The Still Bar and Tasting Room, Proudly Local
For Brendan Jones, owning a bar wasn’t just a business dream; it was a lifelong vision. He always imagined a space where people could gath- er, feel safe, be themselves, and take pride in where they come from. That dream has now come to life in the heart of Mount Brydges with The Still Bar & Tasting Room.
“Our goal is to provide a space where people can enjoy locally crafted spirits, beer and wine. A place in Mount Brydges to gather, share stories and create lasting memories in our hometown,” says Brendan. Brendan’s drive and ambition have been clear from day one. He got his start working the back of house in a local restau- rant during high school and never looked back. After university, his career in the beverage industry quickly took off, as he trav- eled across Canada as a sales rep for both large and boutique wine, beer, and spirit brands. He worked his way up quickly with persistence, vision, and a knack for understanding people and products. But in 2010, when work brought him to London, On- tario, something shifted. He felt a sense of belonging and chose to plant roots. In 2013, Brendan married his long-time love, Andrea. Their strong bond became the foundation not just for a family, but a business partnership. Together, they are raising two boys, 10-year-old Hunter and 6-year-old Harrison. “I’m a very lucky guy,” Brendan says warmly, beaming when he talks about his family. “They’re my biggest motivation and the reason I do what I do.” In 2021, Brendan and Andrea launched NE1 Spirits, a brand born from Brendan’s industry insight and passion for inclusivity. Rec - ognizing a demand for corn-based and gluten-free spirits in On - tario, NE1 was created to be “inclusive, approachable, and local.” Supporting the local community isn’t just part of Brendan’s mis - sion — it’s at the heart of everything he does. From the start, NE1 Spirits partnered with causes that matter, like ‘I’ve Got Your Back 911’, helping raise awareness for First Responders’ men - tal health. Brendan’s approach is personal and creative, from custom label designs that support Strathroy Pride to sponsoring local sports teams and contributing a portion of product sales to local initiatives. “Giving back to the community that supports us isn’t a marketing plan, it’s just who we are,” says Brendan. With the dream of creating a welcoming, community-first space still top of mind, Brendan opened The Still Bar & Tasting Room as a pop-up during the 2023 Mount Brydges Christmas Open House. Just a year later, on December 13, 2024, it officially opened its doors at 22469 Adelaide Street, a space Brendan describes as “a gathering place where people can leave their problems at the door, feel at home and just be themselves.” True to his values, the bar was built and designed with local talent, tradespeople, designers, and suppliers from the region
bringing Brendan’s vision to life. The food menu is filled with lo - cally sourced ingredients and beer and spirits served are from Ontario producers as much as possible. Half the menu is glu- ten-free and the prices are re- freshingly reasonable. “We support as many local businesses as possible,” says Brendan. “We’re the only cock - tail and spirit-forward location west of London and we want to make this a place where people are proud to visit and proud to call their own.”
Beyond the craft cocktails and creative menu, what really sets The Still apart is the atmosphere. Warm, welcoming staff greet every guest like family, creating a place where strangers be- come regulars and regulars become friends. “You can’t beat the personal, friendly atmosphere here. The people make all the difference,” says Brendan. Always thinking ahead, Brendan is constantly introducing new ways to bring people together, from ‘Meet the Maker’ nights where guests can connect with the artisans behind the prod- ucts, to monthly ‘Trivia Wednesdays’ and live acoustic perfor - mances by local talent on weekends. The Still also features a retail section where guests can buy local beer and cocktails to- go, many of which aren’t available at the LCBO. Whether it’s a first date, a night out with friends, or a solo stop to unwind, The Still Bar & Tasting Room is a cozy, hidden gem that feels like home. Brendan puts it best: “Pick a date, come be yourself, pull up a chair and let us take care of the rest.” From ambitious beginnings to a beloved community hub, Bren- dan Jones, with Andrea, Hunter, and Harrison by his side, has distilled a dream into something truly special. And Mount Brydg- es is raising a glass to what comes next. The Still Bar and Tasting Room 22469 Adelaide Road, Mount Brydges www.thestillbar.ca
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc June 2025
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