Fairmont Château Laurier Unveils 1912 Bar with Historic Flair

The Fairmont Château Laurier has launched a new bar named 1912, located in a previously underutilized corner of the historic hotel in Ottawa. This establishment, inspired by the success of a seasonal pop-up, aims to offer a permanent venue that celebrates the hotel’s rich heritage. The name 1912 marks the year the hotel opened, just prior to the onset of Prohibition, and reflects a nostalgic nod to the speakeasy culture of that era.

Geneviève Dumas, the hotel’s general manager, expressed her vision of creating a space that resonates with the authentic spirit of the Château Laurier. “We created something that people loved with the Elf Pub,” Dumas stated, “but at some point we wanted to go back to the roots of the Château Laurier. It’s not as Christmassy, but it’s more authentic to the real spirit of Christmas back in 1912.”

Design and Atmosphere of 1912

The interior of 1912 is designed to evoke a cozy, intimate atmosphere. It features a stone fireplace, exposed brick walls, and leather furnishings. Patrons can admire an eclectic collection of framed photographs, paintings, and artifacts that celebrate the hotel’s history, including silver tea sets and uniforms worn by past staff members.

The bar offers a selection of unique cocktails inspired by historical figures associated with the hotel. Among these are the Lady Zoe’s Mistletoe Martini and Emilie’s Sleigh Ride Espresso Martini. Additionally, guests can enjoy the Sir Wilfrid’s Old Fashioned Noel, each drink paying homage to the personalities of the time.

To complement the cocktail offerings, the bar features a range of homegrown spirits produced in collaboration with Dunrobin Distilleries. This partnership has led to an exclusive line of private-label spirits, including whiskey named after former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier and gin named after his wife, Lady Zoe.

Innovative Spirits and Local Collaboration

The collaboration with Dunrobin Distilleries is a significant aspect of the 1912 experience. Founded in 2016, Dunrobin has made a name for itself by producing artisanal spirits. Adrian Spitzer, founder and president of Dunrobin, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “Absolutely we wanted to be part of this. We put our team together and thought it through and just kept developing these products and their stories.”

A highlight of the spirits offered at 1912 is the innovative whiskey-making technique known as the Stockhausen method. Developed by Dolf Stockhausen, this method allows for the production of high-quality whiskey in a fraction of the time traditionally required. Spitzer noted that this technique not only enhances flavor but is also environmentally sustainable.

Dunrobin Distilleries initially started on an organic farm in Dunrobin before pivoting to produce hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic. After relocating to a larger facility in Vankleek Hill, the distillery resumed its focus on spirits, diversifying its offerings to include gin and vodka alongside its whiskey.

While the new bar is gaining popularity, Dunrobin’s spirits can also be found at local venues, including bars on the Rideau Canal. After a challenging start during the winter of 2022, the distillery has expanded its presence and is poised to return for the 2025-26 skating season.

The 1912 bar is open from 17:00 to 23:00 from Thursday to Saturday, inviting both locals and visitors to experience its unique blend of history and modern craftsmanship.