Burgundy Lion falls afoul of OQLF
The OQLF is on the case of the Burgundy Lion pub, insisting on the addition of larger words in French on their sign defining it, presumably in case someone mistakes it for a church or a dental clinic or a daycare.
The OQLF also wanted more French on the whisky menu, but the owner held out that Lowlands, Highlands and Islay are simply the names of parts of Scotland where the whiskies are made, and have no French equivalents.
Or should that be “l’eau de vie des pays d’en haut”?
Update: The OQLF has backed down.
Uatu 08:47 on 2025-08-14 Permalink
This weekend is Lasso, the country music festival. They are in violation since lasso is a Spanish word. They’d better change their signage lol
Nicholas 15:02 on 2025-08-14 Permalink
The Burgundy Lion should agree to change those names to French, which are, as per French Wikipedia, Islay, Les Lowlands and Les Highlands.
Annette 02:01 on 2025-08-15 Permalink
Funny how the OQLF often steps back when exposed to a little media attention. It’s as if they don’t have the courage of their convictions.
Imagine what the original, ancient Burgondes would make of this whole episode. We’d have a hard time explaining it to them though – they weren’t francophone.