eep in the shadow of Yorkville's soaring, poured-concrete towers, there's a lovable roof-top patio that you might not know about. The Flight Deck isn't new, nor does it conform to Yorkville's over-the-top stylish standards. But this patio on the roof-top of The Pilot is a solid classic - the Pilot itself celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. But its location on the lesser-traveled part of Yorkville (east of Bay Street) could be why you've never happened upon it.

But, before you get to the Flight Deck, a bit of a tour is required.

The Pilot has a laid-back tavern feel to it, with arrangements of tables and chairs, a long oak bar and a little stage area built to accommodate Saturday jazz sessions. A classic pub space. To its regulars - and there are many - it's a haven from the striving world; an unpretentious room with its own charm and bare wood aura.

Moving on up to The Stealth Lounge, the second floor space has hardwood floors, and a shiny bar with antique light fixtures above it. This homey area is an example of a spirit that develops between a place and its regulars. It's a warm and friendly area that's often booked for private parties; think of it as Yorkville's rec room.

Up one more floor, and we have the secluded Flight Deck patio. Cutting-edge it ain't. But it's got sunshine, alcohol and a wicked sense of privacy - therefore creating its own vibrant energy. On any given night, the roof-top patio clientele is dominated by downtown twenty-somethings gathered in small groups to chat over cocktails about art school or work. They may be seemingly oblivious to the surrounding trendy neighbourhood, but it is this same crowd that makes this place so very hip.

At lunch, when you can sit on the patio and look up the Yonge and Bloor buildings, it's an oasis on Cumberland. At night, when people in shades are still in work clothes and guzzling beer, it's like an opium den for the white-collar crowd, not copping too much attitude under the nonjudgmental stare of the young, energetic staff.

'Most of our staff is in their early 20's, says Owner Al Stuart. 'And, it's funny, as they'll inevitably tell me that their parents came here when they were the same age.'

Stuart himself snuck into the bar when he was still in Jarvis Collegiate. Afternoons would be spent here with his group of school buddies, occasionally joking about coming back and buying the place.

It wouldn't be until the late '80s, when Stuart and his buddies (still keeping contact through hockey practice) would discover that their school-days haunt was up for sale. Stuart, Chuck Higgins and eight other grade-school friends - who had all went different ways professionally - wasted no time in buying The Pilot. Suddenly a bar owner and operator, Stuart knew that to lure that upper-Yorkville crowd, he must first seduce them with a rooftop patio; a judgment call was soon made to add the Flight Deck.

Damn good call; the Flight Deck is now a worthy destination in itself. The density on the deck seems to reflect the teeming streets of Yorkville itself. There's a point when it's getting dark, but cocktails are flowing and it just feels good to be there. This is a Toronto moment: The sound is rising, the businessmen are loosening their ties, and smog-scented breeze cools you off. You may have no idea what it is you've ordered, but you know exactly why you've come. DE




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