It was darky and stormy, and I don’t mean I was enjoying that particular cocktail (though that would have been good). I mean it was just wretched outside.

I enjoy the luxury of walking to and from downtown, but when the weather isn’t cooperating, it’s a bit of a trial.

I had been to the Vic Theatre for a movie and it was daunting as I started heading homeward. Then suddenly, a fine Scottish style pub popped up on our trek and I thought, ‘Hmm, Scotland, windy, inclement, warm pubs … BINGO, oops, I mean HAGGIS! All might be well if I could just warm up a little along the way,’ so in I went.

The Bard and Banker is a beautiful take on a grand pub: warm colours, warm brass, warm drinks, now that’s a thought. A hot buttered rum and a Monte Cristo were dispatched from the bar and indeed came hot and sweet, though the former did have a bit too much water to rum.

Then, since we were walking after all, I thought to test out the idea that the drink needn’t be hot but just brown to warm the cockles. So a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned came next and hit the mark. The Manhattan glass itself was a pleasure, fine and beautifully shaped, it held a spectacular liquid within, while the other made a good show. Premium brands like Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon, Maker’s Mark and Gosling’s Rum were used in cocktails under $10. No silly priced drinks. Now that’s heart warming!