Dublin Crossing Pub:
Three Unbeatable Keys
to their Success

By CATHOLINE BUTLER
SURREY

Dublin Crossing Irish Pub opened their doors for business three years ago on January 16, and they’ve been packing them in ever since.

MATT BREAR sandwiched between doormen Morgan
(left) and Robin (right).

Three unbeatable combinations that the pub has going for it: great food prepared by their awardwinning, world-class executive chef, Laura Sharpe; first-class entertainment by some of the Fraser Valley’s best Celtic groups; and last, but not least, a welcoming and hospitable staff. This is a winning and unbeatable combination for an Irish pub.

I recently spoke with general manager Matt Brear about upcoming plans for St. Patrick’s Day and into
the spring and summer.

He said, “Last year on St. Patrick’s Day we had a line up at our doors from 11 AM and the line up lasted until 11 PM that night.

“We have live entertainment starting at 1 PM to 4 PM with the Tim Readman and Shona Le Motte band; between 4-7 PM the B.C. Regiment Irish Pipes and Drums will drop in, along with a visit by The Steele School of Irish Dance; then, from 9 PM to 1 AM we have the Pat Chessell Band.

STAFF at the Dublin Crossing Irish Pub: (L-R) Gavin,
Robin, Carla, Celeste and Liz.

“For 10 days leading up to St. Patrick’s, we have lots of giveaways such as a free glass and t-shirt giveaways. Customers who buy a pint of Smithwick’s will receive a free Smithwick’s pint glass.

“One very exciting giveaway is a free trip for two to Ireland. One of the conditions of winning is that the winners have to promise to take pictures of themselves in various states of celebration. We actually have posted the 2007 and 2008 winners on our website.

“The winner receives 500 euros, accommodation, and round trip air fare for two. The draw takes place at midnight on St. Patrick’s Day. For every glass of Guinness ordered, customers will receive an entry ballot.”

Since opening day the Dublin Crossing has a philosophy of excellent live entertainment. There are no distracting televisions and customers can enjoy a drink and a conversation without the background noise.

Matt Brear said, “I’ve been asked if I’m ever going to change the format at the Dublin Crossing because the trend with many establishments is to start as an Irish pub and then down the line, become more
mainstream with televisions and sports.

“But, I’m sticking to my guns so far as the live entertainment is concerned. In fact, I’m booked up until the end of June with live Irish entertainment, five and six times a week.

“We have really provided a showcase for some great local entertainers such as the exciting new Murphy’s Lagh duo of Shamma and Damian who play a lot at the Duke of Dublin and here.

“I have Murphy’s Lagh playing here on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day and they’re doing really well. Paddy Chessell has really become our house band. “I’ve noticed that on nights when the Canucks are playing and people might expect us to be quiet, we’re just as busy or even busier than usual. I think people like the fact that they’re not competing with a television, but rather drawn into the atmosphere and the spirit of all things Irish.”

The menu at the Dublin Crossing changes with the seasons about three times a year but some of the prominent mainstays remain such as Chef Laura’s Pub Pies, which Matt says will be on the menu until the place burns down – that’s how popular they are. Their new menu will be launched April 15th.

Matt says one of the new things the Dublin Crossing has just started to offer is a food and drink special. Every Saturday and Sunday they have a $4.95 breakfast, which includes two eggs, sausage or bacon, with hash browns and toast, and their Caesar cocktails are $4.75.

On Mondays, they have .35 cent wings with pints of Okanagan Spring Pale Ale for $4.75. They also have Trinity Tuesdays with pints of Trinity Lager for $4.

Matt says, “We’re reacting to the downturn in the economy by offering a better value to our customers.”

In closing, he advises, “If you’re planning to spend St. Patrick’s at the Dublin Crossing, get here before 11 AM to avoid standing in the lineup.”