A Sad Day in Halifax

As first reported on BeerAdvocate, the Granite Brewery located on Barrington Street in Halifax will be re-locating to the north end of the city and Ginger's Tavern will be closing their doors for good.

Kevin Keefe, owner and operator of Ginger's and the Granite, plans to continue brewing his beers for the Henry House and other pub locations and will be working towards his other operation in Windsor, Nova Scotia - the Green Man Pub where canning options have been brought up.

It turns out that Keefe was contacted months ago by a group who are purchasing many of the buildings on Barrington street and an offer was made; as such, Sunday February 22 will be Ginger's last day. A sad day for local musicians, cask ale drinkers and stonch pub supporters.

I have fond memories of the Granite (Halifax location) when I called Halifax home. I remember walking into the pub, ordering a pint of Peculiar and watching the Blue Jays get pounded by the Minnesota Twins on the large screen. It was noon on a Saturday, a warm day, the windows of the pub were open, letting in some fresh air. There were many people enjoying the day, reading books, sitting at the bar talking to the bartender; it was my kind of place. I would often head back to the Granite for pints when I was in the area (or not at the Henry House) and I'll always remember the feeling I'd get the second I'd enter. It will be missed.

Ginger's was a place I had only visited a handful of times, and all to listen to the live bands. It was a great place to go for to tune in with local musicians and the Granite beers always suited the mood. It's closing will have an impact on the local talent in Halifax.

A source close to the story told me that Keefe has a lot of beer in storage, enough to supply his clients and customers happy for a month or so. So get down to Ginger's and the Granite this weekend to help send off a Halifax landmark. I would if I could.

Good luck to Kevin Keefe and his dedicated employees.