Montreal’s First Zero-Waste Pub Opens This Weekend in Petite-Patrie

Starting this Saturday, the St-Hubert Plaza will be home to the city’s first no-waste bar as La Cale throws open its doors this Saturday (September 28).

With beers strictly on tap instead of in bottles or cans, no paper napkins, and products coming almost entirely from within the province (among other eco-friendly practices), the pub is aspiring to generate no waste whatsoever.

Expect a friendly, unpretentious neighbourhood bar approach — with room for around 125 people, La Cale will host regular arts and culture events (Thursday comedy nights are already on the schedule) — the venue has a large stage at its rear that will routinely host music shows, poetry nights, and other events. The pub’s four owners — who come from arts and music backgrounds — say they’re open to proposals.

With a long and narrow space, there will be room for people wanting to stop by for a drink without necessarily being involved in events, too.

While it will host events, La Cale will have a strong bar operation — 20 beers will be on tap, split between ten options from younger, upstart craft breweries, and ten from more established independent Quebec brewers such as St-Ambroise or Belle Gueule. Two kombucha options will also be on tap, and co-owner Lanne Dery tells Eater that the bar is working on getting a non-alcoholic beer on tap, too.

La Cale is also taking a no-waste approach to cocktails — all syrups and mixers are being made in-house (no cans of club soda or anything like that, says Dery), and some drinks will incorporate beer or kombucha. All spirits served will be from Quebec, with a small exception for a couple of imported whiskeys.

Bar snacks will be offered too — under chef Justin Gallant, the menu will centre around local and organic produce, and products available in bulk so as to reduce packaging — think beer-friendly snacks like poutine. The menu will be predominantly vegetarian (with vegan options), and any meat served will be ethically sourced, with a nose-to-tail approach that also ensures minimal waste. (Fish and chips could be on the menu, if Gallant and team can find a suitable sustainable supply for it.)

And of course, any food wastage will certainly be composted.

STATUS — La Cale opens Saturday (September 28) at 6839 St-Hubert. It will open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.

• La Cale [Facebook]
• A No-Waste Pub Is Setting Up Shop on the St-Hubert Plaza [EMTL]