In 1974, Bimini’s, which takes its name from the Bimini Islands in the Bahamas, opened with the province’s first Neighbourhood Pub license. It quickly became the local for the post Summer of Love-era hippies of Kitsilano. Bim’s was also where Greenpeace activists hatched their radical plots over pints, conveniently located across the street from their head office.
Fast-forward 25 years and Bimini’s had fallen into disrepair until a 24-year old Jeff Donnelly bought it in 1999. In his first solo project, he and his team brought the 90-year-old building back to life, making the pub incredibly successful once again. The Bimini’s of the early 2000s was one of Vancouver’s first ‘cross-use’ bars – alternating from traditional pub to DJ-driven party in the evenings, hosting a wide range of entertainment, from duelling pianos to live cover bands to dart leagues.
On October 4, 2007, the day before the bar was set to reopen after a $250,000 renovation, Bimini’s was decimated by fire, leaving virtually nothing to salvage. Despite four years or countless hurdles and delays, Jeff Donnelly never gave up on the project and reconstruction is finally complete.
Evoke International Designs worked with Jeff Donnelly to design The Bimini. The historic public house now features new materials like imported patterned tile, custom light fixtures and furniture, as well as 85-year-old wood reclaimed from a defunct Vancouver mill, giving the room a modern but warm and familiar feel. Returning guests will recognize the lofty ceilings and mezzanines from the past –everyone will enjoy the new games room, jukebox, and thoughtful finishing.
The Bimini is a paradise for lovers of craft beer, with 24 on tap, and the impressive lineup of cocktails will delight enthusiasts & win over new converts as well. The first neighbourhood pub in B.C. to operate in the English fashion, the new Bimini’s keeps up the tradition, offering modern pub fare that features interesting seasonal menus crafted from organic, locally sourced ingredients. In developing the menus, Executive Chef Michael Knowlson—formerly of Bacchus and Sequoia Grill—worked closely with consulting Chef Robert Belcham, co-owner of Vancouver’s successful Refuel, Campagnolo and Roma Restaurants and Vancouver Magazine’s 2009 Chef of the Year.
Visit this Kitsilano staple to view sporting events, catch up with friends, dance or unwind after work. Bimini’s was the most popular bar on Vancouver’s West Side because of its excellent food, friendly service, pool and foosball tables and great music; they expect to once again be Kitsilano residents’ local public house of choice and a destination for those wanting to enjoy themselves outside of the entertainment districts. The Bimini is located at 2010 West 4th Avenue and open daily: Monday – Thursday 11:30am – 1am, Friday 11:30am – 2am, Saturday 10am – 2am and Sunday 10am – 1am.
The Donnelly Group owns and operates popular pubs: The Bimini, The Calling, The Library Square Public House, Smiley’s, the Lamplighter, the Academic, Cinema Public House, the New Oxford and the Metropole Community Pub; award-winning nightclubs: Republic, Bar None, and the Post Modern; and the Granville Room and Clough Club cocktail lounges. The creative and diverse company known for its attention to products and services has earned the status of an industry leader in Vancouver due to their impressive entertainment calendars, modern designs and strict policies on patron safety. The Donnelly Fund supports many local charitable recipients including the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Steve Nash Foundation, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre and United We Can.
