Enough about us, what do you think of us...

We get letters and e-mails, thought we could share a few with you....

Before we get to customers' thoughts, how about a few nice things that some of the artists who've played the room sent to us on the occasion of our 1st anniversary...

"I had an absolutely wonderful experience playing The Carleton as well as just spending time in Halifax.
The sound was stellar, the staff were amazing and Colleen and I both thought the food was excellent.
Congratulations to Mike and all the folks at the Carleton on their first anniversary. I wish it nothing but success"
Ron Sexsmith

"In just under a year The Carlton has developed its reputation as a trademark of quality, showcasing the finest emerging and well-established songwriters that this country has to offer. Offering a very intimate space where musicians can get up close and personal with their audience, every show promises to be a memorable experience. Proprietor Mike Campbell is incredibly passionate about the acts that he brings in and believes that great music ought to be paired with fine food and wine... and who can argue with that? If you dare try, you best wait until after the performance or Mike will personally shut you up. As both a songwriter and music lover, The Carleton is one of my fave listening rooms in the country."

Jill Barber

"Of all the live shows I've played in the past year my one night at the Carleton has to rate as the most rewarding. Seldom will you find a live bar/restaurant venue where the emphasis is on the work being presented by the artist. The Carleton is a true "listening room" and is definitely establishing itself as the  Canadian songwriters' 'Atlantic home-away-from-home.'"
Ron Hynes

       
"The Carleton is the coolest little music club in town! I had a great time playing such an intimate songwriter space for people who obviously love songs and great food.There’s something about performing in a place like this that makes the night special. Mike and gang have really got a good thing goin here."
Lennie Gallant

"I can't describe the feeling I had when I walked into "The Carleton", I knew it would be an incredible home for music, with the warmest gatekeepers in the world, what I wasn't prepared for was the beauty of it. My first step in and I wanted to stay for the rest of my life, as a customer, as a performer, as a bartender, as a cook, as a slate cleaner, anything to allow me to stay. Mike and Mike are the best hosts and Halifax, the best blanket! Can't wait to come back with my new band "The Heartbroken" whenever they will have me."
Damhnait Doyle

"Playing the Carleton is a treat for any performer. The philosphy of creating a "listening" room (and enforcing it) is every song writers dream. Damn good food too!!!"
Danny Michel

"Halifax is lucky to have a place like the Carleton. It's one of those places that is as good for the musicians to play in as it is for the audiences to watch in.  I've been lucky enough to do both. I've seen a bunch of wicked shows there over the last year and was fortunate enough to have played New Year's Eve, which was a total blast. My whole family came down from Fredericton and ripped it up and they couldn't believe how nice the venue was, not to mention how incredible the food was. My band also had a blast. It may not be a huge place but that's what makes it special. It's intimate and everyone who works there treats musicians like gold. Plus the sound is always impeccable. Carl, the resident sound man, is awesome. All that stuff goes a long way, especially if you've been on the road for a while. And the shows keep coming in. Every time I check the site I see new great shows coming to town (Kelly Joe Phelps, Ron Sexsmith, etc.).  Getting to see songwriters of that calibre in such an intimate spot is definitely something special. I think that as more and more great songwriters play it, more will come back and the more folks that come check out shows there, the larger the line up outside will become."
David Myles

"What a perfect room the Carleton turned out to be for my performance....I had arrived there weary and frazzled from many shows on the road and was in need of a pick-me-up. From the audience to management to the in-house sound-system and the friendliness of staff, all came together to make for one splendid evening and tiredness evaporated. I will be back!"
Tony Cox

"Writers like myself have worked to craft the songs and now there's a finally a listening room in Halifax where they can be heard."
Dave Gunning

"Playing a show at The Carleton reminded me of how you can have the most devastating breakup, think you are finished with love, and then suddenly walk right into love again!  It made me fall in love with performing acoustic to a room full of appreciative listeners who were eager to travel along with you through each song... AND  the martinis are killer!"
Christina Martin

"Just wanted to send you happy wishes on the Carlton turning 1 year old! I can't believe it's been that long, and at the same time feels like you've always been there. You really filled a massive hole that was missing from the Halifax music scene. Thanks for having me there and I can't wait to come back."
Catherine MacLellan

"Congrats on making it through the first of many years.  I can see it now...there will come a time when you and your partners will be shootin' the breeze and one of you will say: "remember when we weren't sure if enough people would pay to eat great food and get terrific service as a backdrop to some of the best presented entertainment anywhere,  in the most intimate of venues"?  And then someone else will say : "Barley, that was a helluva long time ago"! And then  you'll move onto more pressing topics. Thanks for having me in twice this year Mike.  A songwriter couldn't ask for a more complimentary venue to share their craft."
Dave Carroll

"There are few venues where a non-established artist can perform to an attentive & appreciative audience. When Mike Campbell first stood up to introduce my band at our release of my album 'Homing' last year, the audience went quiet, and then erupted in applause. I was surprised and humbled, and I felt like the applause was for both of us; for Mike having had a hand in creating such a cool room where folks could actually listen to the music, and for me finding a home on a stage that night. I felt proud to be a songwriter. I hope the Carleton is around for many years to come."
Steven Bowers

