Inside Santa’s Secret Speakeasy
There’s a hidden Christmas experience beneath one of Ottawa’s most familiar brewery doors. Tucked below Lowertown Brewery in the ByWard Market, the Speakeasy turns a former brewery basement into a festive, theatrical escape complete with secret passcodes, seasonal cocktails, and a lot of nostalgic charm.
The creative vision behind Santa’s Secret Speakeasy comes from Kyle Ellis, Communications and Creative Director at Ottawa Venues, whose love of Christmas sparked the idea.
“Christmas has always been something that I’ve personally enjoyed,” Ellis says. “From the magic, to the nostalgia, to the smiles on everyone’s faces regardless of age. It’s an experience and an image I love to see.”
The concept came together after Ellis consulted with longtime friend and colleague Alex Sirois, Managing Partner at 73 York Street. Together, they saw an opportunity to reimagine a private corporate event space in the building’s basement and turn it into the Santa’s Secret Speakeasy, built around surprise, warmth, and shared experience.
From Lowertown Brewery to a Hidden Speakeasy
The experience begins as soon as guests step into Lowertown Brewery. Visitors are greeted by festive lights, a 37-foot Christmas tree, Nutcracker-themed whiskey barrels wrapped in ribbons and bows, and hostesses fully in character.
Guests are asked if they’re on the naughty or nice list before being guided toward the Speakeasy entrance. Santa stickers lead the way. A rotary phone waits. Guests dial “ho ho ho” and provide Santa’s helpers with a secret passcode.
“When the door opens, people gasp and cheer,” Ellis says. “They’ve just opened a space they didn’t know existed, and it’s decorated and glistening from ceiling to floor.”
Ellis says the staff play a major role in making the Lowertown Brewery Speakeasy feel special. “My team helps make the experience truly one of a kind by staying in character and guiding each guest through the experience.”
A Speakeasy Space with Real Brewery History
While Santa’s Secret Speakeasy embraces the mystery of a hidden venue, it doesn’t aim to recreate a Prohibition-era bar. Instead, it draws on the original meaning of a speakeasy as a concealed hospitality space.
The basement was once a fully functioning part of the brewery. Original beer taps, vats, and distillery plumbing remain visible, cleaned and disconnected but preserved as part of the room’s character.
“This space had been closed since COVID and was just sitting there,” Ellis explains. “Revamping it gave it new life, while still honouring the history of Lowertown Brewery.”
Signature Cocktails and Seasonal Comfort Food
The Lowertown Brewery Santa’s Secret Speakeasy features a menu of seasonal cocktails and food designed to complement the cozy setting.
Top-selling drinks include the Frosted Cherry Martini and the Naughty Noggin. Popular food items include turkey sliders, charcuterie boards, and a snowball cheese dip. Guests can find the full menu on Lowertown Brewery’s Google business page.
Two Weeks of Work, Months of Impact
Transforming the space took dedication. Ellis spent two weeks decorating, often working seven- to eight-hour nights, with help from staff. At the same time, he was planning logistics, guest flow, and the overall experience.
The response has exceeded expectations.
“In the first eight days, we surpassed our business goals,” Ellis says. Social media impressions quickly climbed past 250,000, and by late November, more than 760 reservations had already been made through mid-December.
Why the Lowertown Brewery Speakeasy Stands Out
Ellis believes what sets the Lowertown Brewery Speakeasy apart from other holiday pop-ups is its intimacy.
“It’s small, cosy, and designed for an experience you share with the people you came with,” he says. “It’s more tailored to each guest.”
From the moment visitors enter Lowertown Brewery to the moment they leave the Speakeasy, the focus is on immersion and storytelling rather than spectacle alone.
The Christmas Speakeasy is also here to stay.
“The Lowertown Brewery Speakeasy will definitely be an annual tradition,” Ellis confirms. “We’re also planning other themed speakeasies. Stay tuned for Halloween and more.”
Ellis credits the staff for bringing the vision to life. “I have to tip my hat to everyone who helped turn my ideas and theatrics into something real.”
For those looking to experience something festive, hidden, and unique in Ottawa this season, the Santa’s Secret Speakeasy offers a holiday experience tucked just beneath the familiar walls of a beloved local brewery.
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