Architecturally, the seventeen-hundred block of Fort Street offers plenty steeply pitched roofs, gables and dormers either from or reminiscent of the early half of the 20th century. And Christie's Carriage House Pub with its characteristic turret is a big part of that aesthetic.
So much so, that were it not for Christie's Pub's distinctive carved wood sign rising above well trimmed shrubbery, this classic, west coast public house could easily be overlooked.
The house was built in 1898 by the Christie family who made their living building and servicing carriages. The original house, turret and all, was built and remains in the Queen Anne style, but the interiors were renovated during the mid-'80s into the Edwardian style that, in opposition to the Tudor style, remains a hallmark of so-called “authentic” British pubs the world over.
This aesthetic includes the sea- and floral-themed stained and leaded glass windows, the polished wooden bar with brass foot rails and lots of wood panelling. The main entrance off the dedicated parking lot leads into a foyer with dark wood trim including wainscotting and a host’s stand before which a sign asks my guest and I to seat ourselves.
The pub is divided into two sides. Turn right to sit on the covered, and walled, patio; turn left to sit inside. The patio was closed on my visit, and available seating on the pub side was limited.
My friend and I end up facing each other across a table for two in a back corner where we each have unobscured views of well-placed TVs showing different sports. The room buzzes with engaged friendly conversations and laughter, as any real pub should.
We're barely seated before being greeted and our drink orders taken. Christie's offers a full bar with an impressive selection of classic and craft brews and ciders, as well as a good selection of wines from around the world and cocktails, including a long list of martinis. I chose the Back Hand of God Stout, a craft beer from Crannóg Ales of the Okanagan. It's a black brew with smooth malts and the classic stout flavours of chocolate and coffee.
I start my meal unable to resist a bowl of Seafood Chowder ($12.75). This rich and full-bodied chowder is thick with succulent bites of white fish, salmon, shrimp, clams and bacon, and it came with two pieces of garlic focaccia, perfect for dipping.
Being a Tuesday, the special of the day is Fish Tacos ($5 each). I order three. I also order a Bowl of Yam Fries ($11.50) to share. The tacos come served on the usual wavy metal tray. Three soft corn tortillas each with a long finger of roasted Pacific Cod and a finger of pineapple laid over chipotle slaw and topped with salsa verde and fresh cilantro.
The yam fries were good. Not as crispy as potato fries tend to be but they were hot, flavourful and not over-salted. However, with the chowder and tacos, even my half of the yam fries were more than I needed and I left feeling quite full.
All-in-all, Christie's offers a classic British pub experience in a historic setting paired with good West Coast-inspired fare and attentive service at reasonable prices. What could be better?
Christie's Carriage House Pub
250-589-5333
