Early last month, Camdens, located on the south side of Carlinville’s square, officially closed their downstairs portion for business. Over the course of its mere 14 months of operation, the wine bar and tapas restaurant slowly established itself as a favorite hangout spot for many Blackburn College students and locals alike, leaving many stunned by the sudden announcement. “Camdens was so classy. I wanted to take my parents there,” said Blackburn senior and former Camdens patron Luiza Myslinska.
When asked for comment on the decision, co-owner Peggy Denby explained, “We told ourselves we were going to give it a year and then evaluate it, and upon a year’s time, financially, it just wasn’t doable.”
While the restaurant and bar will remain closed for the foreseeable future, there is hope on the horizon for local wine enthusiasts: “It will be re-opened. I’m almost… let’s say I’m 75 percent sure,” Denby affirmed with a laugh. But a re-opening will not occur without changes. In addition to new management, a revived Camdens downstairs would likely open to the public only on weekends and place more emphasis on hosting private parties. Denby also indicated a desire to host occasional game nights, though all plans remain tentative at this point.
Despite the closure of the restaurant and bar, Camdens upstairs shop remains open for business. The shop sells art and crafts made by local artists including photography, wood carvings, glasswork, jewelry and stuffed animals. Other merchandise, including wine-related items, are also for sale, though no wine is available for purchase at this time.
Camdens welcomes all Blackburn students, and recently introduced a 15 percent discount on all regularly priced merchandise, excluding artist creations. Denby added that this discount would extend to the restaurant when it re-opens for business, “[Co-owner Pete Denby] and I both know what it’s like to be in college and on a budget, and we would like to cater to that clientele.”