Nestled in the heart of Collingwood’s historic downtown, Black Bellows brewpub offers an intriguing blend of history and innovation. Originally a blacksmith and carriage-making shop built in the late 1800s, the building transitioned into an auto body shop by the 1940s. When Black Bellows took over in 2018, they inherited a legacy spanning over 140 years, making it the longest-running business in Collingwood’s history. Today, Black Bellows continues this tradition of craftsmanship with a no-rules approach to brewing, making it a vibrant hub for beer, food, and art.
At the heart of Black Bellows’ dynamic environment are its talented bartenders, Emily and Autumn, whose passion and expertise elevate the guest experience. With a combined industry experience of nearly a decade, these two bring a wealth of knowledge and a touch of their own unique personalities to the brewpub.
Emily has been in the industry for four years and thrives on the excitement that comes with being a bartender. “As a bartender, you get to be included in a lot of fun moments and see the beginnings and endings of great nights out,” she shares. Her colleague, Autumn, who boasts over five years of experience, echoes this sentiment. “What I love about the industry is the amazing people I get to meet daily, from customers to the teams I work with. I also enjoy the creative aspect of learning about cocktails, beer, and wine, and being able to craft new drinks for people to enjoy.”
Black Bellows’ inviting atmosphere is amplified by the eclectic ambiance of its spaces, from the intimate parlour to the sizable beer hall and distinct patios. Here, Emily and Autumn showcase their skills, whether they’re pouring one of the 12 beers on tap, serving local artisanal cider, or crafting killer cocktails from the extensive drinks menu.
Of course, like any job, bartending has its challenges. For Emily, double ordering is a major pet peeve. “When someone orders the same drink from two bartenders and we end up with a spare,” she says, shaking her head. Autumn, on the other hand, finds rude customers to be the most irksome. “They are at a bar with good drinks, good food, and good company, so what are they so upset about!?”
Despite these minor annoyances, the joys of bartending far outweigh the negatives. Both Emily and Autumn have their favorite drinks to make and serve. For Emily, it’s the Pineapple Express at Black Bellows. “It’s super fun because it has a cocktail base topped with our Big Buck beer. It looks great and tastes amazing.” Autumn, a margarita enthusiast, loves crafting any kind of margarita. “Recently, we did a margarita special for Cinco de Mayo, and I got to create my own spicy pineapple margarita as one of the specials!”
The bartenders’ love for their craft is evident in the way they interact with customers and the stories they accumulate along the way. Emily recalls a particularly memorable encounter with a very young customer. “I’ve come across a lot of fake IDs over the years, but one time a kid no older than 13 tried to order a beer from me. I laughed and told him nice try, and then he proceeded to hand me a movie replica ‘McLovin’ ID from the movie Superbad.”
Autumn shares a tale from her early days in the industry. “When I first started, I wasn’t super confident with carrying trays. I had a full tray in my hands, and as I was approaching a table, a customer reached out to grab the tray from me. I dropped the entire tray and spilled the drinks all over her!”
That was a rookie mistake all bartenders make in the early days. There won’t be any drinks spilled at Black Bellows, just exceptional beers and delectable food; it’s a vibrant community gathering spot where history and modern creativity coexist in harmony. With the warm and welcoming presence of bartenders like Emily and Autumn, every visit becomes an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual drink, attending a special event, or simply appreciating the distinctive atmosphere, Black Bellows is where the past beautifully merges with the innovative spirit of today.
Words by Krista Kulbach
Photos provided by Black Bellows
