Last Defence Lounge now open after two-year closure during pandemic

The Last Defence Lounge (LDL) reopened its doors on April 8 after a two-year closure. Having served the UCalgary community since 1988, the LDL has been a staple restaurant on campus for many UCalgary students and staff. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was temporarily closed for the past two years and was voted to reopen by the GSA Graduate Representative Council last fall semester.

“This is a historic moment for the GSA and the LDL to reopen as many restaurants unfortunately had to close their doors because of COVID-19,” says Daniella Ikurusi, director, finance and operations of the GSA.

The decision to keep the Last Defence Lounge open by the UCalgary graduate student representatives shows how important the LDL is to the UCalgary community, and we are happy to continue to serve this community for many years to come.

Matt Broughton is the new LDL restaurant manager. He welcomes the UCalgary community to visit the Last Defence Lounge on the third floor of MacEwan Student Centre for an inclusive dining experience.

“We plan to have a diverse food menu that will cater to different dietary restrictions and be the ideal space on campus for your casual meetings,” says Broughton. He worked at the LDL as the front of house manager before the temporary closure. He is excited to return in his new position and to continue his vested interest in serving the UCalgary community and its members.

Not only offering an inclusive dining experience, the Last Defence Lounge is also creating employment opportunities for current graduate students, with many of the new hires being graduate students.

“We want to maximize the value we can offer to the UCalgary community that we are a part of,” says Broughton.

The Last Defence Lounge welcomes the UCalgary community to pay a visit during its opening hours: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Monday and Tuesday), 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday to Friday). Check out the LDL menu.