Renovations underway at the former Boulton & Watt

Plywood arrived this week outside the former Boulton & Watt space on the NW corner of Houston and Avenue A, marking the start of renovations here. 

The bar-restaurant closed in July after 11-plus years, and this is the first activity that we recall at the space (aside from someone living in the now-removed side patio). 

Owners Paradise Hospitality (Mister Paradise, Wiggle Room, Pretty Ricky's) announced "some exciting news about a new project in this space" at the time of the closing. They haven't disclosed anything further. 

If you miss B&W, you can always plan for a meal while arriving or departing from JFK's Terminal 4 (Gate A3).

Boulton & Watt has closed

After 11-plus years on the NW corner of Houston and Avenue A, Boulton & Watt has closed ... shutting down after service yesterday. 

In announcing the closure earlier this month on Instagram, the bar-restaurant's management wrote, in part: "To all of our guests, staff members, friends, and family, thank you for making Boulton & Watt your home." 

The Boulton & Watt brand will live on with an outpost at JFK's Terminal 4 in the coming months (we happened to spot it while catching a flight last month)...

Look for the prime EV corner to stay in the Paradise Hospitality (Mister Paradise, Wiggle Room, Pretty Ricky's) family. The Instagram post also notes: "Stay tuned for some exciting news about a new project in this space; see you all very soon!" 

And because someone will post "Bring back Nice Guy Eddie's" in the comments... this space was previously Nice Guy Eddie's. The bar-restaurant with Chico's KISS mural closed in June 2011 after 16 years in service.

Boulton & Watt and Mister Paradise decide to temporarily close for now

Boulton & Watt closed after service this past Sunday over on Avenue A at East Houston. 

The message on the door (and Instagram) for patrons reads in part: 

Restrictive government rules and rising cases has forced our hand. We close now so that we can do our part in helping stop the spread of this virus, and so we have the opportunity to re-open again as soon as is safely possible.

Several readers have noted that B&W has a spacious outdoor layout, with nicely distanced tables and propane heaters. 

Meanwhile, another property in the Paradise Hospitality family, Mister Paradise, has also decided to close temporarily. However, the bar on First Avenue between Sixth Street and Seventh Street will be offering a Paradise Holiday Market delivery service.

Two other Paradise Hospitalty establishments, Drexler's on Avenue A and Paper Daisy on St. Mark's Place, have yet to reopen after the PAUSE.

With the threat of indoor dining shutting down in the near future, several bars-restaurants have decided to proactively close, a list that include's Phebe's on the Bowery.