This old-Ottawa pub is scoring big with a new generation of fans
Located along the commercial artery of one of Ottawa's most storied neighbourhoods, known as Hintonburg, the Senate Tavern on Wellington has a certain magic to it.
'It's almost like its own little city itself, a little bit on the edge of Ottawa,' says Austin Gough, the tavern's general manager.
The warm wood tones of the Senate's cozy interior make sense in Hintonburg, which is known for its down-to-earth appeal. But the massive 110-inch TV screens ensure sports fans get what they came for.
The walls are decked out with sports gear, from jerseys to helmets, including Buffalo Bills paraphernalia. The NFL team is a favourite of one of the owners. Gough says the bar is packed for NFL games and sometimes they even outdraw the hockey-night crowds. 'If it's a Bills game, we're full every time, no matter what.'
The Senate Tavern has three locations: Wellington Street West, Bank Street (just a few minutes down the road from the home of the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks) and Clarence Street. At all three locations, staff are encouraged to follow the sports the customers like so they can converse knowledgeably on game day.
The area surrounding the Wellington Street West location has evolved. Hintonburg was a working-class residential neighbourhood, which was established in the mid-1800s and formally became part of the city in 1907. Originally built to house lumber and agricultural workers, the neighbourhood has had its share of gritty tales in the more recent decades.
'Hintonburg had kind of a roughness to it in the 1990s,' says Matt Whitehead, vice-president of the Hintonburg Community Association.
A mid-2000s facelift meant revamped sidewalks and new storefronts, all while maintaining cost-effective rents that fostered a spirit of entrepreneurship. 'Because the rents were lower, you'd get people who are just starting out and willing to take some risks and do something different in the stores,' says Whitehead.
That revitalization helped lay the groundwork for new businesses to thrive, like the Senate Tavern which opened on Wellington Street West in 2021. Over time, Hintonburg transformed into one of Ottawa's most vibrant and eclectic communities. Even though gentrification has raised the rents on Wellington, 'It's a wonderful main street, a great spot for businesses,' Whitehead maintains.
'The nice thing about Hintonburg is the mix of folks, all different walks of life. Everybody's just trying to live their life and enjoy the neighbourhood.'
That mix includes longtime locals, young families that have moved in, artists and a healthy dose of die-hard sports fans. The Senate has become a sort of unofficial arena for Hintonburg's fandom during big games. The tavern even offers game-day shuttles to and from Ottawa Senators games.
'The shuttle takes people to the rink and back, and we offer to-go beverages for the ride,' says Gough. 'Most of the time, after a win, the whole bus comes back in for more drinks.'
Local pride also runs through the taps. Pints often come from Pistols Brewery in Kanata, which is co-owned by the Senate Tavern's proprietors. For a bite, the tavern's top menu item shifts between its signature club sandwich and handmade burgers.
Gough says the Senate has developed a strong local loyalty, part of what makes the neighbourhood special. 'We've got people who've been coming here since day one. It's a pretty tight community around here, so a lot of regulars, a lot of good friends. There's a real connection.'
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