Christina Lake pub under enthusiastic new ownership

Rupert Oldroyd and his wife Sarah are the proud new owners of the former Time and Place pub. The couple just reopened the doors as the Crow and Bear on Friday, April 13. Photo Erin Perkins.

The well-known Time and Place pub in Christina Lake has a new name, a new sign and fresh new faces behind the bar.

Thirty year-olds Rupert and Sarah Oldroyd bought the pub and opened the doors for the first time Friday, April 13, under their new sign -- The Crow and Bear.

The first night was a bit of a whirlwind, only having owned the building for two days when they re-opened. More than 50 people came out for appetizers, a visit and to see the hockey playoffs.

"I think we did pretty good for a two day turnaround," said Rupert.

"It must have been the fastest turnaround in history," said Sarah of the time between taking over and opening the doors. "We were sweeping up from full on construction minutes before opening the doors."

While they may be new to pub ownership, the Oldroyds aren't new to the service industry. They've both managed pubs before.

"(The business) it not too new to us but it has been six or seven years since we've done it," said Rupert.

"The alcohol business has really changed -- in B.C. it is tough to run a bar ... There is a real change in the mindset and providing good food is very important."

The Oldroyds want to keep true to the community pub experience, complete with friendly staff, a relaxing locally-themed atmosphere and great entertainment.

"We want to be a hub," said Sarah.

They also want to host bands and entertainment found locally and beyond.

"Good food and good entertainment, those are our two main goals," said Rupert.

We want to make it a comfortable atmosphere where people want to be.

The pub will feature a house brew called The Black Bear and Cutthroat West Coast Pale Ale from the Kelowna brewing company, Tree Brewing.

They've chosen to name their pub after two animals well-known to the community -- the bear and the crow, who is also the namesake of Highway 3 that runs in front of their establishment.

The pair bring a fresh new enthusiasm to the business and, as they go, a fresh new look too. Renovations are on going as they remain open. The whole interior is set to be modernized from it's 1970s decor.

The pub isn't the only thing getting a facelift. The attached restaurant, which is set to open on the May long weekend as it has done in the past, will be licensed for all ages and will have a complete change in layout and atmosphere, said Sarah. The space seats up to 50 people and will carry a bear theme throughout, while the pub, with seating for 125, will have a crow theme.

The food will feature a lot of pub favorites but with a few surprises like curries and stirfrys. Because their own family has food allergies, the Oldroyds understand how hard it can be to find a peanut-free kitchen that serves gluten free and dairy free products. So, their pub will. There will even be a seperate deep fryer for gluten free food, said Rupert, who will be designing the pub and restaurant menu.

"We want the food to be as clean and fresh as possible," said Rupert.

Embracing the rural lifestyle of Christina Lake

The couple, who originally hail from Salt Spring Island where they grew up, moved from Victoria over three years ago to raise their now five year-old son, Darwin, in the safe rural lifestyle of Christina Lake.

Rupert knows the area well, having spent many summers visiting his grandparents at the lake.

Besides owning a pub, Rupert also works as an industrial ultrasonic inspector and is a volunteer firefighter with the Christina Lake Fire Department.

They chose to buy the Time and Place pub because they saw the potential in it.

"We were disappointed it wasn't getting new life put into it and thought we could do that," said Rupert.

Besides new owners, the pub has a new phone number too -- 250-447-6447. The Crow and Bear pub is opened Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 1 a.m. It is located at 1770 Highway 3. Check out our events calendar, www.kootenayplanet.com, to see future entertainment events at The Crow and Bear pub.