About
The historic Bartholomew’s Public House, was re-opened under a new management company, Alderaan Hospitality Ltd., in 2020. Executive Chef, Jason Clifford, and Director of F&B, Morgan Watson formed a partnership to revitalise this iconic Victorian institution. Their aim is to build on the previous success of Bartholomew’s, while developing and growing the overall product offerings, events and experience to retain previous customers as well as attracting and maintaining a new demographic. Morgan and Jason have enlisted the talent and skills of one of Victoria’s top bartenders and industry personalities, Brant Porter to help them achieve their overall vision for the property. Brant has brought with him a number of top bartenders from the city to deliver a well rounded and premium drinks program. The philosophy of the bar team is to deliver premium quality drinks and service in a comfortable pub environment.
Executive Chef Jason has refreshed the direction of the food offering to reflect a Gastro English Pub with modern, west coast twists. The philosophy of the kitchen is to focus on freshness and quality with the majority of components being made fresh in-house. In the bar, Brant and Morgan have increased the draught offering from 13 to 26 taps encompassing a range of local craft staples as well as British/Irish imports and a collection of continuous rotating and guest taps from around British Columbia. Keeping in line with the bars British links, the team have curated the largest selection of Gin’s on Vancouver Island, and possibly the entire province. Currently listing over 80, the list will continuously grow and develop with time. Brant and the bartenders have created a list of signature G&T’s with premium flavoured tonics and mixers as well as a “build your own” section on the gin list which allows guest to create their very own “personal” G&T.
Morgan Watson
Jason Clifford
Brant Porter
Our History
The entrance to Bartholomew’s, circa 1975
Established in 1975 by local entrepreneur Derryck Jackson, Bartholomew’s Pub (originally Bartholomew’s Rockefeller Grille) has long since been a Victoria staple, providing locals and visitors with the finest in classic pub fare, friendly service and lively entertainment.
The pub’s founder, D.J., enjoyed traveling abroad to seek out creative new menu items and discover fun ways to improve his customer’s experience. His signature dish, Oysters Rockefeller – oysters served over Pernod-infused spinach, topped with fresh-made hollandaise sauce and melted cheese – had been a long-time favourite at Bart’s. He understood the incredible importance of providing quality service and even better food and instilled this in his management team, ensuring that Bartholomew’s will remain a hot-spot for tourists and locals alike, for years to come.
The musical entertainment at Bart’s has evolved over the years, ranging from piano players performing bluesy lounge tunes to local bands, Irish “Trad” sessions and high energy Music Bingo nights.
Throughout the history of Bartholomew’s Pub, while undergoing minor refurbishment, the classic Old-English character has always been maintained.
In 2012, a major renovation saw the closing of the pub for the first time in almost 40 years! Updates included a complete overhaul of the kitchen, adding new food preparation equipment, re-finishing of the bar, bar stools, tables and chairs as well as the vintage Tiffany lights. Expansion into the adjacent restaurant space (formerly the Caffè d’Amore) opened up the pub, creating more room for comfortable booths and a wrap-around bar. The beautifully sheltered patio is also being redone with a new fountain and added room for premium outdoor seating. The most exciting upgrade was the addition of a new keg fridge, located directly behind the bar, meaning very short keg lines for the freshest, more delicious tasting draft beer imaginable! Incredible care was taken throughout the renovation to ensure the traditional look and feel of Bart’s Pub remained, while greatly improving the quality of service for its patrons.
We were awarded BEST PUB at the 2022 YAM Awards
We are grateful to our wonderful customers, staff, suppliers, partners and the whole Victoria community. Thank-you for all your continued support
We look forward to welcoming you!
In March 2020, Bartholomew’s was forced to close due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this closure the pub underwent a restructuring of the management company, Alderaan Hospitality Ltd. The pub reopened in October 2020 as Bartholomew’s Public House (in honour of the traditional British public house, aka “pub”).