There’s (yet) another reason to head over to Railtown for a post-work bite and bevvy these days thanks to the recent renaming of the old Vancouver Urban Winery (VUW) to The Settlement Building, and the inclusion of the new Belgard Kitchen (a 65-seat hot-spot).
Part winery, part winebar (and soon to be part brewery), things are definitely happening at 55 Dunlevy Avenue, as we discovered after popping by for some post-work libations with colleagues to check out the “Happy Afternoon” festivities.
It was just past 5 o’clock on a Friday when we arrived at the redesigned space that now plays home to Belgard Kitchen, and things were already abuzz with patrons eager to celebrate a sunny start to the weekend. Or maybe it was the $3 and $4 food and drink specials…?
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A mix of high-top tables, larger booths (great for groups of 8 to 10) and overstuffed couches and chairs set before a large fireplace, the Belgard Kitchen offers the perfect eclectic mix in terms of decor. Though the main seating area is housed in the midst of a rather industrial-looking urban winery/brewery, the exposed beams, high ceilings, massive windows, and ample light help make it feel decidedly airy and bright within.
We feasted on a seemingly never-ending array of delectable share plates heavy on unique comfort food, all thanks to the culinary creativity of Chef Reuben Major. Bring an empty stomach and you’ll quickly fill up on everything from bacon wrapped dates to housemade meatballs, mushroom and bacon pâté, italian sausage ragu to flank steak with chimichurri, tomato soup with grilled cheese fingers, and plenty more.
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Not to be left dry, a flight of wines from the VUW were delivered for all of us to enjoy alongside the nibbles. With about 30 different wines (and even cider) on constant tap rotation, there was definitely something to suit all palates.
We broke boisterous conversation to partake in a tour of what is to be The Settlement Building’s own in-house brewery (Postmark Brewing), and by the look of construction progress opening day isn’t too far off. We’re told there will be plenty of great reasons for the city’s beer-fanatics to want to beeline their way down to the building: they’ll have about half a dozen different beers to choose from, so get your growler’s ready for a fresh fill.
The Belgard Kitchen is a great place to land with a group of coworkers or mix of friends for an impromptu gathering. It’s also the perfect place to head to on a first date, or just to kick back and get cozy in their casual lounge before planning the rest of your night!
Open seven days a week…
Lunch: Monday to Friday from 11am to 3pm
Happy Afternoon: Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm
Evening: Monday to Tuesday from 3pm to 7pm; Wednesday to Friday from 3pm to 11pm; Weekends 11am to 11pm
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If you’ve already wined and dined at The Belgard Kitchen let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
