THE INTERVIEW
  WORDS ON WILLS

  --Justice Mitchell

  
  

  Justice Mitchell Loves: Art & Photography, Mom & Dad, Eileen, Friends, Music, and Film. Hates: Dan Leeds and his army of satanic, homophobic, undead girl scouts. Other Articles I've Written