475 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

You should get everyone some of those claw tools to get things off high shelves and make it a crab catching fest as well! Add in some Roc Vodka and let the good times roll.

.

That’s not a bad idea. Especially during the breaks between the seaplanes vs. harbour ferries water polo matches.

[Mike K.]

What does Europe do in its harbours, aside from building BC Ferries?

[aastra]

 

Are you thinking a little sprinkle of bigotry, a dash of ethnic tension and a tablespoon of war?

Or the more refined European tendencies, like selling liquor to minors and smoking in restaurants?

 

You're trying to put words in my mouth. Obviously we would all prefer to have the bigotry, ethnic tensions, warfare, and smoking policies of the other continents, if only we had the choice. Maybe one day. We can dream.

[todd]

[Mike K.]

$2,300 US, original poster from 1950.

https://www.abebooks...up=on&sortby=17

[Victoria Watcher]

Fairmont Empress urged to stop fur sales on its premises

 

The Victoria chapter of an animal-welfare group has started an online petition against the sale of clothing and accessories made from fur and exotic skins at the hotel

 

https://www.timescol...remises-9302325

[Nparker]

I hope they double down on fur sales.

[Victoria Watcher]

I think the stores are independantly owned, not sure if that makes any difference.

 

Rick Arora owns a few.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 05 August 2024 - 01:55 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

New gallery for Empress

 

Mountain Galleries is opening at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

 

It is the fifth location for the gallery in Canada, and features original fine art in a variety of mediums by renowned artists, including Paul Nicklen, Hunt Slonem, Dylan Martinez and many more.

 

A grand opening is being held June 26, from 4 to 6 p.m.

 

Mountain Galleries also has locations in Fairmont hotels in Banff, Whistler, Jasper and Mont-Tremblant.

 

 

https://www.timescol...mpress-10842813

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 21 June 2025 - 09:23 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Fairmont Empress in Victoria ascends the throne as best hotel in Canada

Travel + Leisure readers reference location while singing the Empress's praises


https://www.vicnews....-canada-8118083

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 08 July 2025 - 10:36 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Cap Daily newsletter:

The Empress Hotel is hoping Victoria city council will approve its application for a new 250-person rooftop bar. It would be one of the only rooftop establishments, along with the Sticky Wicket, serving drinks in the downtown core.

[Barrister]

I think that a roof top bar at the Empress is a great idea as long as they are not blasting the downtown with music. It would be a welcome addition. 

[Mike K.]

The entire downtown is a giant rooftop bar.

[Barrister]

Explain Mike? But I would definately support this idea, great in summer.

[Victoria Watcher]

Victoria endorses Empress pitch for new rooftop patio on the Inner Harbour

Fairmont hotel seeks to add 330 seats to its provincial liquor licence

https://www.vicnews....harbour-8246066



The iconic hotel overlooking the Inner Harbour seeks to up its occupant load to 779 people, while sticking with current hours – 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. The increase is 330 patrons, utilizing an interior area that would allow 80 more and an outdoor rooftop patio fit for 250 people, in a new space dubbed the Library.


[…]


Coun. Chris Coleman echoed that sentiment.

“The Empress isn’t going to put on a Twisted Sister, Thin Lizzy, Def Leppard concert.”

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 11 September 2025 - 03:17 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

Bengal Lounge New Year’s Eve Reopening – The Empress The beloved historic lounge returns with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, Pacific Northwest cuisine, and live cooking stations in a countdown celebration steeped in old-world glamour with contemporary flair.

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...o-ring-in-2026/

[Victoria Watcher]

The ‘Bengal’ reopens at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress hotel

 

 

 

An iconic eatery is reopening at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress hotel, under a slightly different name and reimagining.

 

The “Bengal” eatery has officially opened its doors at the Empress in the former “Bengal Lounge” space, about a decade after the original shut down.

 

The original Bengal Lounge closed its doors in 2016, after more than 60 years in operation. 

 

“We’re so excited to have this space re-open,” said Lisa McPhail director of public relations for the Fairmont Empress. “We know what it means to the community.”

 

 

 

https://cheknews.ca/...-hotel-1299842/

 

 

 

 

McPhail says the Bengal reopened just in time for the Empress to start renovations on another of its restaurants, Q at the Empress.

 

The Q at the Empress closed earlier this month for renovations and is expected to reopen this spring.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 15 January 2026 - 08:56 PM.

[Matt R.]

Never been. Any good?

[Victoria Watcher]

Never been. Any good?

 

It has an atmosphere that cannot be beat.  For cocktails.  Can't speak to the food.

[Hotel Mike]

Planning to try it out for the Dine Around soon. I'll report back.