The Centretown Pub Perhaps the most famous of Ottawa’s gay bars, the Centretown Pub is a well-known neighbourhood establishment. Housed in a beautiful old brick home on Somerset and known for its large outdoor patios, it has been an institution in Ottawa’s gay community for 30 years — an anniversary the pub is celebrating this year. CP, as it’s known to regulars, tends to cater to a slightly older crowd; it’s a popular watering hole for gay men to meet up, drink and socialize. Downstairs is the main pub area, while the upstairs is the dance bar. CP is the official home bar of the Ottawa Knights, who meet upstairs the second Saturday of every month to host theme events, giving the fetish community a chance to meet, mingle and share experiences. The Ottawa Wolves, an LGBT rugby team whose Rugbeer nights take place every fourth Saturday, also call the Centretown Pub home. “The main floor is the pub area — it’s always been the busy part, the meeting spot,” says Bruce Davis, who owns the pub with his partner, Mike Tasse. “Upstairs has been predominantly the dance bar, but it’s gone through reincarnations with go-go dancers and drag shows and various other events.” While there are no drag shows currently on the calendar, there is karaoke on the top floor on Sundays from 7pm to midnight. In addition to the main pub and the upstairs dance bar, Davis has reopened the downstairs bar area, which he says functions mainly as a meeting space. He and Tasse are also co-owners of the nearby Lewis Street Sauna. There are tons of events and specials at CP from month to month; Davis updates the website to let patrons know what’s coming up. The pub also plays host to frequent fundraisers and barbecues in the summer months, taking advantage of its copious outdoor space. Davis says the back patio seats 55 people and the front patio has space for approximately 30. Both are extremely popular in the summer months, perfect for relaxing with a beer and a few good friends.
340 Somerset St W, centretownpub.blogspot.ca
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