Rogues Roost is a well-established, busy, downtown bar with the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood pub.

Thirteen years ago, Doug Johnson wanted to open a new bar in Halifax that offered something unique. After visiting microbreweries from Montreal to Victoria he decided to open his own brewery in Halifax. Doug chose the name after visiting the infamous pirate hideaway located not far away along the coast of Nova Scotia. Like most who have managed to navigate their way to the secluded cove known as Rogues Roost, it left an impression on him. He wanted his bar's name to be rich in Nova Scotia history, one with a nautical association and old-world feel. It would be Rogues Roost.

Thirteen years ago it was a challenge to find a high calibre brewmaster in Halifax. Doug knew it was essential to have the right person in place. After several years as an award winning brewmaster in Ontario, Lorne Romano joined Doug in this new venture. He moved from Toronto to Halifax and has been the mainstay of Rogues Roost's fine ales ever since. With all elements in place, Rogues Roost opened its doors to the public on a crisp winter day at the end of February, 1999.

In keeping with the origin of its name, elements of a subtle nautical theme can be found throughout the space. A heavy anchor props open the front door, and ladders from a Canadian Coast Guard vessel hang in nooks along the center wall where the building's original Spring Garden facing windows once were.

The bar itself is unique. Its aesthetic is borrowed from the copper and wooden designs once common in England. Although visually striking, copper, as a bar top, is prone to oxidation and tarnishes easily. After careful consideration, it was decided to pour liquid resin over the copper surface of the bar to seal the soft metal and preserve its integrity as a key design feature of the space.

But it is the brewery that is the heart of the place.

By day, the brewery is active with the business of brewing. By night, the brewery sits still beneath red lights that reflect off the stainless steel kettles, creating a warm glow, setting the tone for the night.

A large mural behind the bar depicts the brewing process from 100 years ago. The artist insisted he paint the mural at night as it was intended to be experienced, like the ales it pays homage to, in the moody light of a Halifax night.