PUB CRAWL: Victoria pub a family affair

British Columbia’s oldest pub has a come a long way since its days as a haunt for British sailors at the Parsons Bridge Hotel in the mid 1850s. Now the Six Mile Pub and Eatery in Victoria has transitioned into a family affair, having even garnered “Best Pub to Take a Kid” honours from Eat magazine this year.

The popular neighbourhood establishment, which was also Victoria lifestyle magazine Yam’s runner-up best pub in 2019, was restored to her “former glory” in 2002, takes pride in its both its long and colourful history, but also its current community bona fides, including the family culture.

Patrons regularly point to friendly service at the cozy eatery, but also great food, which includes artisan breads and pastas, an extensive menu of British traditional and creative pub food (shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, Guinness Burger), vegetarian dishes, seafood, salads, and much more. Of course, there is a kids’ menu, as well as gluten-free dishes.

Moreover, the pub has its own organic garden and apiary and serves meat from hormone free and antibiotic free animals and seafood from “ocean-wise suppliers,” everything is made from scratch, and nothing is made in a microwave.

“Even the coffee comes from the wild – harvested in ‘frog-friendly’ conditions from the jungles of Mexico,” boast the owners.

Meanwhile, the menu is complimented by an extensive list of craft brews from local artisan brewers, such as Phillips Brewing Company, Hoyne Brewing Company, Driftwood Brewing Company, Lighthouse Brewing Company.

The house beer is Six Mile Lager, an unpasteurized “Real Beer” exclusively brewed for the pub by BC-based Russell Brewing Company.

Wine and cocktail options are also plenty.

Located on Esquimalt Harbour (494 Old Island Hwy at Six Mile Rd.) the Six Mile Pub and Eatery is about a 30-minute drive from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, though guests are invited to “walk, bike, or paddle” there as well. The pub operates Wed-Sun noon to 9 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Happy hour is 3-6 p.m. daily.

Pub Crawl is an ongoing series in which we reveal some of our favourite public houses at home and abroad – and, in the spirit of the establishment, invite you to share with us yours. Send suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com.

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