Spent the weekend tooling around Victoria trying to soak in the last little bit of sunshine when we found ourselves driving up Oak Bay Avenue west bound from the Oak Bay Marina. Wait, what was going on. Bumper to bumper traffic, people strolling up and down the sidewalks window shopping and sipping on latte’s and tea. Is this the same Oak Bay? (it had been quite a few months since I last paid a visit)
One of the things I love about Victoria that keeps me coming back is the ability to be a tourist in your own town. A short drive in any direction will take you places you’ve never been. Yet again, a reminder, there is more to Victoria than the Inner Harbor. This past couple of weeks, I have been writing about a few of the pubs and bars that I like to visit when I get a chance. Once thing about Victoria, is it has some of the most interesting places for lunch, meet a friend, catch a game or just read a paper. It was my recent drive through Oak Bay that I thought it was time to step into the Penny Farthing Pub for a re-visit. I used to live in the area, and quite enjoyed the atmosphere and food and I was curious as to whether or not they were still delivering on what I thought then, was great food, fun atmosphere and super service.
The one thing that strikes you as you walk through the door is the very comfortable surroundings. Sure it’s a pub with all the usual pub type things you would expect like beer signs and pictures…but I guess it’s all a part of the charm. The Penny Farthing, I should mention, is owned by the same people who run two of the more popular pubs in the downtown core. The Bard and Banker and the Irish Times.
Once inside, we quickly found a place to sit. Close to the front and across from the beautiful antique fireplace. A great place to sit and people watch. It was warm that day and the main doors were open with a very pleasant breeze streaming through. The chalk board on the sidewalk that read “It’s a great day for a pint” was actually working. Hey, it got me through the doors.
With a larger dinner planned later in the day, I opted for an appetizer. I have to admit, the menu is very traditional. Lots of pub fare with daily specials and all the trimmings and classics that you would expect to see on a menu in an Irish Pub. Like potpie, bangers and mash etc. I opted for the Yam Fries with Mussels sautéed in a yellow curry broth. Large enough to split with a friend. I also had a pint of Harp (always when I visit an Irish Pub). However, if you’re looking for a little more, there are daily specials that are sure to delight. 2 for 1 burger Tuesday’s, Pizza and a pint Wednesdays and of course the three coarse roast dinner on Sundays. Just like the way Grandma used to make it.
I was happy with the service, the food was quick and tasty, and yes, consistent in every way from the last visit almost two years earlier. There are many cool places to go in the city. If you like to venture off the beaten path and eat where the locals are and share in the tales of days gone by, you can add the Penny Farthing to your list of many that I personally recommend. Who knows, maybe on your next visit to Victoria, we’ll see you there. I give The Penny Farthing a very generous 4 out of 5.
2228 Oak Bay Avenue
Victoria, BC
PH. 250.370.9008
EMAIL: info@pennyfarthingpub.com You can also catch them on line at http://www.pennyfarthingpub.com/
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
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