Jeff Savage’s Prophecy Comes True: Inside the Rise of North America's Ascending bar
When Jeff Savage joined Vancouver’s Prophecy as Beverage Director, industry insiders knew something special was on the horizon. After all, Jeff is no stranger to turning bars into destinations—his track record proves it. In 2019, he claimed the title of Diageo World Class Canada Winner, and subsequently placed runner-up globally. Wherever Jeff goes, awards follow, and Prophecy is no exception.
Prophecy just celebrated its one year anniversary. In that time after opening its moody, textured space in Vancouver’s downtown core, Prophecy has earned the title of North America’s 53rd best bar and ranked 7th in Canada's 100 Best, accolades almost unheard of for an establishment still in its infancy.
But what's the secret? According to Savage, the key isn’t a secret at all—it's meticulous storytelling, thoughtful hospitality, and a dash of good luck. Savage laughs off suggestions that he's the common denominator behind the bar world's top spots, joking, "If I don't get luck in my own life, at least I can bring it to my work."
Originally from Calgary, Savage’s journey began early, under the influence of his mother, a catering chef. Instead of typical summer camps, he found himself whisking soufflés and mastering mother sauces. "My mom instilled in me a deep love for flavor and hospitality," he recalls. After graduating university and a brief stint in Edmonton—where he co-founded Three Boars, a pioneering craft cocktail bar—Savage returned to Calgary to help open the acclaimed bar Proof.
His arrival in Vancouver in 2018 marked a shift toward international acclaim. At Botanist, Savage was instrumental in bringing the bar to prominence, securing a #2 rank in Canada and a notable spot as the 19th best bar in North America. His style—a meticulous balance of technique, story, and sheer hospitality—became his signature.
At Prophecy, Savage now leads an all-star cast, crafting cocktails with an almost cinematic flair. The bar itself sets the stage: a dark, elegant space reminiscent of classic establishments found in major global cities, offering patrons a luxurious escape that feels timeless and sophisticated. "From the textures of our space—rich carpets, detailed wallpaper, carefully curated lighting—to the music, everything contributes to an atmosphere that's transportive," Savage explains.
Prophecy’s cocktail menu is Savage's personal canvas, built upon a narrative-driven approach to mixology. "Cocktails, like cuisine, can embody a culture, a memory, or a story," he says. His creations, such as the popular Guavisabi Martini, embody this philosophy. Crafted with redistilled matcha gin, Cocchi Americano, hinoki wood, salt, and lime oil, the drink is both simple and sophisticated, reflecting Savage’s thoughtful yet approachable style.
The bar’s recent success at the North America's 50 Best Bars awards in 2025, held in Vancouver, showcased not only Prophecy but the vibrant hospitality community in the city. Savage speaks glowingly of hosting colleagues from top bars around the world, highlighting a remarkable camaraderie and mutual respect within the industry. "The accolades are amazing, of course, but it’s really the connections, the friendships, and the shared passion that mean the most," he emphasizes.
Further testament to their swift ascent, Prophecy also took home "Best New Bar" and landed in the seventh spot overall in Canada's 100 Best Bars—an extraordinary feat in their first year. Alongside co-founders Justin Mensah-Coker, Mike Rose, and Teddy Wilkie, Jeff credits the entire Prophecy team, from bartenders to servers to hosts, describing their collaborative efforts as the bar’s greatest strength.
Looking forward, Prophecy is preparing an ambitious new cocktail menu, featuring experimental ingredients like mole distillate and yuzu kosho, made possible through advanced techniques like rotary evaporation. Clearly, innovation remains high on Savage’s agenda.
Ultimately, Jeff’s success—and by extension, Prophecy’s rapid rise—is rooted in meticulous storytelling, passionate creativity, and genuine hospitality. This winning combination has catapulted Prophecy onto the global bar stage, and it seems certain Jeff’s star will continue to rise.
In just one short year, Prophecy has not only fulfilled its promise but surpassed expectations, solidifying Vancouver’s place as a destination for world-class cocktail experiences, with Jeff at the very heart of this remarkable journey.
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