Christina Devine, ByWard Market BIA
In the late 1970s, co-owners Larry Bradley and Pat Kelly landed as two Irish immigrants in Canada. In 1992, the two businessmen decided to open their first pub in an unfrequented area of the ByWard Market. At the time, Clarence Street offered primarily retail locations to locals and tourists and since has welcomed a variety of restaurants and bars to patrons.
Almost immediately after opening, the Irish community flocked to the Heart & Crown for cold pints, live music and a wee bit of craic. By the mid 1990s, the Heart & Crown became one of Ottawa’s favourite pubs and in 1997, it doubled in size with the addition of the Snug Pub, reminiscent of ale houses back in Ireland. By 2001, the pub doubled its size once again with the addition of Mother McGintey’s Pub and the Black Rose creating what would become known as Ottawa’s “Irish Village.”
Today, The Heart & Crown in Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market is one of Ottawa’s favourite Irish pubs and restaurants. With five pubs under one roof with six patios that make up what is locally-known as Ottawa’s Irish Village, the Heart & Crown featuring Irish-inspired dishes, live music daily and domestic and international sporting events has something for everyone.
While establishing himself in the ByWard neighbourhood, Bradley noticed there were many people in need around him and he wanted to give back to the community. Now approaching its 27th year, every Christmas Day, the Heart & Crown hosts a free all-day Christmas dinner for the less fortunate, gathering people from all over Ottawa providing a hot Christmas meal for everyone.
Serving people in need, all are welcome to enjoy a free meal on Christmas Day. In previous years, patrons have enjoyed small gifts like hats, socks, toques, mitts and scarves for staying warm.
“People from all walks of life who have come because of varied reasons: they are lonely, homeless, they are cold, have no family around, or they simply can’t provide a meal for their family or themselves,” says Melanie Veenbaas, Social Media Director at Heart & Crown Irish Pubs.
“It could be one or all of those things at once. Our Christmas dinner is for anyone in the community who needs it.”
Serving between 500 to 800 meals each year on Christmas Day, the Heart & Crown’s family-run annual Christmas Dinner is organized by owner Larry’s daughter Kristen with administrative support from Tanya at the Heart and Crown Irish Pub’s Head Office. The event is entirely volunteer-run, with many returning volunteers who come back each year to continue giving back including Heart & Crown regulars, staff and community members.
“More restaurant businesses in the area are now offering holiday meals for the less fortunate, so our community can receive the support it needs,” says Veenbaas. “At Heart & Crown, our patrons come for the community that comes with their warm meal. It’s a place to feel at home for your holiday meal.”