Tap & Barrel is no longer the new kid on the block. That was apparent when this casual eatery landed downtown at the Convention Centre. And became even more clear when Tap & Barrel Shipyards launched, about three years ago. This week they pulled the wraps off (yet another) patio at Shipyards. It couldn’t be completed until construction next door was done.
Tap & Barrel CEO Daniel Frankel (l) and City of North Vancouver Mayor Darrell Mussatto cut the ribbon
With 400 outside and 350 in, for a total of 750 licenses seats, Tap & Barrel Shipyards is the biggest restaurant in Western Canada. With this latest expansion the restaurant more than lives up to its name. The west side patio at the foot of Lonsdale sports a full outdoor bar—with 52 taps. My guess is there’s likely the same number inside. The patio stretches from the foot of Lonsdale to the promenade, almost at the water’s edge. A raised south deck makes the panorama even more impressive. From here you can take in the harbour action, enjoy views of downtown and bask in the sun reflected off the water. Hint: bring a hat or wear sunscreen.
Tap, Tap, Tap – Opportunity Knocks
CEO Daniel Frankel, the man behind Tap & Barrel, grew up in the restaurant business. Years ago he joked to me that he got fired from one of his first summer jobs. He was selling ice cream at Prospect Point Café. His boss was his father, George Frankel! He was also a founder and co-owner of Bridges.
Some folks may recall that until the ’80s there was no such thing as a licensed patio in Vancouver. When I arrived it was illegal to be able to seen drinking from the street. In fact the Sylvia Hotel had the best ocean view in town. The only problem was you couldn’t see it from the bar: the windows were frosted amber.
George Frankel was a trailblazer. He realized Vancouver’s potential—once it grew up and could took full advantage of its spectacular setting. He and his co-owners at Bridges fought hard to establish that legendary, giant patio. In the end, an obstinate bureaucracy conceded.
The son struck out on his own. Taking a leaf out of his father’s book, he opened the Mill Marine Bistro in 2003. He’s since gone on to open several other restaurants. It’s an evolution that culminated in Tap & Barrel, at three locations (for now).
Location, Location, Location
Tap & Barrel’s Daniel Frankel hoists a pint from the 52 tap outdoor bar
Frankel has demonstrated a knack for landing in the right place at the right time. He opened the inaugural Tap & Barrel when Athletes’ Village was essentially a dead zone. Its primary development was mired in controversy. But Frankel figured the area would soon blossom—and was right. Nobody else had envisioned a dazzling downtown skyline across False Creek at night. Or fully anticipated the busy inner city seawall. When the Vancouver Convention Centre spot at opened up, it looked more than promising. Plus, the Olympic flame turned Jack Poole Plaza into a minor tourist attraction. And the view isn’t half bad …
Tap & Barrel was quick to commit to the Shipyards project, that’s now transformed Lower Lonsdale. Right across from the restaurant is the breathtaking new Polygon Gallery. Lonsdale Quay Market and the Sea Bus are just west. With more people moving in every year, it’s a happening place.
Tap & Barrel: Bye Bye Bottles
I’ve followed Tap & Barrel with interest. They were the first in Vancouver to adopt wine on tap on a large scale. Actually, Frankel initially put eight wine taps into Mill Marine Bistro. Tap & Barrel Athletes Village opened with 14 wines on tap and 24 BC craft beers. Kegs turned over faster than anyone expected.
The FreshTap system paid off in many ways. Not only did it allow people to try a variety of wines. It almost completely eliminated spoilage, did away with most bottles, and reduced carbon footprint. Now, Shipyards has the most taps yet. And, as with the other locations, it’s a firm supporter of all things BC.
Flights of whatever you fancy from BC
I get a kick out of similarities that still hark back to the old Bridges Pub. It was furnished with found industrial items. That fill well with the area’s history. (And was pretty edgy for the time …). Similarly, Shipyards is ingeniously decorated with heavy machinery, beams and corrugated cladding.
Inside, well stocked with taps—and lots of cool industrial touches
All pay tribute to Lower Lonsdale’s past. The refurbishment of the century-old building used about 85 percent reclaimed materials. Not to mention state of the art exhaust systems, LED lighting, grey water systems and more.
Next up on Frankel’s to-do list is the mid June reopening of the former Steel Toad, as a stand alone brewery and beer hall. It will be a separate entity from Tap & Barrel. Though, no doubt, the beers will show up. He also plans to collaborate with other local breweries—and is also working on a Cannabis brew.
The City of North Vancouver water feature is already a popular draw
As I left the patio opening to catch SeaBus back downtown, the newly activated City of North Vancouver water feature was already hopping with kids. ‘Just like the water park beside Mill Marine Bistro” (now Tapshack), I thought. ‘Already a people place’—with Tap & Barrel right there.
And that… is no coincidence.
TAP & BARREL SHIPYARDS
604-638-2339
8 LONSDALE AVENUE • NORTH VANCOUVER • V7L 0B2
tapandbarrel.com
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