The Courtney Room launches stand-alone cocktail menu:
An Exploration of the Pacific Northwest Vol. 1
Located in the heart of Victoria, The Courtney Room bar team is proud to introduce a new, dedicated cocktail menu, featuring whimsical illustrations by local artist Cate Webb from Black Cat Tattoo, a five minute walk from the restaurant.
Entitled An Exploration of the Pacific Northwest Vol. 1, the cocktail menu is an excellent showcase for the restaurant’s cocktail program, which shines a spotlight on the seasonal ebbs and flows of Vancouver Island’s native ingredients. Victoria-based Cate Webb’s elegant, interpretive illustrations adorn every page, inspired by each drink, creating a visual representation of each cocktail, alongside flavour notes and uplifting anecdotes.
“We wanted to create a cocktail menu that has a distinct sense of place,” says Anton Wilson, bar manager at The Courtney Room. “Working with Cate Webb has really helped to bring our vision to life with her ethereal hand-drawn illustrations. As an extremely talented small business owner and community leader in her industry, Cate’s body of work harnesses a beautiful balance between delicate and bold, the perfect fit for our very first, stand-alone cocktail menu.”
The cocktails range from the “light, revitalizing and session-able” Spruce Tip Highball, with locally-foraged spruce tip liqueur, Stag’s Hollow verjus, soda water, lemon oil and spruce, paired with an illustration of a majestic stag framed with a wreath, to the Maple Bay with Stillhead Distillery x The Courtney Room Bartender’s Cask Whisky, maple water, house bitters, cane sugar and citrus oil, illustrated by a dreamy block print of Vancouver Island’s coastal waters.
Providing the leadership behind The Courtney Room’s flourishing cocktail program, Anton Wilson brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for local ingredients to his role. His expertise has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being ranked in the Top 30 in-region in the 2023 Diageo World Class Canada program and a Patron Perfectionist Top 20 in 2022.
Anton’s connection to Vancouver Island is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Growing up on the island, he developed a strong affinity for local flavours and a close understanding of the edible plants that thrive in the region. To source the freshest ingredients, Anton collaborates closely with Victoria-based forager Lance Staples, as well as local producers such as Amanda Swinimer of Dakini Tidal Wilds in Sooke for locally and sustainably foraged seaweed, ensuring that each cocktail showcases the best of what the island has to offer. From locally-foraged herbs to spruce tips and rosehips, Anton’s creations are a true reflection of Vancouver Island’s diverse bounty, both land and sea.
The Courtney Room’s commitment to showcasing the region’s sense of place extends beyond foraged ingredients. The restaurant proudly partners with Vancouver Island distilleries, including Ampersand Distillery, Sheringham Distillery, Antidote Distillery, Wayward Distillery, and Stillhead Distillery. These collaborations further enhance the unique character and authenticity of the cocktail program.
The stand-alone cocktail menu at The Courtney Room will be updated twice-annually, allowing guests to experience the ever-changing flavours of Vancouver Island.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.thecourtneyroom.com.
Media release and images provided by Marisa Cuglietta, Hawksworth Communications.
