Revelstoke's newest bar is aiming for something different.
“If I could describe it in two words, it would be 'art lounge,'” says Lisa Weber, owner of the newly opened The Sage & Brush.
The quiet, intimate space seats 18 with a small bar space, tables, chairs and a couch. It is licensed but kid friendly and serves wine, coffee, tea, and a limited menu of mixed platters and sweets put together by local businesses Mountain Meals and Sangha Bean.
Weber, who has a history in the food and beverage industry, decided to open The Sage & Brush after selling her local bed and breakfast, the Cheeky Beaver.
“I made a list of things I love and what inspired me when I was pondering my next move,” she says. “I wanted to make a place where people could connect, but a lot depended on the location. It had to be downtown, but small and affordable. Luckily I got the space.”
Weber knew what she wanted to offer in that space. “I aimed to make a place where people can chill, do some work on their laptop or chat. I wanted to make a space they can enjoy,” she explains.
Photo: The Sage & Brush has comfy couches for seating and local art on the wall. ~ By Imogen Whale
The Sage & Brush fills a gap in the food and beverage industry, opening as the local cafes are closing for the day. “I wanted it to feel like a friend’s living room,” Weber explains. It has a relaxed apres-activity vibe, where you could grab a drink and an appetizer before you head out to dinner or back home.
“I’m happy to give out dinner recommendations or somewhere else to grab another drink,” she says.
Weber is keen on embracing collaboration with her new business. “I’m not playing into competition based business models. Businesses should be working together. There is enough room for everyone. Besides, half the business owners in town are my friends.”
Inspired by her many artistically talented friends, Weber kept them in mind when envisioning The Sage & Brush.
“I have friends who have full time jobs but went to art schools like Emily Carr and are gifted artists, but the only place you’ll see their art is in their living room,” she explains. “I’m completely inspired by these people. They create such beauty, and I wanted to showcase it. It’s kind of like I’m a gallery for the underdog who needs a boost. Maybe they will realize they are insanely talented. Then maybe they can do less of their day job and more of their passion. If I could help switch that balance for someone, that would be incredible.”
The name The Sage & Brush came easily and resonates with Weber. As a longtime volunteer in the Revelstoke Canine Search & Rescue group, years ago Weber was heading to Whistler for search and rescue training.
“There were sagebrush everywhere and I love them. They symbolized a fresh start for me,” she says. “And a sage is known as a wise person, someone with wisdom. A brush is evocative of artists and creators. The name represents the kind of people whose work I have in the lounge.”
The Sage & Brush is Located at 101 Second St. East, in the heart of Revelstoke's downtown core.