Before the Irish Harp Pub was a bar, the building sat vacant. But before that, it was a grocery store. And that is the history behind not just the Irish Harp Pub, but Irish pubs in general.
Over 200 years ago in Ireland, people living away from the community would come into town to buy provisions and catch up with each other at the grocer’s or general store. The grocers saw an opportunity for profit by allowing people to meet and socialize, as long as they purchased a beverage— mainly whiskey.
This was how the ‘Spirit grocery’ began. Pub owners changed their businesses, offering groceries, hardware and other products and services alongside the bar aspect. These Spirit groceries eventually closed in the 1960s when larger grocery chains became more commonplace.
It took an Irishman to transform Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Irish Harp Pub from its grocery store-past to its current state. Trevor Smyth owned record stores in Northern Ireland, but came to Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit his friends Paul & Maureen Dixon (owners of Irish Design). He came across the vacant storefront, and eventually made the decision to move overseas and bring a piece of Ireland to the Canadian town.
Trevor restored the pub lovingly. He had some of its finishings like the mahogany wood, the fireplace, and the tin ceiling constructed in Ireland and brought over.
Like any authentic Irish pub, the space even has a snug, a small private booth that’s usually connected to the bar.
Trevor passed away in 2013, leaving his partner Jovie Joki as the pub’s sole proprietor. Trevor was always known as the life of the party. The pub maintains this community-oriented spirit and comes up with truly creative events, happening every single night of the week.
In July and August, the pub has music every night, including two shows on most Sundays and an acoustic patio show on Wednesdays. Past events have included cocktail-making classes; a murder mystery event; an annual wine-tasting and dinner with Niagara College; and theatre performances, which range from plays to Vinyl Cafe readings.
“We like to make things entertaining for people,” says Adam, the Irish Harp Pub’s general manager
Some of the pub’s events benefit local charities. In the summertime they host “Pawsitive Patio,” where customers bring their dogs and donate to charity by buying 50/50 tickets and bidding on gift baskets. This year the funds raised went to Rebel Dog Rescue, and last year’s event benefitted Angel’s Rest Dog Rescue. The pub also regularly fundraises for Red Roof Retreat and Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.
In addition to their range of events, Irish Harp Pub has a large menu to cater to everyone. Their classic menu section is all Irish food, including bangers and champ, Shepherd’s pie, and Guinness pie. They also offer North American-style pub foods, such as burgers and nachos. Specialty items are added to the menu as well, such as a boxty (an Irish stuffed potato pancake).
During the summer months, the pub doesn’t allow reservations. But once September rolls around, interested parties are welcome to book on the website (for parties of less than 8), or by email (for parties of 8 or more). Adam emphasizes that customers should double-check that they’re booking for the room they want, since the pub has three. Their private Claddagh Room can fit up to 30 people and has been used for meetings, presentations, and small wedding functions.
In the summer, the Irish Harp Pub is bustling with tourists. But Adam says they value their regulars too, ensuring that they always have a metaphorical stool at the bar. He likes to see the two crowds mix, keeping alive the communal spirit that Trevor and Jovie have cultivated over the years.
“First-time visitors love that everybody from all the different areas come together here, to eat & drink, listen to music, enjoy good craic [‘fun' in Gaelic] and camaraderie. They love that it feels like a family when you come here.”
For more information, visit www.theirishharppub.com.