Parlour Partner

In the space below 1635 Main St. in Columbia, a time capsule was discovered in the form of an old trunk from the early 1920s. Inside the trunk were clues to a life once lived by a firecracker named Lula Drake, who now serves as the inspiration and namesake for the wine bar above that very spot. Lula Drake has quickly established itself as the gathering place not just for wine enthusiasts, but also for “iconoclasts, romantics, professionals, students, gossips and local legends.” Owned by sommelier Tim Gardner, the bar sources small-batch wines produced with an emphasis on organic and sustainable methods.

This fall, Lula Drake is expanding upwards and opening a new event space called the Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake after the spot’s historic function as an office for Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Closed off from the outside world since the 1940s, this secondstory venue will have character to spare with high ceilings, exposed brick and large windows overlooking Main Street.

“The Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake will be downtown Columbia’s most unique gathering place for weddings, conferences, holiday parties and year-round special events,” says Tim. “We’re very excited to unwrap this gem that has been unoccupied since the early 1940s. Its history and beauty are truly one of a kind.”

As Columbia’s Main Street continues to reclaim valued historic spaces, Lula Drake with its vintage flair is leading the way with integrity, vision and style.