by: Tracey Drake, Editor in Chief, NICHE magazine
NICHE magazine received an invite to the launch party at The Guild on Wharf Street (formerly Chandler’s). I am really glad we decided to attend.
Walking in, not much had changed but yet everything was different. The stuffy white table cloths were gone, the waft of tourists was gratefully absent and the atmosphere was welcoming and familiar. It was a private event but the place felt like a public house on a Thursday night. The beer was flowing and the food samples were plenty including delicious lamb pops, bite-sized stuffed Yorkshire pudding and of course, fish and chips.
It was evident that staff were hand picked for their ability to connect with the customer, and they did it well. The Guild had a soft opening in May, and over the last few months, there has been a slow and steady buzz around the city about the change on Wharf Street.
We were invited on a private tour of the upper level with GM Matt Quinn. If you had ever been to Chandler’s, the upstairs was a big part of their business – but was also notorious for being dark, dated and well, expected. Today, it is a construction zone… and in a few months time, it will be available for private parties, corporate events and weddings. NICHE magazine looks forward to hosting one of our exclusive events there in the coming months – and we will keep you posted!
On The Guild website it says: A traditional English pub, but it’s not…
“To me The Guild is more than just another concept restaurant. Like the actual meaning of the word “guild” it represents a reclaiming of the idea that people who work together and share common values can create something that is stronger than what any one person can do alone. British food has a notion of being homey and comfort food – I like that. Our food is distinctly common in practice but exhibits true craftsmanship, care and value. We take pride in associating ourselves with local producers and using our kitchen as a gateway for their products.” Sam Benedetto, Chef | Owner
My personal recommendation:
If you’re a beer connoisseur, this is a must stop on your weekly pilgrimage for the perfect pint. The beer menu has been carefully and expertly created to showcase exceptional craft and micro brewery beers from the Pacific Northwest region and interesting ‘ales and such’ from around the world. The beer menu is impressive, extensive and ever-changing. The bar offers twelve on tap and up to forty bottled choices.
The Guild’s new hours of business: Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to midnight & Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am
Stop by for a pint this weekend and don’t leave without trying the fish & chips, which is destined to be a fan favourite that will keep us coming back. We took two orders to go…
