This dynamic duo, also known as stores manager, Debbie Laudermilk (left), and 5 Sides owner, Kristen McConnell, spoke to the Journal on Thursday afternoon about the new Pour De Forge coming to 5 Sides.

'Pour De Forge' Coming to Five Sides By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Clifton Forge, VA (Apr. 2, 2026)— Pour De Forge is an exciting new venue set to open in the bustling 5 Sides building, located at 511 Main Street in Clifton Forge, and will offer a gratifying fusion of wine, beer, and small plates of sharable food. This innovative establishment will share the same location as the well-loved Hawt Stuph and Wicked Weiners. That transformation will first occur on Friday, April 24th, beginning a new chapter for the space and downtown life. At promptly 7:00 p.m. each evening, the atmosphere of Hawt Stuph and Wicked Weiners will undergo a captivating change as it transforms into Pour De Forge. The ambiance will be enhanced by the smooth sounds of jazz music playing softly in the background while the windows into the kitchen will be elegantly blackened. Kristen McConnell, owner of the 5 Sides building, also purchased black cloth tablecloths and black napkins that will be placed on the tables in the lobby to further enhance the laid-back atmosphere. The vibe will be further enhanced by solar string lighting, which will envelop the space, creating a warm and inviting glow which McConnell hopes will catch the eyes of those passing by on the street. "We're turning all these chandeliers off," McConnell said Thursday afternoon when the Journal sat down with her and Stores Manager, Debbie Laudermilk. "I'm kind of hoping it glows out on the road... So we're going to feature the Beliveau Farm wines from Blacksburg. We went and visited them a few weeks ago and they came and did the chamber tasting." The use of Beliveau Farm, McConnell says, is to ensure the products remain as local as possible. Additionally, Pour De Forge will offer non-alcoholic wines, beers, and mixer drinks with seltzer for those seeking a non-alcoholic option. There's more! Beginning April 10th, locals will get something of a preview in the form of Hawt Stuph expanding their offerings to include a selection of the beers and wines—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—which will soon be made available in Pour De Forge. "We're going to do Big Fish Cider Company out of Monterey, and Bacova beer, but we will also have Guiness," McConnell noted. As for food, there will be "heavy tapas, heavy appetizers, but all of the names are 'Forge' themed, like anvil-gems, which are water chestnuts wrapped in a tangy sauce... and we'll have like pull-apart cheesy breads, obviously the oil and bread dipping... we have, I forget what we called it, but it's like a land-lovers sushi. It's prosciutto and ricotta and pesto and red onion and arugula." With its unique concept and inviting ambiance, Pour De Forge is set to become a popular destination for those looking to enjoy an evening of good food, drink, and music in a welcoming environment. Hours will be 7:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m. (which may expand to 11:00 p.m. depending on how busy they are) and will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The 5 Sides building is located at 511 Main Street in Clifton Forge. 5 Sides owner, Kristen McConnell, was kind enough to send us the brand new logo for Pour De Forge, which will make its debut on April 24th at 7:00 p.m.

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