of the
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TIGER
By Jodi Pallagi Photography by Becky Ip
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ats are connoisseurs of comfort and filled with a magical element we will never truly understand. So when Becky Ip and Ryan Ringer set out to create their own magical gathering space, little did they know that an old, once feral, grey tabby cat named Atari would have so much influence on their business. Grey Tiger is a laid-back, relaxed cocktail bar in Toronto, Ontario’s burgeoning Bloordale neighbourhood. But it has a little bite as well. Artists in various mediums, both Ip and Ringer were looking for a change of lifestyle and work environment. They had worked for two years straight, day and night, just the two of them. It was exhausting going from cafe in the day to cozy bar at night. A year ago, they had the opportunity to re-evaluate and get back to the heart of what they really wanted; they had to rebirth themselves. It wasn’t just going to be a physical renovation. They were going to celebrate the craft of doing things well, and that’s when they started thinking about the magic. They wanted to create a space for new romantics that was screen-free, warm and inviting, creative and unique. With more than 20 years professional experience in the service and bartending industry, and with some inspiration from Atari, Grey Tiger was re-born. “It’s like maintaining a spiritual practice in the midst of all that is happening,” says Ip. “And it’s empowering because it gives you a sense of psychic freedom; how you interact with your drink and those around you.” "This is part of our greater practice, a specific project about LIVING │ OUTDOORLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM
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