"One year? Already? Holy sh%t! Musically, I have come to truly appreciate The Carleton - from both sides of the stage. As a performer it's hard to beat a 'Carleton Audience' - those are the folks who come to listen, laugh, enjoy and appreciate what's happening on stage, the folks who gladly accept the 'shut up or get out' rules because they trust that any performer worthy of getting on the Carleton stage is worthy of their attention. Go figure - artist plays, audience listens. It really works! As a result, the 'Carleton Audience' gets treated to some of the most up-close, intimate performances they will ever witness. Where else can you hear Matt Mays do a version of Springsteen's 'I'm on fire' on a ukulele?  - all while enjoying a great meal and unbeatable service! 'Nuff said... Congrats to Mike, Mike and the outrageously cool Carleton staff for creating one of the finest venues anywhere!"
Jamie Robinson (as a sideman, Jamie has been on our stage more than any other artist!)

And, of course, we have regular folks who like the place too!

"There is a quality of character that is unique to what most of Canada refers to as the 'East Coast.'  And there are those who somehow see reality through smog-tinted glasses and move east already convinced that cities like ours (read Halifax) don’t measure up to their original stomping ground (read Toronto).

At times I have been one of those. Because as hard as I try my heart-strings are forever tied to the “Big Smoke.”  But it is really not that simple even though Hog Town boys like me find the obvious attributes like a 15 minute rush hour and…. there are trees and water somehow makes Halifax look like Muskoka

So what is about the “East Coast” that somehow manages to convert a hardcore Hog-Towner into a soft-hearted mook.

The answer is simple… East Coasters are great storytellers. I know that sounds like a cliché. But I can prove it.

Witness a recent experience I had at The Carleton, a new venue that has proven to be wildly successful in presenting quality entertainment in a market thirsting for a new approach.

The featured performer that night was one of Canada’s great singer songwriters, Lenny Gallant. 

I sat quietly at the bar (silence during performances is mandatory at The Carleton) while Lenny took me on a musical adventure that has made me a Lenny Fan For Life. From the opening song to a “demanded” encore Gallant took me on a trip that had so many memorable stops that it made the night unforgettable.

My advice; visit www.thecarelton.ca and find out more about this exciting new Argyle establishment… you won’t be disappointed."

Al Graham
 

"Hi there...

My husband and I  were at your wonderful establishment Tuesday nite to see Gordie and Jamie ...we had front row seats and the food was amazing I am so happy to have had my surprise birthday gift there... thanks soooooooooo much...and as well...our server Kat was incredible and she has an amazing personality and attention to all your patrons ....we'll be back for sure and bring all of our friends ...
Have a great nite
thanks"

Kate

"Last night was my first experience at The Carleton.

Kudos to all of you! The experience was fabulous.

The décor is fantastic - very inviting, tasteful with today's modern look. I never really pay attention to the details in restaurants, but I can tell you about all the details I loved about your restaurant: the bar stools, the dark wooden tables, the soft cork floor, the menu covers, the cool swinging door to the kitchen, the earth colors on the wall, the lights, the candles, the faucets in the washroom, the stone floor in the washroom.

The staff was beyond customer service. Our waiter was there hand and foot, from the moment we arrived and the moment we left. He was always smiling, so pleasant and at ease, and we never had to wait long for food or drinks. He kept an eye on our table as if we were the only table in the restaurant - something that would appear as a challenge to others considering the restaurant had every seat filled.

The entertainment was the best I've ever experienced. Gordie Sampson was a great entertainer, fabulous singer, witty and friendly, and seemed to be enjoying the night just as much as we were. He created so much energy and was interactive with the audience. I can tell I am guilty of nodding my head after a long performance - can get so tiring, sometimes boring depending on who is singing. But this was different than anything I've ever experienced.

The only thing I have not yet mentioned is the food. Well the food was also excellent - well presented, well priced and very tasty. The martinis were yummy. We had mussels with curry sauce as an appetizer - very unique sauce for mussels and very delicious! I will be back specifically just for that .... and much more.

You truly offer a unique experience at The Carleton.  People in general do not spend enough time commenting on good service, while they can spend time complaining about service which seems to come so easily.  I completely needed to send you my compliments as the value of great customer service, fine dining and entertainment is so important in our generation.

I do not hesitate to refer The Carleton to my coworkers, friends and family. Again, kudos on a job well done!"

Michele

"Hi,

We decided to give the Carleton a try last night, what a pleasant
surprise...The service was wonderful, the food was excellent, and the
atmosphere added to a nice evening on the deck...Our server, Bronwyn was
very professional and pleasant...

We will be back, and by the look of the Salmon, I will be trying that next
time...

Best of luck with the new venture, the inside looks great as well..."
 Darryl

We thank you for your comments, especially the nice ones.

Mike and Mike