Inventive cocktails courtesy of Jeff Savage.

We don’t typically write about bars at AdVINEtures, but then Prophecy isn’t your typical bar. Sophistication and character have finally returned to Vancouver, thanks to the highly successful At Home Hospitality team of Mike Rose, Teddy Wilkie and Justin Mensah-Coker.

Masterly inventive cocktails, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and an authentic vibe all its own has made Prophecy THE must-visit spot in the city and, we predict, a sure-bet to be named one of North America’s Top 50 bars.

If you’ve enjoyed the city’s beloved Banter Room and the Living Room at the Belmont Hotel, you already know the magic this dream team creates.

Mike Rose.

Each brings their unique strengths, ensuring their establishments are designed with exceptional attention to detail, enhancing every aspect of the patron experience from start to finish.

Located in the former Prohibition space in the basement of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, it had been empty since 2019 when Prohibition closed. Previously, it was a nightclub that operated only on Fridays and Saturdays, undergoing several changes before shutting down during COVID and remaining vacant.

“Although we had been approached a few times to take it over, my partner Teddy and I weren’t ready for it at the time,” Mike Rose tells us.

Digital artwork that chances daily.

“However, with the addition of a third partner, Justin, we had the bandwidth to consider new opportunities.”

The space had been partially constructed by someone else before that deal fell through. Mike and his partners were asked again if they wanted it and this time, they felt ready. “Creating a high-end concept had always been a dream for us. We wanted to offer something different from the typical Yaletown or Granville scene, with premium products, high-end service, and top-quality fixtures. So, a year and a half later, we decided to go for it.”

The focus of Prophecy offers two sides of a unique experience. Being located within a luxurious 5-star hotel, it strikes a balance between upscale allure and relaxed charm.

The only place in the city to offer Armand de Brignac by the glass.

This duality is central to its appeal, attracting both the city’s elite and those who seek a laid-back, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Unlike the often rigid and scripted service found in many high-end establishments, Prophecy Bar emphasizes genuine, personalized interactions. The staff are encouraged to be themselves, blending professionalism with a touch of fun, embodying what the management calls “unpretentious hospitality.”

The inclusive nature of Prophecy Bar is evident in its diverse clientele. On any given night, you might find a mix of ages and backgrounds enjoying the space together. Wednesday nights, featuring live jazz, are particularly telling. It’s not uncommon to see older patrons relishing the ambiance alongside younger guests, creating a unique, intergenerational vibe. This blend ensures that everyone feels comfortable and welcomed, regardless of age or background.

Girls night at Prophecy.

One of Prophecy Bar’s core principles is maintaining its distinct identity, free from the pressures of becoming just another crowded, noisy bar. The emphasis is on seated service, promoting a comfortable and controlled environment. With a capacity of 200 but seating for only 100, the bar prioritizes quality over quantity. This approach ensures that the service remains impeccable and the ambiance enjoyable, avoiding the pitfalls of overcrowding and the subsequent decline in service and atmosphere. The bar is designed for patrons to enjoy their drinks in a relaxed setting, where they can move around and socialize without the chaos of a typical nightclub.

It’s this desire to create the kind of place that the owners themselves would want to frequent that genuinely sets them apart. A perfect example is how the wine list was curated to include personal favourites like Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Rosé, inspired by Mike’s honeymoon in Epernay.

Internationally renowned Beverage Director Jeff Savage.

While primarily touted as a cocktail bar (and with good reason as they have world-renown and award-winning Jeff Savage as their beverage director) wine is also an essential part of the Prophecy story.

“Ted, Justin, and I are both cocktail and wine lovers, and wine has always been an important factor in what we do,” Mike explains. “While our cocktail lounge is the focus, we wanted wines to accompany dinner. With no experience in curating a wine list, I relied on our Italian GM, who is passionate about Italian wines, and Jeff, our beverage director, who ensured the wines complemented his cocktail programming. We also enlisted Diana Fisher, a semi-retired sommelier who runs the Sutton Place wine shop, to assist us. Together, we crafted a wine list featuring wines we love.”

A thoughtful curated and personal wine list.

That list is refreshingly diverse in the best way with an aim to avoid common labels, opting instead for unique selections like Soave by the glass. Fortunately, their definition of diverse is driven by quality rather than just trying to offer something different at the expense of something to please the palate.

“Overall, we sought wines that could stand on their own. While we do offer food (share plates), our primary focus wasn’t on finding wines that pair well with specific dishes. Instead, we aimed to select wines that are enjoyable on their own.”

They’ve managed to do that brilliantly and without the 5-star hotel markup!

A glimpse at the reserve wine list.

Mike is particularly excited about their Coravin program (a tool used to remove wine from a bottle without removing the cork) which allows them to offer ultra-premium wines by the glass to satisfy both a discerning wine geek interested in having a taste of a California cult wine, or someone simply searching for a special celebratory sip.

“Our Coravin program is a work in progress but it’s an exciting idea for us to be able to offer premium wines by the glass. We’re the only ones in the city to have champagne Armand de Brignac by the glass, and we’re working on some really special wines where just a few bottles even get into BC each year.”

Vancouver’s must-visit bar.

Although Prophecy Bar has only been open for two months, it’s already turning heads both locally and internationally. Fresh from a bar takeover in Mexico City at Handshake, one of the world’s top 50 bars, Prophecy is on track to achieve this accolade themselves. “From the beginning, we aspired to share experiences with other top-tier bars, and thanks to Jeff’s [Savage] connections, we’ve realized this goal sooner than expected. Within our first month, being invited to collaborate with the best bar in North America was an incredible honour.”

Vancouver currently boasts only two bars in North America’s Top 50 and none in the world’s top 50. Prophecy Bar, with its strong team and focused plan, has the potential to change that. Masterfully combining sophistication and approachability, Prophecy Bar is poised to not only meet those lofty goals but also continue to stand out as a vibrant addition to Vancouver’s bar scene.

Prophecy Bar.

Prophecy Bar

801 West Georgia St.

Vancouver, BC Canada

T: (604) 336-3383

Reservations: Reserve — Prophecy (prophecybar.com)