In a beautiful harbour town on Georgian Bay, there stands a legendary spot called The Dam Pub. Since its inception in 2005 and comparatively recent Meaford residency, this establishment has been a haven for lovers of Scottish gastronomy and connoisseurs of the finest whiskeys. Within the walls of this whiskey wonderland is Megan Pifer, a talented barkeep with a penchant for crafting not only delicious drinks but lasting impressions.
“I’ve been in the industry for about 12 years,” she tells us and that her journey in the world of hospitality began as a part-time dishwasher at a little café. Fast forward a decade, and she’s now an integral part of The Dam Pub, where she has worn many hats, from dishwasher to busser/host, finally finding her true calling behind the bar. Her love affair with cocktail making blossomed over the past three years, and it’s evident in the artistry and expert knowledge she brings to each drink.
The Dam Pub boasts a menu steeped in tradition. Their Scottish gastro pub fare features family recipes passed down through generations, creating an authentic experience for patrons. What truly sets The Dam Pub apart, however, is its impressive collection of over 1000 different whiskey options. This love for whiskey emanates from the owner, Stephanie Price, and permeates every corner of the pub. This kind of passion trickles down to talented staff like Megan, who is happy to talk all things whiskey, down to the very last drop.
“I think my favorite thing about the industry is the fast-paced nature and being able to constantly learn and create,” she says about her profession.
Building relationships with guests offers not just a chance to serve but a platform to exchange knowledge. Megan’s journey into the world of whiskey has been a collaborative effort, working alongside Stephanie and other experienced bartenders. It’s a world where the amber liquid tells stories, and Megan has become a storyteller in her own right.
“I also just love making pretty drinks!” she laughs.
Beyond the intricacies of whiskey, Megan finds joy in the aesthetics of mixology. Crafting visually stunning drinks is not just a skill for her; it’s an art. The canvas is the glass, and the palette is an array of colours and flavours that dance together to create liquid masterpieces. But it’s not always libations and laughter.
Despite the joys of her craft, Megan, like any seasoned bartender, has her pet peeves. It’s not the spills or the occasional mishaps that irk her; it’s the customers that don’t take the time to appreciate the effort behind every order. “My biggest pet peeve is just people that suck. Rude or impatient customers,” she says, The bar, for her, is a space of camaraderie, and such negativity disrupts the harmony she aims to create.
Megan’s favorite drink to conjure is a Whiskey Sour, a classic with a twist. Whether it’s a Cherry Brandy Sour with Jameson or a Vanilla Blueberry Sour with Deanston, her creativity shines through. Her all-time favourite, the Stout and Sour, is a Whiskey Sour with a Guinness float, showcasing her flair for bold flavours and innovative combinations.
No journey behind the bar is complete without a few laughs, and Megan has her fair share of humorous anecdotes. From rimming a coffee with salt instead of sugar to the occasional beer tray mishap, every facepalm moment has become a memory to look back on and chuckle “There are tons of funny little memories, especially silly mistakes over time!” she admits.
In Megan’s hands, The Dam Pub transforms into more than just a whiskey haven; it becomes a place where the art of mixology meets the warmth of Scottish tradition. With each carefully crafted drink, she invites patrons to savor not only the flavors but the essence of camaraderie that defines The Dam Pub.
So, the next time you find yourself in Meaford, step into this whiskey wonderland and let Megan take you on a journey of taste and tales, one sip at a time. Cheers to Megan and the bartenders of Grey Bruce Simcoe, each a maestro in their own right, enriching our lives, one cocktail at a time.
Words by Krista Kulbach
