Bars

Refuge serves up shareable snacks like charcuterie boards. (John Atkinson)

Refuge provides just that for loyal local clients

Taproom dodged the COVID-19 bullet and is now thriving

  • Nov 10, 2023

 

Bartender Olivia Campbell at Irish Times. The Irish Times is a fixture on Victoria’s Government street and features live music seven days a week. (John Atkinson)

BEHIND BARS: Irish Times

Columnist John Atkinson has one of the best desserts he’s ever tasted and a perfect pour of Guinness

  • Jul 20, 2023

 

The Churchill bar manager Michelle Mignealt and head bartender Drew Whiteside. (John Atkinson)

Behind Bars: ‘welcoming divey vibes’ meets high quality at The Churchill

A unique corridor-style bar on Government Street, The Churchill offers quality food, drink and themed nights

  • Jul 13, 2023

 

Clive’s Classic Lounge, one of the longest standing cocktail bars in Victoria, took home the prestigious Whisky Hotel Bar of the Year award at the 2023 Icons of Whisky Awards, presented by U.K.-based Whisky magazine. (Clive’s Facebook page)

Behind Bars: Clive’s bringing European flair to Victoria’s hotel bar scene

Soole, Russell create award-winning cocktails and food at Chateau Victoria

  • Jun 19, 2023
Clive’s Classic Lounge, one of the longest standing cocktail bars in Victoria, took home the prestigious Whisky Hotel Bar of the Year award at the 2023 Icons of Whisky Awards, presented by U.K.-based Whisky magazine. (Clive’s Facebook page)
Big Bad John’s started in 1962, during a celebration of the World’s Fair in Seattle, where the Strathcona Room was temporarily transformed into “Big Bad John’s Hillbilly Bar.” Due to popularity, the bar has continued in all its quirkiness ever since. (Dave Van)

Behind Bars: Big Bad John’s puts the quirk back into the bar experience

Throwing peanuts, falling spiders, and bras hanging from the rafters – Big Bad John’s has it all.

  • May 11, 2023
Big Bad John’s started in 1962, during a celebration of the World’s Fair in Seattle, where the Strathcona Room was temporarily transformed into “Big Bad John’s Hillbilly Bar.” Due to popularity, the bar has continued in all its quirkiness ever since. (Dave Van)
The Loft Pub offers live music seven days a week. (image supplied)

Behind Bars: The Loft Pub

Loft raising Gorge spirits with great food, drink and music

  • Apr 25, 2023
The Loft Pub offers live music seven days a week. (image supplied)
George Millar and Ian Millar, lead singers of The Irish Rovers. Millar, an Irish Rover all his life, wrote the song Hey Boys Sing Us A Song as a response to the Covid-19 years, and includes the refrain “We all need some happiness back in our lives!” The song is nominated Canadian Folk Music Awards, SINGLE OF THE YEAR. (Hamish Burgess)

‘Absolutely wonderful’: Victoria Irish Rovers co-founder celebrates nomination

Popular Irish-Canadian band rings in 60 years of uplifting spirits with a tour, award nomination

George Millar and Ian Millar, lead singers of The Irish Rovers. Millar, an Irish Rover all his life, wrote the song Hey Boys Sing Us A Song as a response to the Covid-19 years, and includes the refrain “We all need some happiness back in our lives!” The song is nominated Canadian Folk Music Awards, SINGLE OF THE YEAR. (Hamish Burgess)