Portside Pub, Vancouver, Jan 27 2013. Robyn Hanson photo
New bar – Portside Pub Vancouver opens Jan 27 2013
– by Shawn Conner/photos by Robyn Hanson
On Sunday Jan 27, Portside Pub opened its doors. Vancouver rocker Rich Hope played a set, with Adrian Mack on drums.
The Portside has taken over the old The Modern space on the edge of Gastown, at 7 Alexander.  Mark Brand‘s remake has given the space an East Coast/nautical theme.
The pub has dozens of beers on tap. They include a mix of locals and imports, including the Belgian favourite Delerium Tremens, as well as American craft beers.
Deschutes beer at Portside Pub. Robyn Hanson photo
The Portside is three levels. Directly inside, a greeting area welcomes visitors. From there you can go to an upper or lower level. There’s a bar on each.
The downstairs area has a more enclosed, pub-like atmosphere, and a counter serving three kinds of food – dim sum, hot dogs and mini-sandwiches. Upstairs, one wall is adorned with framed black-and-white images of Vancouver from decades ago. AÂ Jameson Irish whisky-branded tub branded hangs from the ceiling behind the bar.
At the far end of the space, a platform between the upper and lower levels holds a stage, DJ set-up and dance floor. The Portside has plans to bring in outside promoters to book the stage.
Portside Pub. Robyn Hanson photo
Next time you’re in Gastown, check out the Portside. The beer selection is good, the staff is friendly (they certainly were opening night, anyway) and it seems like a good place to see a band. Rich Hope certainly rocked it.
Rich Hope at Portside Pub Vancouver grand opening Jan 27 2013 photos:
