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Celtic Knot Pub to close

The Celtic Knot Pub along St. Albert Trail is closing to make way for Old Montreal Hot Dogs and Poutine.
2606 celtic knot jl
CLOSING TIME – Billy McBain, owner of the Celtic Knot Pub, announced that after being in business for seven years, the pub will be closing it doors for the final time on Sunday, June 30.

After nearly seven years in business, the Celtic Knot Pub will be closing its doors for good at the end of the month.

Owner Billy McBain made the announcement last week on Facebook that the pub, known for its Reuben sandwiches, fish and chips, and Angus steaks, would be closing June 30. The restaurant at 388 St. Albert Trail will be transformed into an Old Montreal Hot Dogs and Poutine, which is expected to open sometime in August.

McBain told the Gazette on Monday that after losing the late-night crowds, he decided to sell the business. He plans to stay on in some capacity, acting as a kind of St. Albert representative for the new owners.

“During the week, I’m actually a little bit stronger but it’s still not enough,” McBain said. “I’m coming up on the end of my lease and the rent is probably going to go up on this site. The franchise that’s coming into St. Albert made the deal with me just over a week ago and it happened over two nights. Basically, the Celtic Knot is changing names and ownership.”

The Celtic Knot was originally a Chinese restaurant when McBain took it over and turned it into a pub that became a spot for locals to unwind, visitors to grab a bite to eat and a place for political discussion. He enjoyed the perks of owning a restaurant. “Where else can you have a drink in hand with somebody every day? Every day something changes. I like the schedule, I get to pick my hours.”

The Knot employs around 30 full-time and part-time staff. McBain couldn't say for certain if the new owners would guarantee jobs to the former employees, but he was told to try and hold onto as many as possible.

Kim Swindells, the manager and bartender at the Knot, has worked at the pub for the past three years. The 27-year-old called it an amazing experience to work for McBain and said the place really welcomed the regular patrons.

“All of our regulars are pretty much like family,” she said. “I see the same people every single day. It’s been very nice.”

Swindells said the closing of the Knot is an end to an era but she's excited that something else is coming to St. Albert and she's happy to see McBain switching gears to try something else.

McBain, 60, said the reality hasn’t quite sunk in yet but he plans to take some time to go fishing and visit friends in Halifax. And, although he’s going to miss being able to sit in his seat at the bar every day and seeing the familiar faces, he promises he won't be gone long.

“One of the big questions that was asked to me every day is ‘Where are we going to meet for a beer? Where are we going to have a beer until we figure out what Bill’s doing.’ Keep an eye out (on social media). Bill McBain and crew will be back doing something real soon.”

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