Monday Magazine Review Sept. 4, 2006 - click here to view PDF
Larry Moore, A Taste of Victoria. Business Examiner, June 6 – 19, 2005
Swans Brew Pub – Victoria’s best choice for dining and dancing
It’s a rarity in today’s restaurant industry to find a good eatery that also offers danceable
live music. Swans Brewery and Pub has that local market cornered.
Swans offers a comprehensive rotation of tight bands from Saturday through Thursday
every week. And the musicians deliver at a low enough volume so that you can still carry
on a conversation.
The main room is very inviting, with a comfortable surrounding of oak, brick, wrought
iron chandeliers, and a stunning display of original art, and First Nations’ carvings. Upon
entry, you are immediately attracted to a magnificent oak bar complete with classic
crown mouldings.
For those wishing more intimacy there is also a glassed-in-patio surrounding the outside
of the building that is bright and brimming with flowers. Private meeting rooms are
available for the corporate minded.
We arrived at about 8pm for dinner and were pleased to find a few tables still available,
as reservations are not accepted on Saturdays, particularly when the acclaimed “John
Gogo Band’ is appearing. Allow about an hour for dinner prior to the music, which
begins at 9.
We decided on a bottle of Dr. William Robertson’s Shiraz from South Africa to get
things started. If you find the more popular Australian renditions a little sweet this is a
good alternative.
From Swans’ ‘brand new’ menu my guest decided on a Caesar Salad with Cajun Chicken
and Cheese Toast, while I chose the Spiced Rubbed New York Steak. The Caesar, which
featured a creamy garlic dressing, aged Parmesan cheese and ‘Ale Bread’ croutons, was
delectable, the Cheese Toast to die for, and I found the steak (cooked medium) with
Riley’s Scotch Ale-blackstrap drizzle, to be very tasty. The Steak was a 7-ounce and
included either market vegetables and yam fries, mashed potatoes, or in my case, a
Caesar salad substitute. Compliments go out to new Pub Chef, Thomas King and our
delightful server, Deanne.
We finished dinner, (under $70) just in time to turn our attention to the stage area where
singer/guitarist extraordinaire, John Gogo was testing his mic for the commencement of
his first set. John has an incredible voice and has forged an impressive presence on the
Western Canadian music scene. His repertoire includes a variety of very tasteful cover
tunes including some nostalgic rock and roll, upbeat country, along with contemporary –
and it’s all danceable!
Swans Brew Pub tops the list of places to frequent for dinner and dancing in the Capital
and there’s ‘no cover charge’. It is also an ‘in-house’ brewer of award-winning beers,
which can be ordered in selections of four and six-tray sample servings that make for a
delightful tasting experience. Swans is also home to the more upscale Wild Saffron
Restaurant where new Executive Chef, Richard Zinger (formerly with Brix Restaurant
Vancouver, Bedwell Harbour Resort, Pender Island, The Empress, Victoria, and Four
Seasons Hotel in Vancouver) is displaying his talents.
Swans Brew Pub is open from 7am until 2am Mondays through Saturdays, and Sundays
from 7am until midnight. Enjoy!
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