Before things get beautiful, sometimes they have to get ugly. When we first stepped into the space that would become The Commons, we were met with a mix of history and hard decisions. The previous restaurant had been closed rather quickly, leaving us with the task of assessing what could stay and what had to go.
The once-beautiful floor tiles had served their purpose, but it was time for them to be retired. That meant jackhammering out a few thousand square feet of tile and hauling it to the dumpster—certainly not the glamorous part of the renovation, but a necessary one. Our vision for the space included a fresh, modern flooring update, and we found the perfect tile to bring it to life. Unfortunately, those tiles got held up in customs, causing frustrating delays. But let us tell you—it was worth the wait. The new flooring brightens, modernizes, and even adds warmth to the space in a way that truly elevates the atmosphere.
Next, we turned our focus to one of the defining features of any great pub: the woodwork. The custom-crafted bar and intricate details had seen over a decade of wear, and while that history added character, it also needed a little love. Some sections required sanding, others needed touch-ups, and in some cases, full replacements were necessary. Fortunately, we found a talented local team who specialize in building bars, and their craftsmanship is so seamless, you’d never know what was original and what was restored. The bar top now gleams, ready and waiting for you to pull up a chair, raise a glass, and celebrate the maritime life with us.
The transformation of The Commons has been a labor of love, and we can’t wait for you to experience it firsthand. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to step into a space that’s both fresh and familiar—the perfect neighbourhood gathering spot in Dartmouth!
