Connecting the Dots / An Agency Blog

Engine has always been Gastown based. Some of us have only ever worked in this neighborhood, myself included. Some of us live and work in Gastown. It’s a second home for some, and an only home for others. And so when we decided to create Engine, Gastown was not just an obvious choice, it was really the only area to consider.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes Gastown special. When we setup the agency, the cost for space was definitely attractive over other tech centres like Yaletown. Over time, prices have leveled out, but there remains a desire to stay rooted in this old cobblestoned historic piece of Vancouver.

Photo by Yaz Jallad

When the Gastown Business Improvement Society asked us for an interview for their recently launched Gastown Blog, I took some time to consider what it is that makes this neighborhood a part of our company’s DNA. The history of the area is certainly part of it. Our building has played the role of a meat packing storage plant and a hotel, and dates back to 1874. Some of the city’s most contemporary art galleries are in the area. The fashion boutiques have started to move in bringing with them access to brands from around the world. The interior design shops that have begun to congregate here are an inspiration for anyone with a visual sense and an interest in object design. Urban renewal projects in the area from groups such as Salient are continuing to improve the area and revitalize an era of vancouver architecture once lost to the downtown east side.

But above all else, it’s the after work spots that help build our agency culture and provide the venue for conversing big ideas that occasionally turn into campaign strategies. It’s these spots that the Engine think tank comes together away from the screen, to throw around ideas, and talk about creative beyond the project brief. So we thought, what better way to champion the neighborhood than to create a list of the watering holes we call our neighbors.

Alibi Room:
This Modern Tavern is the go to spot for all occasions. Or in the case of Mr. D Smith, a required stop on the way home – every – single – night. Not only does the Alibi have a massive craft brew selection and a dinner menu that goes far beyond your regular pub fare, the space feels about as old-world urban as you can get, complete with an active and busy fright train line just beyond the bar windows. 2 levels play host to an upstairs table-setting room, and a lower level private party area. On any given Friday night, you’ll find Gastown’s creative community hard at work, washing away the week. Weekends make Alibi one of the city’s great breakfast/brunch spots.

The Irish Heather & Shebeen:
When this long-time Gastown resident closed its doors to accommodate seismic upgrades, there were many a memory of pints that were lost forever. Thankfully, it wasn’t long before a relocation across the street was underway. And by some amazing coincidence, both the Irish Heather and Shebeen would fit in this new space, meaning all’s not lost. With a narrow, mostly standing room space up front, and a long common table (used in the Salty Tongue cafe by day) for groups, the Irish Heather will remain a Gastown mainstay for years to come. Shebeen focusses on Whisky’s and makes for a good small-group space when it’s not playing host to private parties.

Salt:
Not necessarily for big appetites, but definitely the place to find an extensive and inspired wine list. Food is limited to a few prepared menu items, specialty meats and cheeses, and condiments (think pickles, olives, figs, and balsamic). Salt is the brainchild of the Irish Heather owners and was the first of the wine bar themed spaces to setup shop in Vancouver. In addition to the risk of launching a new category of space, Salt was also setup in one of Gastown’s notorious (or mysterious) alleyways, Blood Alley. Step through the dingy cobblestone, past the locals, and about halfway down you’ll find one of Vancouver’s modernist treasures. The upstairs space holds a long table, a wall of smaller tables, a front seating area, and bar seating. Head downstairs into the cellar and you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the immense glassed-in refrigerated space that looks more like a museum display.

Chill Winston:
This is a truly nice spot, no question. Chill Winston boasts both massive interior and outdoor patio space, making it a good destination on a sunny afternoon, or a rainy night. But while the menu lists some pretty creative and delicious items, and the beer and wine lists are well planned, sometimes the service can be spotty, and while i still keep asking for New Castle they just keep telling me ‘you cant get New Castle in Vancouver right now’… rubbish! Its no surprise this spot makes our top list, but we should be clear on the fact that this is a piece of Yaletown inside Gastown, meaning, the crowd is a bit different from what you’ll find at some of our other favorite spots. But don’t be scared folks, the Yaletown animal can be tamed. Just keep your guard up in the co-ed washroom area.

Lamplighter:
Lamplighter is a pretty straight-forward space. A decent beer list and slightly above-average pub menu, great renovation to a long-time Gastown dive bar, and more TVs than anyone else on Water Street. Go here for live broadcast sports. You won’t be disappointed.

Six Acres:
Take a band of hipsters, give them a space and access to good craft beers, and viola, you have Six Acres. Originally called Moonshine (but forced to rename by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB)), Six Acres fills a void in Gastown. It offers a space more focussed on comfort that commerce. Two levels offer an overall small room filled with table seating. A menu unlike most others offers a wide range of sharable dishes. But best of all, Six Acres packs a fridge full of one of Gastown’s best bottled beer selections from across the globe. Seating is limited so get there early.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit these fine establishments, maybe its time for a trip down to Gastown.

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