I started writing last week about different places to go while visiting Victoria that I personally give high marks to. Having spent some time in the travel industry in varying capacities, I think as a traveller you need to know that there is more to your travel destination than what they are telling you. THEY, meaning tour directors and operators. I find this true in all my travels, regardless of where I go. Do you ever get the sense that some operators are maybe getting a comission on referals? Go here, go there, tell them (tour company) sent you. Okay, I get it! This is how some people make there money. In reality, some places rely on this traffic and really don't have to work at the old fashioned custom of 'customer service'. Why bother if you are already getting the traffic anyways? And I tell you, Victoria needs some work in this area.
Last week, I suggested the Carriage House on Fort Street. Another must see on your stop over in Victoria is Swans. This sort of contridicts what I said in my last blog where you have to venture outside of the downtown area for a real taste of local food and funtimes, but this is one exception. Voted "National Brew Pub of the Year" in 2006.
Situated on Front Street, just steps away from the legendary Blue Bridge crossing the Victoria Harbor, and housed in an old railroad shelter you will find a rare treat within the city of Vicotia. Award winning, hand crafted beer brewed right on site. Swans has been a fixture downtown for many years as has the hotel and beer and wine store. Considered by many locals THE place to meet your friends after work, have a pint or two and even catch some of the most popular local musicians playing live almost every night. If you are in the mood for rock, jazz, blues and everything in between, make your visit to Swans a little later to catch the evening electricity.
The service is attentive, although on some nights when the band is playing it's alot easier to go up to the bar and order your own, the food is good and the prices are average. It's about what I expect to pay for hand crafted beer. I mean, check out these 2006 Brewing awards: 7 in total and placing second overall in Canada. 4 Gold Medals, one of which I recall was for their IPA, one of my personal favorites at Swans, 2 Solver Medals, and 1 Bronze. Trust me, this isn't Budweiser were talking about.
The only unfortunate thing is, and they can't help it, is some of the street element in the neighborhood. Yes, there are some rough looking people, most of which are just a little down on their luck, but don't let that throw you off or give you the wrong impression. It is still a very safe part of town. Once you walk through the doors and find your table and dive into your first beer, that will all go away.
If your looking for a great pint, reasonalble service, and a place where all the locals are, Check out Swans. Out of Five stars, I give Swans a 4.
Swans Suite Hotel ~ Victoria's Art Hotel
506 Pandora Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8W 1N6
You can find them on-line at: http://www.swanshotel.com/pub.php
Travel Images www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com
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