The Bent Mast: Celebrating 20 years

The Bent Mast at the five corners in James Bay has been in business for twenty years, “that’s enough reason to celebrate,” Kate Thomson, manager, stated when I talked to her one sunny afternoon. She would like everyone to come to the pub at 4:00 pm on Sunday, April 19, to enjoy the celebration cake. Mostly, it’s a thank you to all the supportive neighbours and friends who have helped The Bent Mast become a community presence.

During the celebration, patrons will be invited to buy 50/50 tickets. 50% of the proceeds will go to James Bay New Horizons and the other 50% will go to Beckley Farm Lodge. 

Kate’s joy in being a part of the Bent Mast has been the variety of people she has met, everyone from children to great-grandparents of varying backgrounds. The Mast’s license is one of the few remaining in Victoria which allows them to be open till 2:00 am every day of the week except for Sunday when they close at midnight.

The most dramatic event Kate remembers was watching the ghost throw spoons in the kitchen. The most difficult part of that evening was convincing the kitchen staff to return to their stations and to complete their work. The house, built in 1884 for a Hudson Bay accountant and his wife, was already rumoured to be haunted; and the most difficult… 

But in the present, what Kate loves most on the menu is the burger. I’m betting the cake on April 19 might supercede the burger in popularity! So, circle April 19 on your calendar and wander over to the pub to enjoy the celebration.