Barkley Village is home to a new complex featuring Scotty Browns restaurant and two fitness studios: barre3 and Ride Culture. While Scotty Browns and barre3 were already operating in different locations, Ride Culture brings indoor cycling to Bellingham for the first time. The new complex creates a hub for fitness, dining, and social connection — three things we’ve (hopefully) learned not to take for granted.
The new complex is a family affair. Brothers Robert and Scott Walker own Scotty Browns, while Robert’s wife, Caitlin Walker, owns Ride Culture and barre3.
The complex is located on Premier Way, near the corner of Illinois and Woburn Streets. Visitors can park in a new garage capable of holding up to 44 vehicles. The idea is to create an easy, one-stop destination where you can do your workout and then meet up with friends and family for a meal.
The central Barkley location makes it easy to support surrounding businesses, too. Maybe you have dinner at Scotty Browns and then head to the Regal theater for a movie. Or maybe you do a workout at Ride Culture and then stop by Haggen, just across the street, to pick up groceries. Vitalizing the entire neighborhood is at the core of the Walker family’s vision.
Scotty Browns
For a restaurant that has accrued a robust fan base since opening in 2008, Scotty Browns’ location is certain to appease steadfast customers while drawing in new ones. Though the new space is technically smaller, the design is more conscientious and includes an expanded, all-ages outdoor dining area complete with heaters, TVs, and enclosures that come down to protect from the elements while still providing ventilation.
“You can dine outdoors every single day of the year, in any sort of inclement weather,” says Allyson Farrar, business manager for Walker Group Ventures.
Regulars will be relieved to know the menu is unaltered, featuring the same cocktails, burgers, and appetizers that Scotty Browns is known for. The staff has also carried over. The manager, Rockell Bosman, has been with Scotty Browns for a decade, bringing years of experience, care, and loyalty to daily operations.
“Our team is valuable to us, and we work hard to make sure that opportunities for growth in our company are presented to them,” says Farrar.
Co-owner Robert Walker notes that people love the restaurant for its high-quality ingredients and top-notch staff, but the atmosphere is what truly sets the restaurant apart.
“There is nothing in Bellingham that offers the vibe that we do,” he says.
Barre3 & Ride Culture
Those who missed group fitness classes during COVID-19 lockdowns should feel extra excited for the complex’s new fitness studios, barre3 and Ride Culture.
Caitlin Walker, who has taught group fitness for more than 25 years, has a pattern of bringing new workout spaces to Bellingham. Barre3 was one of the first boutique-style fitness studios in Bellingham when Caitlin opened it eight years ago, and Ride Culture is the first indoor cycling studio of its kind in town. There’s nothing like it north of Seattle.
“Both barre3 and Ride Culture were born out of my own curiosity. Once I fell in love with the efficiency and fun of these workouts, I wanted to bring them to my community,” says Caitlin.
For those unfamiliar, barre3 is a branded, full-body fitness program that focuses on cardio, strength conditioning, balance, and mindfulness. You’ll be guided through sustained holds, muscle-burning micro-movements, and heart-pumping cardio bursts.
Ride Culture is an indoor cycling studio where stationary cyclists ride together under the guidance of an instructor. Lights and sounds add to the motivation, for a 360-degree experience meant to “evoke emotion and elevate your workout.” The studio is complete with lockers, changing rooms, and fully stocked showers. There’s even a blow-dry bar so you can leave the gym ready for work or, say, dinner with friends at Scotty Browns.
For Caitlin, barre3 and Ride Culture workouts appeal to her on a level deeper than just fitness. They’re about connecting with the community through a shared experience and promoting body-positivity and inclusivity.
“It’s everything combined — you get the best instructors, incredible spaces, and a true sense of community and family. I’ve made some of my best friends through the studios,” she says.
Those new to barre and indoor cycling can try out both studios with little risk. Barre3 offers a special where new clients get three classes for just $30. Another option is two weeks of unlimited classes for $49. Ride Culture offers a new rider special — buy one class get one free – as well as 30 days of unlimited classes for $100, and $175/month after. There’s also a complementary introductory tour and tutorial for first-time riders.
Silver Linings
While opening a business complex during a pandemic is no easy feat, the Walkers managed to find a permanent silver lining.
“Covid hit us in a really hard time,” says Farrar. “That said, we were able to add better ventilation into our buildings because of it…we were able to make changes to the buildings to make it a more comfortable place for people to be.”
The fans in the spin studio, for instance, have a UV light filter that kills germs. There’s also a hospital-grade air filter and scrubber. While these changes were intended for COVID-19, they’ll continue to protect visitors long after the pandemic, preventing the spread of ordinary colds and flus and providing a safer experience for years to come. Scotty Browns: 2130 Premier Way, Ste. 101, Bellingham, 360.306.8823, scottybrownsrestaurant.com; Ride Culture: 2130 Premier Way, Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.746.8941, rideculture.com; Barre3: 2130 Premier Way, Ste. 103, Bellingham, 360.922.7398, barre3.com/studio-locations/bellingham
