The Ward Bar at Spring Mill Distillery

Imagine a place where industrial history comes to life and the traditions of master distilling meet. The Ward Bar, located in the city of Guelph, is more than just a drinking establishment; it is the cozy tasting room of the renowned Spring Mill distillery. It is housed within the walls of the historic Allan’s Mill building right on the banks of the Speed River, offering guests a unique atmosphere steeped in the spirit of old Canada.

The bar takes its name from the surrounding neighborhood, highlighting its deep connection to the local community. The establishment belongs to the famous Sleeman dynasty, a name that has long been synonymous with quality beverages in these parts. The interior masterfully blends historical charm with modern comfort: massive stone walls, high ceilings, and authentic wooden floors create the perfect backdrop for discovering premium whiskey, gin, and vodka produced in traditional copper stills.

The unique details preserved from the Prohibition era add special value to The Ward Bar. Right at the entrance, visitors can see ancient underground vats once used for the secret storage of alcohol. Meanwhile, a restored Ford Model T truck loaded with barrels adds a touch of nostalgia to the space, turning a simple trip to the bar into a true journey through time.

For details about tastings or table reservations, you can use the official contact information provided below.

The main reason to visit The Ward Bar is to taste the premium spirits crafted right next door. You can order a tasting flight to appreciate the rich flavor of oak-aged whiskey or the refreshing notes of the signature gin. The cocktail list deserves special attention: the bar's mixologists masterfully prepare both classics and unique drinks, such as the Mill Mule or the legendary Dellemere, a recipe reconstructed from the records of a bar that existed on this site 150 years ago.

Beyond the gastronomic pleasures, the space itself is fascinating to explore. Be sure to look for the historical exhibits: through special transparent floor panels and open niches, you can peek into the subterranean areas where products were hidden from authorities during Prohibition. The staff is happy to share amazing stories about The Ward district and the secrets of distillation, turning standard service into an engaging history lesson.

The venue's atmosphere encourages relaxed conversation. Today, The Ward Bar fulfills the same role the mill building did two centuries ago—serving as a hub for meetings between locals and travelers. The drinks are paired with light snacks named after the city's founders and iconic landmarks, completing the immersion into the local culture of Guelph.

The Ward Bar is located in the heart of The Ward neighborhood, on the banks of the scenic Speed River. Thanks to its central location in Guelph, it is easy to reach. If you are in the downtown area, the walk to the Allan’s Mill building takes only about 10–15 minutes. The route from iconic landmarks like the Basilica or the Farmers’ Market passes through historic streets and is very pleasant for pedestrians.

For those who prefer public transport, the Guelph Transit bus network is a convenient option. The nearest stops are located on Gordon Street and Wyndham Street, from where the bar is just a few minutes' walk. Taxi and car-sharing services are also active in the city and can drop you right at the distillery doors from anywhere in the center or from the train station.

If you plan to arrive by car, follow Arthur St S. There are parking spaces available near the distillery, though keep in mind the venue's popularity during evenings and weekends. The area is also bike-friendly, with routes that allow you to enjoy river views before stopping in for a tasting.

The history of the site where The Ward Bar now welcomes guests began back in the 1830s. The Allan’s Mill building served as a hub of the city's commercial life for nearly two centuries. At various times, it housed a flour mill, a carding mill, and, of course, a distillery and brewery. The first records of spirits production on this site date back to 1835, making it one of the oldest industrial locations in the region.

A touch of mystery surrounds this place due to the Prohibition era (1920–1933). There is evidence that secret underground vats for storing alcohol were located beneath the building's floors. It is believed that the Sleeman family, who owned the production, used these hiding spots to smuggle alcohol into the US. Legend has it that after being caught by the authorities, the family was banned from brewing for a long 50 years, but their passion for the craft proved stronger than time.

The revival of these traditions began in 2015 when John Sleeman discovered those very same historical reservoirs beneath the foundation. Instead of constructing a modern building, he decided to restore the old mill, preserving its original appearance in accordance with Heritage Society requirements. The restoration process lasted more than two years, and today every guest can see the results of this painstaking work, including the exposed ancient vats and massive stone walls that remember the events of a century ago.

To fully experience the atmosphere of the venue, a typical visitor will need between 1 and 2 hours. This is plenty of time to slowly enjoy a couple of signature cocktails, examine historical artifacts like the vintage Ford Model T truck, and listen to the staff's fascinating stories about the neighborhood's history.

If you are a connoisseur of the production process and want to combine your time at the bar with a full tour of the Spring Mill distillery, we recommend setting aside about 3 hours for your visit. This will allow you to go behind the scenes of whiskey and gin production before relaxing in the cozy lounge to discuss what you've seen over a glass of a premium spirit.

The Ward Bar welcomes guests daily, providing an opportunity to relax both on weekdays and weekends. The schedule is quite convenient for those who want to stop by after a walk around the city or at the end of the workday.

• Monday — Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Friday — Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Please note that hours may change on public holidays, so it is recommended to check the official website for up-to-date information before your visit.

A visit to the bar in The Ward can easily be combined with exploring other historical and cultural landmarks of the city. The area around the Speed River is rich with interesting locations that allow you to better understand the industrial and architectural heritage of the region.

A walk through the neighborhood provides access to old bridges, mill ruins, and memorial complexes, all within walking distance.