THE BEST GAY BAR IN THE WORLDTHE ABBEY+ Ohlala Interview With David Cooley

The Abbey in West Hollywood is nominated for the Best Gay Bar In The World title by LOGO and we are happy to let you know that it totally gets our vote, it has been our favorite bar ever since we first went there, 9 years ago.

It was then a little bar where we kept going back, an oasis in the middle of WeHo which only got better and bigger over the years. So you can imagine how happy we were to finally get the chance to do an interview with David Cooley who has started it 15 years ago. An amazing businessman and recognized philanthropist David has always surrounded himself with great and creative people, and they were all happy to make this place an iconic location for exciting and unforgettable nightlife. During the day this open air Bar/Restaurant, the perfect place to grab a bite, have a martini and meet with some friends...

Over the years The Abbey has become a place where gay and straight people have gathered to create a great melting pot. From the family and kids having a sunday brunch to the newly out kid bringing his parents, a sample of the world that we live in where people are sharing an enjoyable moment together.



Above a couple of photos Steph and I took over the years and below a little door into the world of David Cooley along with some photos of other cool people that were a part of the journey in turning this place into a must experience when in Los Angeles.



How was the idea of The Abbey born?
David Cooley: Well, I have a degree in hotel and restaurant management, so doing something in that field had always been sort of a dream. I decided to leave my previous career in banking to open up a place in West Hollywood. It had no coffee houses at the time, and in fact, there really weren't any places to dine outdoors. All the other places were still enclosed. So I found a dry cleaners that had some space to rent and we started there. Later on, we moved across the street where The Abbey is still located to this day.

What are your best and the worst memories from an event that took place at The Abbey?
DC: My best memory is the evening when I was called to host parties for two different Presidential candidates on the exact same evening -- one to introduce Hillary Clinton at The Abbey, the other one for Barak Obama at Area – and I pulled it off!



My worst memory was when we had a small electrical problem one Sunday morning during brunch. The Fire Department showed up and Robertson Blvd. was closed off due to the numerous fire trucks. Even though it was only a minor problem, I was asked by the Fire Department to clear the premises and interrupt everyone’s meal, but we re-opened in two hours.

What has the partnership with SBE changed in terms of how The Abbey is run ?
DC: SBE really provides a lot of the “back office” and administrative support and structure that a business like The Abbey needs to operate successfully. SBE also gives The Abbey access to a lot of resources -- creatively, operationally and financially. Those resources have already proven to be invaluable - especially in today’s business climate.



You give back a lot too. What are your favorite causes?
DC: Right now I’m involved with several very worthy causes and charitable organizations. Each of them has very unique - but equally important - needs. I don’t think I could name a favorite. I love working with all of them. Coming up next is the 25th Anniversary of AIDS WALK Los Angeles benefiting APLA. I’m looking forward to hosting the VIP/celebrity breakfast once again at The Abbey.

Do you believe that The Abbey is the best gay bar in the world ?
DC: I don’t just believe it, I know it is. In fact, we’re currently one of only two gay bars in North America nominated for “Best Gay Bar in the World,” in Logo-TV’s Trip Out Gay Travel awards. If your readers haven’t voted already, I hope they will consider casting a vote for The Abbey by going to: www.tripoutgaytravel.com. Their support is greatly appreciated!



Are there any plans to open similar bars in other cities ?
DC: This has been in the works for a while, but we’re continuing to be extremely cautious. If we open up more locations, it has to “feel” right. It has to feel totally “Abbey.” Right now, we’re still exploring and waiting for the real estate market to settle.

Where would you like to live?
DC: I have the perfect living situation now, living here in Los Angeles and in Montreal, along with the ability to travel.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally ?
DC: One thing I have learned is that people like changes and to keep it successful, I've got to keep it fresh. Everywhere I travel I am constantly studying other establishments to find out what ideas work and what doesn't. It's a continuous education where I use what I learn to make The Abbey better for my customers.

If you were a reincarnation of someone or something what or who would it be?
DC: I would like to come back as President George W. Bush. THEN he would have been “gay friendly” with equal rights and marriage for all of our citizens; we would not be embroiled in these foolish wars; our economy would not be broken and we would be having the MOST fabulous parties at the White House – where EVERYONE would be welcome!



What is your greatest fear?
DC: I am extremely claustrophobic. It’s funny because being in the bar business, I’m fine in crowds. But I’m fearful of elevators, dressing rooms and airplane bathrooms. I try to avoid elevators at all times.

When and where were you happiest ?
DC: For the first time ever, I recently was able to take a whole month off and went to Greece for my birthday. That was a wonderful, amazing experience.

What is your most treasured possession?
DC: Family, friends and my business.

What is next for David Cooley?
DC: Whatever new challenge comes along.

+ VOTE FOR THE ABBEY HERE