Bartholomew’s Pub Marks 50 Years with Celebrations and Community Spirit

Bartholomew’s Pub in Victoria is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary this October, coinciding with five years since its reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pub plans a series of festivities over a two-week period, inviting patrons to join in the milestone celebrations. Bar manager and supervisor Kait Taylor expressed excitement about the upcoming events, stating, “I’ve got many ideas, but we haven’t made a big plan yet. But we’ll have a couple of weeks of things to celebrate the decades.”

Taylor, who has been with Bartholomew’s for almost two years, describes the pub as a cozy gathering place. “It’s a fun little place to work. Lots of good staff, lots of regulars, and a good beer list,” she added. As winter approaches, the venue transforms into a warm and inviting space, enhanced by its historic character and festive decorations.

The pub embraces a British theme, featuring classic decor and a menu that offers favorites like bangers & mash and Yorkshire puddings. Floor supervisor Keely Bayko emphasized the sense of community the pub fosters, saying, “With your comfort food, and you’re surrounded by a bunch of familiar regulars. It creates a great atmosphere and feeling.”

Bartholomew’s also hosts live music every Sunday evening, alongside traditional Irish music on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Patrons can take advantage of the ‘Happy Hour’ from 15:00 to close on Mondays, featuring break-even prices on select top-shelf spirits. “It’s pretty cool and people get to try new things,” Taylor noted. The weekly lineup includes trivia on Tuesdays, wings nights on Wednesdays, and music bingo on Thursdays, culminating in Guinness Fridays, where patrons can enjoy discounts.

The pub prides itself on its extensive drink selection, featuring a large local draft list and an impressive gin collection that boasts over 80 varieties. “The gin selection is probably the largest in B.C.,” Bayko confirmed. Bartholomew’s offers 26 beers and one cider on tap, with favorites including Dark Matter and Appleton’s cider. Their signature dishes, such as bangers & mash and beef dip, are complemented by Sunday roasts, which are available until they run out or close.

While the pub attracts tourists from nearby cruise ships and the downtown area, its loyal clientele primarily consists of locals. Located beneath the DoubleTree Victoria hotel, the establishment benefits from foot traffic and provides room service to hotel guests. In September, Bartholomew’s celebrated Arthur Guinness’s 300th birthday with a variety of specials, including food, snacks, and dancing.

With five televisions, the pub screens select sports events, including hockey and soccer matches. “When there are big events, like the Grey Cup, we’ll pull down our projector screen with the sound on,” Bayko explained.

Employing around 40 staff, Bartholomew’s focuses on creating a welcoming environment. Taylor highlighted the popularity of their cocktails, particularly the Pink & Lime hibiscus margarita, which has been a summer hit. Other favorites include Irish Coffee and the Pimm’s Cup, which receives rave reviews from visitors from the UK.

The venue’s decor remains largely original, with many items having been in place since its opening five decades ago. “The pictures are seriously glued on the walls – you’d need a crowbar to pry them off,” Taylor remarked. Bayko added that while some renovations have occurred, the pub has maintained its cozy atmosphere.

Bartholomew’s reopened in 2020 under new ownership by Alderaan Hospitality Ltd., led by executive chef Jason Clifford and director of food & beverages Morgan Watson. Their focus has been on enhancing the customer experience while honoring the pub’s legacy. “Increasing the quality of cocktails was a big one,” Taylor said.

Looking ahead, Bartholomew’s is introducing a build-your-own gin and tonic program, allowing guests to customize their drinks with various mixers and garnishes.

Taylor encourages potential visitors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. “It’s a fun place to be and we’ve got a lot of great staff. It’s a good place to meet, have a chat, and a pint.” Bayko added, “We have a beautiful patio as well – especially in the summer. I think there are 10 tables and approximately 38 seats. You get the sun and the shade and can people-watch out there.”

For more information about Bartholomew’s Pub, including its anniversary events, visit their website at https://www.bartholomewspub.com/.