Château Lafayette

Château Lafayette, commonly known as The Laff, is a bar and music venue in Ottawa, Canada. Opened in 1849 and originally named Grant's Hotel, it is described as the oldest tavern hotel in Ottawa, predating Confederation and the founding of Canada. Over the years it has operated under several names, including Grant's Hotel, The Exchange Hotel, the Bodega Hotel, The Salmon Arms, The Johnson House and the Dominion House. Today it serves locally brewed Ottawa-area beers — including a beer made specifically for it called 1849 — along with bottled and canned brands, a simple food menu and live entertainment.

Château Lafayette, known as The Laff, opened in 1849 and was originally named Grant's Hotel. It is described as one of the oldest institutions in Ottawa and the oldest tavern hotel in Ottawa, predating Confederation and the founding of Canada. Over the years it has been known by several different names: Grant's Hotel, The Exchange Hotel, the Bodega Hotel, The Salmon Arms, The Johnson House and the Dominion House. It was widely rumoured to have been a brothel, and some have said that Sir John A. MacDonald frequented the Laff when he visited Ottawa from Charlottetown. Ghost stories are often told about the venue, usually involving its dirt-floor basement. Notable visitors mentioned include Dan Aykroyd and William Hawkins. Today's version of the Laff sells locally brewed Ottawa-area beers, including a beer made specifically for it called 1849, as well as common bottled brands and unique tall-can offerings; ordering a quart of Fifty is described as the way to fit in.

A historic Ottawa tavern that presents itself as possibly the original Canadian dive bar, respecting its long history.

• 1849 beer

  A beer specifically made for the venue.

• Quarts of Fifty

  A quart offering the venue says it sells more of than probably anyone else in Canada.

1. 1The Laff | Château Lafayette | Ottawa's Oldest Tavern, Est. 1849thelaff.ca
2. 2About — The Laff | Château Lafayette | Ottawa's Oldest Tavern, Est. 1849thelaff.ca
3. 3Château Lafayettewikidata.org