The Irish Heather

The Irish Heather
217 Carrall Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 2J2

We went here a few weeks ago and I can't believe that I forgot to write about this place! The Heather (as it's affectionately know) has been awhile for quite some time now. The sister restaurant to Salt and The Shebeen, the heather is known for their tradiational irish fair. The Heather is more known as a gastropub and just a pub since they do pride itself on their good grub. The menu offers traditional items such as Beef stew (made with Guinness no less!), bangers and mash, and fish and chips. All the food is actually really really good and I can at least vouch for a few items here. Everytime I come here, the food doesn't disappoint. I've had the fish and chips and the batter on that thing is just great! But the best stuff is obviously the more artery clogging choices-meat loaf and beef stew! I mean you just can't go wrong with either of them. Both are hearty meals that will really satisfy!

But the coolest thing about The Heather is the room itself. It's located on Carrall Stree in Gastown and it looks like a dumpy place in need of furnishing. And indeed it will be getting a facelift with March. With the current building in line for seismic upgrades, Sean Heather (the proprietor) has arranged to moved just a few buildings over and will be completely redoing the room to bring it into the 21st century. The best part is that I don't think The Heather will actually be closed during the move. They are working on the new place now so one day the old Heather will be closed and right away, the next day the new one will open! Talk about efficiency! But it's a shame really cuz the old room has alot of character. Yes the walls are drabby and the wood is scratched but that's wut makes it so unique. There are pictures of famous Irish men lining the wall (no Colin Farrell does not count) and other irish memoribilia on display. The best part of the Heather is the solarium out back. While the seats are super uncomfortable, you are sitting in a glass house enjoying your food and drink. Now how nice is that. Definatly do try to get out to this place before they move. But regardless of it being the new room or the old room, the Heather is definatly the place to go to if you want a hearty meal! Sloncia!!! (that's gaelic for cheers! see? i do have some irish in me!)

hm....meatloaf.....

can't wait to dig into the beef stew!

we left happy! :D