When the owners endeavored to open the James's Gate Restaurant and Pub, they wanted to build a comfortable and inviting place that reflected their heritage, as well as the community. It was to be a place where people could meet and mingle, engage in the art of conversation, and enjoy a diverse menu of food and drink. The owners felt that the pub side should be an extension of the patron's living room, a place where you would always feel welcome.
The owners found the perfect location for the establishment on McBride Street in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood. The site was large enough to house both the pub and the restaurant, but the building needed massive renovations to create the necessary atmosphere. In January 1997, the eight month long construction process began by gutting the building, leaving only the foundation and the roof.
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The facade of the building replicates the exterior of St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin, the oldest working brewery and the home of Guinness Stout since 1759. It was important to the owners that the new James's Gate reflected the spirit of it's namesake. The interior was split into two areas, the restaurant side and the pub side. Each room featured a full bar, but each space needed its own personality. The restaurant was designed to be contemporary and elegant, using bright colors and lighting to compliment the fine cuisine. Artwork from local and regional artists would adorn the walls, adding to the contemporary feel. |
The restaurant menu was to feature upscale and sophisticated meals that differentiated themselves from mere "Pub Grub". The dishes were to be unique and high quality, using the freshest ingredients from local suppliers. The restaurant menu would also need to offer meals to cater to vegetarian tastes.
The pub side was designed to be an authentic Irish pub. The owners traveled throughout New England collecting 200 year old wood, antique church pews and paneling, hand cut beams, and Vermont slate tiles. Nearly all of the interior trim was fashioned from this stock, making the room itself look and feel as though it had been transported direct from Ireland. The use of stucco walls, earth tones, the slate tile floor, and the old wood trim galvanized this feeling.
A grand stone fireplace was erected at the center of the main wall to further reinforce the feeling of "home" in the pub. The fireplace is a key element for the pub atmosphere and features a 200 year old mantle, wrought iron candle holders, and wood panels depicting a mythical Irish athlete painted by a Dublin artist. The pub also needed its own menu, featuring traditional foods like Shepherd's Pie, Fish and Chips, chowders and soups, nachos, as well as vegetarian, salads, meat, and smoked fish dishes. The James's Gate Restaurant and Pub opened its doors to the public on September 1, 1997. |
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The entire establishment reflects the community of Jamaica Plain. The neighborhood is home to artists, workmen, poets, families, and professionals from nearly every background. Jamaica Plain is vibrant and diverse. The James's Gate Restaurant and Pub mirrors that diversity, offering several menus, more than 30 stouts and beers, an excellent wine list, and two distinct atmospheres.
The management and staff invite you to join us!