Ottawa's iconic Fairmont Château Laurier hotel has transformed a previously seasonal space into a permanent, historically inspired watering hole. The new bar, aptly named 1912 after the year the landmark hotel first opened its doors, officially debuted in December 2025.
From Pop-Up to Permanent: Honoring Hotel History
Geneviève Dumas, the hotel's general manager, was inspired by the success of the temporary Elf Pub, a popular Christmas pop-up that occupied the same secluded corner. Seeking to create a year-round venue that reflected the hotel's deep roots, the concept for 1912 was born. The bar pays homage to the era just before Prohibition, embracing a speakeasy aesthetic that nods to the clandestine bars of that time.
"We wanted to go back to the roots of the Château Laurier," Dumas explained. "It's more authentic to the real spirit of Christmas back in 1912." The goal was to move beyond a holiday-themed experience and craft a space that permanently celebrates the hotel's 113-year legacy as a designated national historic site.
A Cozy, Artifact-Filled Speakeasy Atmosphere
The bar's design immerses guests in a bygone era. The windowless room is intentionally cozy, featuring a stone fireplace, exposed brick, rich chocolate-colored walls, and comfortable leather furniture. The walls are adorned with a curated collection of historical memorabilia, including framed photographs, paintings, newspaper clippings, silver tea sets, brass candlesticks, hardcover books, and even vintage uniforms once worn by hotel staff.
Exclusive Spirits with a Local Partnership
A cornerstone of the 1912 experience is its exclusive line of private-label spirits, the result of a collaboration with Dunrobin Distilleries, an Ottawa-area artisanal alcohol maker. Founder and president Adrian Spitzer welcomed the partnership, calling it an opportunity not to be missed.
"Absolutely we wanted to be part of this," Spitzer said. "We put our team together and thought it through and just kept developing these products and their stories. The imaginations of everyone ran wild so quickly."
The spirits are creatively named after historical figures connected to the hotel's early days. The lineup includes a whiskey named for former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a gin for his wife, Lady Zoe, and a vodka named for Emilie, the woman believed to have been Laurier's mistress.
The December 2025 cocktail menu showcased these bespoke spirits in thematic drinks such as the Lady Zoe's Mistletoe Martini, Emilie's Sleigh Ride Espresso Martini, and Sir Wilfrid's Old Fashioned Noel. The bar also features other Dunrobin offerings like Lion's Roar whiskey and Seven Seals peated double-wood finished whiskey.
The launch of the 1912 bar represents a significant investment in a unique, locally-focused guest experience, blending the Château Laurier's storied past with modern, craft beverage artistry for Ottawa residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the year.
