Any self-respecting pub crawler knows to head to George Street when visiting colourful St. John’s, Newfoundland, and while the whole street seems like one long bar and lends itself to a night of pub-hopping, at some point one is likely to settle in somewhere, perhaps dictated by a desire – for come-from-awayers – to engage in the popular local ceremony of being “screeched in.”
The ritual, which includes kissing a cod and downing a shot of raw local rum (“screech”) and results in being certified as an honorary Newfoundlander, can be executed at many locations, most famously at Trapper John’s on George Street. However, Christian’s is considered by many to be the best experience. Indeed, even the late great chef/TV personality Anthony Bourdain, did the deed there on Oct. 3. 2017 and a plaque now honours his memory.
“Our favourite place to get screetched-in is Christian’s Pub and for good reason! Christian’s screech-ins are second to none” reports the Newfoundland Times, which cautions that the pub gets busy during tourist season and ceremonies “book up fast, so be sure to call ahead or drop by earlier in the day and get your name in.”
Social media, meanwhile, is filled with proud new Newfoundlanders from Christian’s: “Best screeching in ever!” “The ceremony was amazing.” “Best place to be screeched by far.”
Beyond its elaborate screeching-in ceremonies, Christian’s is renowned for its food (fresh fish and chips, to be sure), beverages, (premium spirits, beers, wine, and oddities like Orange and Blueberry Vodka-infused jello shots separated by Almond Baileys), and, of course, music and all-round great atmosphere.
As one Facebook follower put it, “Christian’s stands as one of the last ‘neighbourhood pubs’ of downtown St. John’s. If you don’t know anyone when you walk in, you will before you finish your first pint. Best place in the city. A true gem.”
Open since 1979 and reported to be the first bar on the street, family-run Christian’s is located at 23 George St., and open from 3 p.m. till 2 a.m. Mon-Wed., and 3 a.m. Thurs-Sun. Screeching-in ceremonies take place at 5 and 11:15 p.m. every day.
(“Pub Crawl” is an ongoing series in which we reveal some of our favourite public houses, both at home and abroad – and, in the spirit of the establishment, invite you to share with us yours. Send suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com. Cheers!)
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