Sweet Loretta celebrates Calgary’s halcyon party days

In the 1970s, Calgary was the place to be in Western Canada: the oil boom meant the city’s rapidly growing population was wealthy and looking for places to spend their hard-earned cash, in its live bars, pubs and nightclubs. Sweet Loretta harks back to these decadent days, taking inspiration from the 1970s with its sumptuous design by Victor Choy in collaboration with Frank Architecture & Interiors.

Located in Calgary’s arts and design district, in what was formerly a furniture store, Sweet Loretta is inspired by the city’s legendary, now-closed venues, such as the Mercury, Republik, Embassy and Deluxe Lounge.

Choy and Frank have pulled on the nostalgia of 1970s disco for the bar’s interior scheme through the warm colour scheme and use of amber lighting. Vintage furniture and modified fixtures give it a domestic feel (and nod to the building’s past), while the ceiling is inspired by the sharp angles of John Lautner’s architecture, with uplit zig-zagging beams and custom geometric millwork. Adding to the retro vibe on the main level is a suspended midcentury style fireplace with a cylindrical hearth – the bar also has a custom tiled back, designed by Becky McMaster of Workshop Studios.

Downstairs in the lower lounge, things take a tiki turn while walls are hung with 1960s-inspired artworks by artist Alex Rombough.

As well as looking like it’s from the 1970s, the Sweet Loretta sounds like it’s from the past thanks to its vintage sound system that spins a mix of disco and house music.

Sweet Loretta Bar, 715 11 Ave SW, Calgary