This is the third GLB Barstool Chat in our new blog series that will introduce you to a number of amazing people running some of the best craft beer bars in Ontario. As they say in Law and Order – these are their stories.
Meet… Paul Randall, the Beverage Manager of The Wooly Pub in Guelph.
The Wooly Pub
176 Woolwich Street
Guelph, ON
519.836.2875
web – thewoolypub.ca
Meet… Paul Randall
What is your role at the establishment
Beverage Manager
How many years have you been there?
6 Years
How many years in the industry?
17 years
What GLB beer is currently available on tap?
No Chance with Miranda Saison
Favourite GLB beer?
Lake Effect IPA
How did your establishment get started?
It actually started as a French Restaurant La Maison some 30 years ago, 27 years ago it morphed into the Woolwich Arms.
How would you describe your bar to a person who has never been there before?
Guelph’s living room.
Where did the name originate from and what does it mean?
The name has been the Woolwich Arms, The Woolwich Arms and Arrow, The Woolwich Arrow…all the locals have always called it The Wooly, so this year we made it official, we were due for an update to our logo so we changed the name (for the last time I swear) to The Wooly Pub…basically though, we are located on Woolwich Street.
Tell the GLB customers something about your establishment that the general public might not know.
We have had 3 cask engines for over 25 years…now we have 4. We are part of the largest B Corp restaurant group going – we are very proud of that. Being a B Corp make us always try and do better for the community, the environment and our shareholders (staff, suppliers, etc).
What is it that you love about the hospitality industry that gets reflected in your day to day role?
I love connecting with people, suppliers and guests, I get to see old friends and meet new people every day…
What other bars do you frequent when you’re not at your place?
Honestly not many, I am more likely to be found at a brewery checking out what’s new, there are some great taprooms around.
You’ve curated a great beer menu, one that get lots of attention. Can you shed some light on your decision making process?
We have a very very wide demographic here. Some of the long time regulars have their favourite pint(s) so we have some permanent taps to complement the 9 rotational taps we have. It’s amazing the choices we have now. Now I try and keep a wide variety of styles on tap, so it is a process of finding out what breweries are truly producing quality beers, and what styles are really in their wheel-house.
Tell the GLB supporters out there reading this about your food menu. What makes it stand out?
We cultivate relationships with our suppliers, we source out local and ethically raised proteins, we always are changing our menu with the seasons, and we run a daily feature board where we can highlight short season items. At the end of the day we do pub food with great ingredients prepared with care.
Get it off your chest – what have you wanted to tell your customers that you haven’t up to date?
We are here to provide an excellent experience every time. If it wasn’t for our guests, we wouldn’t get to do so many amazing things in this community of Guelph. So thank-you, and we always have an ear for you.
