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

Bartholomew’s Pub in Victoria, British Columbia, 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 two weeks in mid-October to mark this significant milestone. Bar manager Kait Taylor expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming celebrations, stating, “We have many ideas, but we haven’t made a big plan yet. We’ll have a couple of weeks of things to celebrate the decades.”

The venue, known for its inviting atmosphere, has become a community staple. Taylor, who has worked at Bartholomew’s for nearly two years, appreciates the camaraderie among staff and regular patrons. “It’s a fun little place to work. Lots of good staff, lots of regulars and a good beer list,” she noted. As winter approaches, Taylor looks forward to the pub’s cozy ambiance, enhanced by its historic charm and festive decorations.

Bartholomew’s embraces a British theme, featuring classic decor and a menu that includes traditional dishes such as bangers & mash and Yorkshire puddings. Floor supervisor Keely Bayko highlighted the welcoming nature of the pub, saying, “With your comfort food, and you’re surrounded by a bunch of familiar regulars. It creates a great atmosphere and feeling.”

The pub offers various engaging activities, including live music every Sunday and traditional Irish performances on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Patrons can enjoy a ‘Happy Hour’ from 15:00 to close on Mondays, featuring unique pricing on select drinks. “It’s pretty cool and people get to try new things,” Taylor said. Trivia nights on Tuesdays, wings nights on Wednesdays, and music bingo on Thursdays add to the lively schedule, culminating in Guinness Fridays with discounted prices.

Bartholomew’s is particularly noted for its extensive drink offerings. With a significant focus on local products, the pub boasts a large draft list, including 26 beers and one cider, with popular selections such as Dark Matter and Appleton’s cider. The gin selection is touted as one of the largest in British Columbia, featuring over 80 varieties.

The food menu also draws attention, with standout dishes including the renowned bangers & mash and a flavorful beef dip. Sunday roasts are a highlight, often selling out quickly, complemented by $12-off bottles of wine during service. Taylor remarked that these offerings attract both regulars and tourists, enhancing the pub’s reputation as a go-to spot in the area.

Located beneath the DoubleTree Victoria hotel, Bartholomew’s benefits from steady foot traffic, particularly from visitors and cruise ship passengers. The establishment has also taken steps to enhance its appeal through partnerships with local businesses, including Sheringham Distillery, which has helped to refine the cocktail menu and introduce new offerings like a build-your-own gin and tonic program.

The pub’s decor maintains much of its original character, featuring photographs and fixtures that have been part of its history for decades. “Most of them have been here since its opening 50 years ago,” Taylor explained. While some renovations have occurred over the years, the essence of the pub remains intact, a sentiment echoed by Bayko, who enjoys hearing stories from patrons returning to reminisce about their experiences.

Bartholomew’s Pub reopened under new ownership by Alderaan Hospitality Ltd. in 2020, with a vision to revitalize the iconic venue while honoring its legacy. Executive chef Jason Clifford and director of food and beverages Morgan Watson have implemented changes aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience, focusing on quality and service.

As the anniversary approaches, Taylor encourages both new and returning customers to visit. “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,” she said. Bayko added, “We have a beautiful patio as well—especially in the summer. You can enjoy the sun and shade while people-watching.”

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