The imminent arrival of Pourhouse in Gastown has many people excited, myself included. Coming together beautifully in the old Flux Bistro location (162 Water Street – map) in the historic Leckie Building, the Pourhouse will have 130 dining seats in total with 25 prime spots at what will certainly be a very popular drinking bar where skilled and passionate barman Jay Jones and his team will pay tribute to the “Golden Era” of North American cocktails. There will also be an 8 seat chef’s table beside the kitchen where the talented and experienced Chris Irving will be offering a intimate and custom dining experience.
The 3000 square foot heritage space of old growth timber and brick is being invigorated with many recycled materials and some new modern touches. Like the recent revamp of the Irish Heather and the newly opened Diamond just down the street, both a major part of Gastown’s ongoing revitalization, the beauty is in the details.
^ Corner of the bar. Old fashioned joints, the way they were done 100 years ago. (Image courtesy of Jay Jones)
^ 150-year-old French Brass Chandeliers, originally lined for gas, now rebuilt for electric power.
^ The hallway walls are finished with era-inspired textures.
^ White marble wrapped Fir pillars, and in-layed tile.
With the assistance of West Vancouver-based FX40 design they have searched the city’s many antique shops for unique and inspiring furniture – and what they couldn’t find, they custom built themselves. Every piece in Pourhouse has a story.
^ “The Aviation Couch”, a soft-violet hued Belgian Louis XV style 1940s sofa.
^ “The Martini Couch”, a 100-year-old Cerignola Olive-green coloured French leather sofa.
FUN FACT: Pourhouse has a live music license – in addition to food primary and liquor primary licenses. Awesome!
Some more info from the press release:
Concept/Inspiration
Pourhouse is built around the Bar. Our primary influence is the “Golden Era” of North American Cocktails (1860s-1920s), years during which the art of Bartending was at its peak, and many classics were born – Manhattan, Sazerac, and most important to us, the Old Fashioned. The aesthetic, the food and our concept as a whole are built around this Bartending age and Old Fashioned soul. We are embracing something that hasn’t been done in Vancouver before – our own history.
Food
Chris Irving is our multi-talented Chef and co-Proprietor at Pourhouse. I met Chris working with him at West Restaurant many years ago – since then he has spent time in London, under the direction of Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing at Restaurant Petrus. Chris has returned to Vancouver to take on his first Executive Chef position and create Pourhouse. Though fine dining trained, Chris is aimed at making the simple food he loves – steeped in a century old character, hearty and mouth-watering meals with a sense of familiarity and done in a homemade style.
Drinks
Cocktails are indeed the catalyst for our entire concept – though our love for drinking in all its forms is well represented at Pourhouse. The wine list will be international and priced to encourage sharing and discovering. Beers will cover the range of tastes and styles – several selections representing the true ale craftsmanship of BC and the Pacific Northwest. We are serious about coffee – with a custom local roast from East Vancouver –based JJBean, a handmade Synesso Espresso machine and several Baristas on staff. Regarding spirit, our selection of bottles will be focused on quality over quantity, with a particular interest in Whiskey and Whiskey applications to cocktails. Our cocktail list will be short and emblematic, with the true heart of our Bartending shown by creating personalized experiences with custom creations. Maker’s Mark is our house-brand – my personal favourite Bourbon whiskey, due to it’s unique personality, great taste, versatility and incredible brand history. Maker’s Mark is the core at one of our original Pourhouse cocktails – The Gold Fashioned.
The plan is to be open 7 days a week from 11 am until midnight for lunch and dinner and they also have plans to offer brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Pourhouse is hoping to open their doors before the end of September. Good luck, gentlemen ~ PK
Visit the website: www.pourhousevancouver.com
Follow Pourhouse on Twitter: twitter.com/pourhouse_van
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Can’t wait for this to open. Already picked out my spot at the corner of the bar where the joints are. Will be spending a number of evenings there I imagine.
Love the decor. It’s like you walked into the 1930s. Great place for cocktails and comfort food.