A British-inspired pub is projected to open early October along Bend’s Century Drive.

The Commonwealth will be the pub’s unifying theme, an association of 56 member states including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica and India.

Dan Larsson a native Swede with a three-decade career as an immigration lawyer, brings to life The Commonwealth Pub with business partner Bob O’Connor. Both are devout fans of music and sports and intimately familiar with the challenges faced by musicians; Larsson as a member of Bend bands JuJu Eyeball, Superball and Shine, and O’Connor as a music industry veteran with experience owning and managing music venues. Hence, the duo plans to support live musicians with an untraditional approach.

“We’re going to have a very innovative payment system for bands that hopefully the community will embrace,” Larsson said. “It’s important to me musicians get properly acknowledged and compensated for their art and efforts.”

Musicians will receive a guarantee in addition to a voluntary cover charge paid by patrons, Larsson said. He plans to place Venmo signs throughout the pub, taking responsibility for encouraging patrons to tip the performers, rather than putting the onus on musicians.

The pub will host at least four nights of live music each week, Larsson said.

More Coverage

A blend of art and flavor: CHOW brings colorful dishes to Bend

For the common good

Larsson envisions garage doors, an island bar, a patio and 15 TVs displaying sports such as soccer, rugby hockey, cricket and curling.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the pub will open early for Premier League games, and it will host themed nights such as Canadian hockey night, reggae night and British invasion night.

Food trucks parked outside will serve favorites of Commonwealth countries. Handheld Happiness!, an international food truck, will serve meat pies, samosas, and poutine alongside Whappos food truck serving its Caribbean cuisine.

With a tagline that states “The Commonwealth for the common good,” the venue is founded on values of inclusivity and diversity, intending to unite people over a pint, live music and sports.

“We really want this to be a welcoming place for everybody with an international flair,” Larsson said. “The world is a big place and really, if you just talk to people, we all have things in common.”

From beer writer Jon Abernathy

Refreshing shandy and radler for the warm days of waning summer

Details

What: The Commonwealth Pub

Location: 30 SW Century Drive #100, Bend

Contact: thecommonwealthpub.com

Hours: Expected to open in October