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event spaces

Preston

Private rooms and full pub buyouts · 20 – 300+ guests · 353B Preston St.
Wide view of a crowded, warmly lit pub interior with pressed-tin ceiling, globe chandeliers, and a long wooden bar.

Capacity

Built for groups of 20 to 300+

  • 175+
    seated dinner
  • 350+
    standing / cocktail
  • 550
    full buyout

Available Layouts

Configure the room your way.

Cocktail Reception Up to 350 standing
seated dinner Up to 175 guests
2 Patios 160 guests
Live Music / Stage Setup One stage in the large main room
Google Maps: 353B Preston St.

Little Italy’s Irish Pub

353B Preston St. — Perfectly positioned at the corner of Preston and Aberdeen, just steps from Dows Lake, LeBreton Flats, Chinatown, and the Bronson Music Theatre. In the heart of it all, you'll be within walking distance of Ottawa's biggest events and attractions, including the Tulip Festival, Bluesfest, Italian Week, and more. Whether you're looking for a spot to grab dinner before a show, enjoy drinks before a festival, unwind after work, celebrate a retirement or special occasion, Preston has the best of Ottawa right at our doorstep.

  • 8 min · Dows Lake
  • 20 min · LeBreton Flats
  • 15 min · Chinatown
  • 20 min · Bronson Music Theatre
Traditional Irish pub interior with a polished wood bar, high-top tables, ornate tin ceiling, stone walls, and warm globe lighting.
Outdoor patio at night with diners seated beneath string lights and glowing globe lamps along a lively streetscape.
Busy Irish pub dining room with guests enjoying food and drinks at wooden tables beneath warm lighting and stone walls.
Guests gathered at round wooden tables under an ornate globe chandelier in a busy pub with pressed-tin ceiling and dark wood paneling.
Bar area with 'Heart and Crown' sign and lit Guinness Extra Stout window display, flanked by shelves of liquor bottles and patrons in the foreground.
What's Available

Rooms & Spaces

  • Wide view of a crowded, warmly lit pub interior with pressed-tin ceiling, globe chandeliers, and a long wooden bar.

    Heart & Crown

    Large Open Space

    Seated 135
    Standing 390
    Best for Large parties, power lunches, group dinners
  • The Snug Pub area of the Preston Heart & Crown

    The Snug Pub

    Semi-Private Room

    Seated 40
    Standing 60
    Best for Intimate gatherings, small parties

Full Pub Buyout

2 rooms · 2 patios · 1 stage
Up to 550 guests across the entire venue.

Inquire about a buyout

Best Suited For

Quick work lunches, post event meet-ups, dancing, late night food and entertainment.
Post / Pre-Show Hangout
Bluesfest, Tulip Festival, Gladstone Theatre, Absolute Comedy meet up spot.
Business Lunches / After Work Beverages
Quick lunches or after-work drinks with proximity to Little Italy’s corporate buildings.
Stag & Doe Nights
Right in the heart of the Little Italy—pre-dinner, late-night, and late night party vibes
Corporate & Holiday Parties
All parties ranging from 20+ – 150, can be tailored to fit the experience.
Milestone Birthdays
40ths, 50ths, big birthdays that want live music, a bar, or a semi-private option with designated bar.
Wedding Receptions & After-Parties
Full buyouts for ceremonies of 150–350. Patios for cocktail hour, indoor rooms for dinner and dancing.

Custom menus built by our Preston kitchen.

Every private event at Preston has the option of using our standard menu, or creating a custom menu. Choose from pub classics, work with our chef on something specific, or build a package that mixes plated, canapes, buffets, pass-arounds, and late-night bites.

  • Plated

    Multi-course dinners with table service.

  • Cocktail Receptions

    Passed canapés and grazing tables for standing events.

  • Bar Packages

    Cash, host, or all-inclusive open bar—including signature cocktails.

  • Buffets & Stations

    Carving stations, pub classics, themed spreads.

  • Late-Night Bites

    Flatbread, sliders, poutine bars and more to keep the party going.

  • Dietary-Friendly

    Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy menus on request.

View Sample Menus (PDF)Explore Catering Options
Dessert and grazing table with a chocolate fountain, ladyfinger cookies, fresh berries, sliced fruit, cheese, and crackers, decorated with fresh flowers.image spread of food options including soups, curries and poutine

Minimum Spend:

Talk to our events team for specifics—minimums vary by room and season.
Most rooms operate on a food and beverage minimum based on date and time. Smaller groups can typically book on-consumption.

Frequently asked questiOns

Do you offer AV equipment or entertainment?
Street parking is available on Aberdeen Street (Beech Parking), Preston Square underground, and Preston Street (Parking Little Italy). The front room has live music every night from 9 pm to 1 am. The back room runs live music Friday and Saturday (10 pm–2 am) and karaoke every Wednesday (10 pm–2 am). Nan's Parlour has a DJ every Friday from 10 pm to 2 am.
Is there parking available?
Street parking is available on Aberdeen Street (Beech Parking), Preston Square underground, and Preston Street (Parking Little Italy).
Is it accessible by public transit?
Yes. The closest bus stops are Albert/Preston (route 85), Gladstone/Preston (route 14), and Scott/Preston (route 11). By O-Train, Corso Italia is a 9-minute walk, Dow's Lake is 11 minutes, and Bayview is 19 minutes.
When is there live music?
Live music runs Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday and Thursday it's 9 pm to 1 am; Friday and Saturday, 10 pm to 2 am. Sunday afternoons feature live traditional Irish music from 1 to 4 pm.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Preston is one level, washrooms are accessible, and we're happy to rearrange tables to make a more comfortable space.
What's included with a private booking?
We can set up a condensed food and drink menu, arrange drink tickets, and connect a USB to the TVs for a slideshow. We supply tablecloths, candles, food labels, and plates and cutlery for outside desserts. Décor can be adjusted to suit the occasion. A minimum spend applies for both The Snug and the front room.
Is there a minimum spend?
There is a minimum spend for the Snug Room (back room) and for large reservations. Please fill out the form below for more information and availability.
Can we bring our own dessert?
Yes. We can provide plates, cutlery, and napkins for outside desserts.
Can we play a slideshow or presentation?
Yes. We can connect a USB to our TVs if you would like to display a slideshow or presentation.
Do you provide décor?
Yes. We can provide tablecloths, candles, and food labels, and we can tailor the décor to suit your event.
Do you offer a simplified food menu for events?
Yes. We can provide a condensed food menu for large reservations and private events.
Can we use drink tickets for guests?
Absolutely. Drink tickets are welcome, and we can also offer a condensed drink menu.

Inquire About Preston Street

Tell us a little about your event and our Preston events team will reply within one business day.

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