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Our history
The Celtic Druid Irish Pub was inaugurated on the 12th of June, 1995, but it's origins lie in a small beerhouse in Via Mascarella established in the mid-80s. Its name was Il Druido - The Druid - and it specialised in a wide selection of beers, the best distributed in Italy, both bottled and on tap.This is where the first Guinness tap system at the time was set up. It handled 50 litre kegs of a beer that was totally unknown to Italians.
In the meantime, the stream of tourists towards Ireland was constantly increasing and, upon their return, there was a desperate search for a true pint of Guinness. There was also an increase in the number of foreigners in the city due to the trade shows, the university, American colleges, and tourism in general.
Even when we travelled to English speaking countries, we realised that the concept of 'pub' was completely different from what we knew as being German-style beerhouses with long tables, a small or non-existent bar, waiters and a bill to be paid before leaving. The pub, on the other hand, where life revolves around the bar and drinks are paid for right away, giving patrons the chance to move around freely, represented for us a highly innovative factor, where people could easily socialise, making it a place to meet others. Starting from this idea, we contacted an Irish company specialised in the planning and setting up of Irish pubs
The furnishing is all Victorian style, the most characteristic and distinctive, and perfectly suits the architectural importance of the building - one of the oldest in Bologna - housing it in Via Caduti di Cefalonia.
The material used is mahogany, both for the bar and the entrance, which all comes directly from Ireland. The light which filters through the large windows, made of stained glass to give an effect similar to the windows in cathedrals, lights up the antique-style wall coverings with warm colours and contributes to recreating the friendliness of the original premises.
The pub has been built over 200 square meters on two levels: the ground floor is dominated by the 25 meter-long bar, where patrons order their drinks, pay and choose a place to sit. The first floor features a bar with taps and cosy couches which are decidedly more intimate. Frequenting a pub is an actual way of life. There is a true pub culture, a culture which privileges friendship, quiet conversation, good music and, of course, good beer. At the Celtic Druid you will find Guinness, Harp, Harp Strong, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Strong, Erdinger Weisse and Cashel cider.
The beer is poured from cold kegs, so as not to cause thermal shock of the drink, which would ruin its flavour. In particular, Guinness is poured in two phases. So, don't worry if you see the barman walk away from your pint after having filled it only two-thirds of the way, he is waiting for the liquid to decant and will then pour the last bit, the one which will leave that incredible froth on the surface which is, together with the distinctive flavour, the main feature of this incredibly unique drink.
Sláinte!
