A Toast To Our Neighbourhood Pubs

Everyone remembers their first time…visiting a pub, that is! I certainly do because a pub was the location of my first date with my future husband. With its welcoming plush and wooden interior, delicious food and many beverage choices, our conversation soon flowed as smoothly as the imported beer!

Years later pubs are even more popular in Halton. They are not a new concept, but they have remained relevant in a fickle hospitality landscape. Pubs and taverns have dotted Southern Ontario as a stopping point for travellers since the late 18th century. More recently, pubs gained popularity as craft beers and brewpubs burst on to the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

High energy bars have their place, but if you are looking to carry on a conversation over a plate of nourishing food and a drink (or two), exploring one of the many pubs in our area is a great option.

In an era where many people are more connected to their phone than to each other, the sense of well-being that you feel at a pub is priceless. Much of that has to do with nourishing, “stick to your ribs” meals (steak and kidney pie, anyone?). Over the years pub cuisine has evolved, with most offering more comprehensive menus. As the public’s tastes and needs have changed, so have pubs.

The menu at King’s Arms in Oakville, for instance, features indulgences like Lobster Grilled Cheese and Korean BBQ Steak bowl, in addition to wings and other traditional pub fare. The venue has regular “Pour & Pair” social hours, and periodically hosts upscale theme nights (Greek Night, Valentines Day) that it promotes via slick social media posts geared to a young crowd.

The Dickens in Burlington, while retaining many of its traditions in terms of cozy ambiance and hearty food, hosts live bands, karaoke, trivia nights… and their well-stocked bar also offers non-alcoholic options like zero-proof beer, passionfruit juice, or milk.

Ye Olde Squire has been operating in Aldershot for close to seven years, and prides itself on being a home away from home for its customers. As Jenn Maguire, General Manager, explains, “Our signature dishes are British influenced but we also offer classic pub fare as well to make sure we cover all of our bases for those walking through the doors. Especially now with a growing demand for gluten free dishes, vegetarian and sometimes vegan, we always want to make sure everyone that is coming into our pub can find something they like.”

The Royal Coachman in Waterdown celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and is housed in a Victorian manse, circa 1868, which recently received historical status.

As Leigh Dinenn, General Manager shares, “In the British sense, a pub is the hub of the community, a meeting place for everyone to get together and, in the past, to share the tales of the day. It’s also a restaurant and a meeting point. It’s all encompassing. You can take your family to a pub, or you can have a business meeting, or a date.”

While Canadians often associate pubs with a British style of food, the Royal Coachman strives for “comfort food, hearty and wholesome,” Dinenn says.

With fall nipping at our heels, it’s time to get comfortable and raise a glass! Now is the perfect time to meet friends in the warm glow of your friendly neighbourhood pub.

“It’s all encompassing. You can take your family to a pub, or you can have a business meeting, or a date.” – Leigh Dinenn, General Manager, The Royal Coachman