The Sherlock Holmes Pub (downtown)

Mention the name ‘Sherlock Holmes Pubs’ to an Edmontonian and they’ll probably reply with “it’s fun, laid-back and pretty friendly.” One of Edmonton’s most popular gathering establishments, the three Sherlock Holmes Pubs can truly boast that they offer “a taste of the good old times.” Whether you stop by for a drink with a friend, a bite before a movie, concert or sports event or to enjoy the nightly entertainment, The Sherlock Holmes Pubs has something for everyone.

The architecture is pure British pub – white walls, ceiling beams, wood, wood, wood, and more wood. British and Sherlockian memorabilia accent the walls along with a bit of local flavor (team jerseys, photos, concert tickets, soccer scarves) and some eclectic (postcards and money from all all the world – $7150 was recently taken down from the walls of our Bourbon Street location and donated to the Alberta Cancer Foundation); even the autographed door of a private plane somehow found its way up into the ceiling at the downtown location! It’s everyone’s pub and everyone has their own personal claim to it. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed and fun – buzzing with activity just like the ‘ol neighbourhood pub. The celebratory atmosphere gets particularly boisterous on one of the English or Irish holidays like St. Patrick’s or Robbie Burns Day!

Founder/former owner Patrick Devaney was the first to bring the true atmosphere of a British pub to Edmonton. The first Sherlock Holmes Pub opened on Bourbon Street in West Edmonton Mall in the fall of 1985 and was soon followed by the downtown location in the summer of 1987. A third location on the popular Whyte Avenue opened in 1995 while the Capilano location (located on the north side of the mall) followed soon after in 1997. All four establishments were heartily embraced by the City as truly unique and the Sherlock Holmes Pubs soon found themselves a regular following. Offering a stand up bar, several varieties of imported and domestic beer, a menu that surpassed the regular “pub grub” and nightly, interactive entertainment, their popularity was immediate and the pubs flourished. “Often imitated, never equalled” – the success of this British pub concept soon spurred others to follow suit but they could never quite measure up to the success of The Sherlock Holmes.

In Feb. 2013, Patrick sold Sherlock Holmes & company to a quartet of local businessmen in order to retire. The foursome, led by managing partner Gary Tomchuk, fully intend on strengthening and expanding the good name of Sherlock Holmes to every corner of Edmonton. The Whyte Avenue location closed in 2003 while the Capilano location closed at the end of May 2013 due to the mall’s re-structuring; a new Sherlock Holmes Pub opened on the U of A Campus, across from the U of A Hospital in October 2013.

For over twenty-five years, The Sherlock Holmes Pubs have worked hard to become a cornerstone in the community where patrons know they will be served professionally and in a friendly, comfortable manner. The pubs are happy to give back to the community by sponsoring many local charity groups, arts organizations and amateur sports teams. They have made both the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Youth Empowerment & Support Services (YESS) their charities of choice.