Bartholomew’s Pub Marks 50 Years of Community and Celebration

Bartholomew’s Pub in Victoria, British Columbia, is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary this coming October. The festivities will span two weeks, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of its reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Bar manager Kait Taylor shared that while specific plans are still in the works, the celebration will feature various activities to honor the pub’s rich history.

Taylor, who has been with Bartholomew’s for nearly two years, described the establishment as a “fun little place to work.” She highlighted the welcoming atmosphere created by both staff and regular patrons. “It gets full and cozy in the winter, which is exciting for us,” she noted, emphasizing the pub’s charm stemming from its historic architecture and inviting decor.

Celebrating Tradition and Community

Bartholomew’s Pub embraces a distinctly British theme, offering classic comfort foods like bangers and mash and Yorkshire puddings. Floor supervisor Keely Bayko pointed out that the pub’s atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging among its customers. “With your comfort food and familiar faces, it creates a great atmosphere,” she said.

The pub also hosts live music every Sunday and features traditional Irish music on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Patrons can enjoy a ‘Happy Hour’ from 15:00 to close on Mondays, where top-shelf spirits are sold at cost. “It’s pretty cool, and people get to try new things,” Taylor explained. Other weekly events include trivia on Tuesdays and music bingo on Thursdays, culminating in Guinness Fridays, where customers receive a discount on their favorite stout.

Bartholomew’s Pub is not only a local favorite but also attracts visitors from nearby cruise ships and tourists exploring downtown Victoria. Located beneath the DoubleTree Victoria hotel, the pub benefits from foot traffic and also provides room service to hotel guests.

A Legacy of Flavor and Service

The pub’s extensive drink offerings set it apart, boasting over 80 types of gin and a diverse draft beer selection featuring 26 beers and one cider. The most popular choices include Dark Matter and Appleton’s cider, along with Island Red from Driftwood Brewery. Signature dishes, such as the renowned bangers and mash and beef dip, draw in both locals and visitors alike. Taylor noted, “The roast is good and brings in a lot of regulars and tourists.”

The pub has undergone significant changes since its reopening in 2020 under new ownership by Alderaan Hospitality Ltd.. Executive chef Jason Clifford and director of food and beverages Morgan Watson have worked to enhance the customer experience, focusing on quality and innovation in their offerings. Taylor highlighted the improvement in cocktail quality as a key development, stating, “The bartenders here had a lot of knowledge and put time into improving the cocktail options.”

In addition to traditional favorites, Bartholomew’s is launching a build-your-own gin and tonic program, allowing guests to customize their drinks with various mixers and garnishes.

With around 40 staff members, the pub prides itself on a friendly service culture. Taylor expressed the joy of getting to know the regulars: “It’s nice when people recognize you and your service.” Bayko echoed this sentiment, noting how customers appreciate the pub’s cozy, familiar environment, sharing stories of special moments celebrated over the years.

The pub’s decor remains largely original, with many elements dating back to its opening. Taylor remarked that the nostalgic feel resonates with patrons, as they often remark, “That’s exactly how it was when I was here 20 years ago.”

As the community prepares for celebrations in October, Bartholomew’s Pub continues to embody the spirit of togetherness and tradition. Taylor encourages everyone to join in the festivities: “Just come and have a good time. It’s a fun place to be, and we’ve got a lot of great staff.”

To learn more about Bartholomew’s Pub and its upcoming events, visit their official website.