Drink Atlantic Cocktail Festival presents In Memoriam: The Velvet Olive – A long overdue eulogy to one of Canada’s original cocktail joints

20 years ago, in downtown Halifax, the Velvet Olive was born,  an ambitious space that helped to pave the way for cocktail culture in East coast Canada. In a sea of pubs and restaurants, a few odd people came together to build a little room that defied all those traditions and provided a space for the outcasts and artists. The Velvet Olive served as a petri dish for ideas in music, art, design and cocktails, a place where dreams came true on a nightly basis. Come join Dave Mitton (Canadian Whisky Global ambassador) and Gord Hannah ( Head Bartender of the Drake Hotel and Properties), 2 of the original employees, as they reminisce about the old days and honour the bar that launched both their careers.  Join us, as we try the cocktails and hear the stories about out how a small Jazz Café on Market Street evolved into one of Canada’s inaugural Cocktail bars.

SPEAKERS:
Dave Mitton
Gord Hannah