The Black Hare Tavern

A watering hole that seems to have been around as long as the city itself.
The Hare has built a reputation for itself as a venue for music and drink as well as a few side businesses.

Purpose / Function

Just what it says on the sign. The Black Hare is a tavern and inn for those wanting a cool pint, a bardic performance, or a bed for the night.
For those in the know, the Hare also catters to more... discrete clientel. Trading and selling information is common business behind closed doors and the Hare is rumored to have ties to local smuggling rings. How much the latter is true has never been proven, but the tavern seems to embrace the mystique it brings.

Denizens

Arthur Stilcrique: Owner of the Black Hare. Using the skills and contacts he built during his life in the city, he build up the Hare's reputation, discreetly advertise the Burrow, and deflect unwelcomed inquiries into the taverns' cliental.
Cassandra Blake: A Water Dancer and main entertainer for the Burrow.
Devan: The rear doorman for the tavern. Devan is in charge of screening and escorting visitors to the Burrow. This includes making sure said visitors keep their hands to themselves while passing through the Hare's cellar.
Himiko: One of the barmaids of the Burrow and the only Elf working at the tavern. Despite the secrecy around the Burrow, Himi finds the mage patrons more accepting of an Elf tending the bar than other establishments she'd applied to. Sadly, that is not to say she's free from dealing with the biases against Kyamese.
Toliver: The other bartender for the Burrow. Unofficially, his duties include running interference between Himiko and less-than-accepting patrons of the tavern. Luckily, his efforts are helped by the fact that Himi rarely escalates things should an incident occur along with drunken bigots not typically endearing themselves to the other drinkers.

Alterations

Over the decades, the Black Hare has grown a bit beyond the original small tavern and inn it started as.
The first and most obvious alteration was the acquiring of what would become the tavern's storehouse and brewery, giving the Hare some much needed additional storage space along with crafting its own beverages.
Not long after the acquisition, the cellars of both the main building and the storehouse were connected by secret tunnel, the latter space being converted into a second, exclusive tavern space that would become known as The Burrow. The conversion process involved deepening the cellar so as to better accommodate both a drinking space as well as a stage for entertainers. Insulation from the Artificer's Guild was installed to conceal whatever ruckus the entertainment and their audience are making. The insulation also helps keep out the sounds of the business and brewing being done above ground.

Architecture

The Black Hare is made up of two buildings: the main that serves as the tavern and inn and the second that houses its brewery and additional storage.
The main buildig has three floors plus a cellar. The first floor is the primary tavern space complete with bar and stage for performers along with a kitchen for preparing dishes and drinks. Upstairs serves as additional seating as well as a vantage point for that want a view of the stage. The second floor also houses the owner's office, giving a private space for business to be conducted. Finally, the third floor hosts a half-dozen bedrooms ready for weary travelers... or customers who may have imbibed a little too much. The main building also has a cellar used for storing its food and drink... along with a passage few patrons are privy to. Through the passage, patrons find themselves in the cellar of the brewery, where the Burrow resides.

The Balck Hare Tavern: First Floor (Image by Jawest13 via Inkarnate)

The Balck Hare Tavern: Second Floor (Image by Jawest13 via Inkarnate)

Defenses

The Hare doesn't have much physical security beyond what one would typically find in your average drinking establishment (locks on the doors, some muscle working behind the bar, etc.). 
For its more discerte businesses, the owners of the tavern have made an art of how much info to make known and much much to lean into the rumors surrounding their establishment. Should anyone come by about their information trade, the Black Hare is pointedly neutral in disputes between rival merchant families or criminals and the law. So long as the customer comes with either coin or information of their own to exchange, their happy to give a fair trade.
As for any rumors of a smuggling operation going on, such are easily waved away by the lack of proof as well as any people 'sneaking' into the tavern's cellar can be explained as attendees to the exclusive Burrow.

Tourism

The Black Hare, even when putting aside its more secretive business ventures, is considered a practical landmark of the town after being in business for so many years. Between its history and being the sole vendor of its in-house brews, the Hare is popular watering hole for locals and visiting travelers alike.
Rumors of the Burrow have floated about for years, but luckily, few if any gossipers can ever agree on which tavern is the most likely front for the under-tavern, let alone how to actually access it. Despite the lack of consensus, the mystery surrounding the Burrow has lead many hopefuls through the Hare's front doors.
As for those who actually are privy to the under-tavern and how to enter it, the knowledge is treated like a sort of secret privilege. An invitation to what for many is an exclusive, clandestine venue with entertainment well above the usual fare of tavern bards.

Sign and photo by Jawest13

Drinks on tap:

• Blue Butterfly: Gin and tea cocktail known for it's rich blue or bright purple color (depends on if you ask for lemon)
• Orgeat Lemonade: A refreshing, nutty, non-alcoholic blend
• Smuggler's Tumble: Spiced blackberry mead brewed in-house
• Hare of the Dog: A Toliver original blend with whiskey and a dash of vanilla

Type

Pub / Tavern / Restaurant

Parent Location

Olbrin