The Royal Coachman Inn Pub

Location - Establishment - Beer - Cuisine - Pub Menu - Directions

The Location.

Discovered by Europeans in 1792 when Captain George Vancouver sailed up Georgia Strait in search of the Northwest Passage, Campbell River is now renowned worldwide for spectacular snow-capped mountains, immense fjords and incomparable salmon fishing. It is the gateway to Strathcona Park to the west, the Discovery Islands to the east, and the remote North Island and west coast of Vancouver Island. Campbell River is big as Vancouver Island cities go. The town hosts a busy arts and culture scene, and is completely ringed with shopping malls, yet the city centre still looks and feels as it probably did fifty years ago.

The Establishment

This incredible watering hole has become famous for its flowers and its food. Their gardens have received numerous awards over the years, and their culinary craft has become so good they have even been featured on a cooking show on local television called “River Cuisine.” This place, open since 1978, is gorgeous and grand. It was built in the traditional Tudor Manor style, to exactly replicate their original pub across the street. Their overall operation includes the Royal Coachman Pub, the Liquor Store, and The Carriage Room which can handle parties of up to 100 people. The Catering Department can handle off-site catering for parties large or small. The pub spans over 3,000 square feet and seats 140 patrons inside and another 40 or so out on the patio. The interior is an incredible display of hand-shaved post and beam construction, soaring ceilings of various pitches, and wood everywhere. Custom crafted wood tables and chairs are arranged on beautiful hardwood flooring. There is a sunken living room across from the bar, with a semi-circular bench facing a stunning red brick fireplace . Stained glass artwork is visible from virtually any seat in the house. Although the pub is quite expansive, their unique floor plan has created five or six different “areas”. The result is a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The Paddock Lounge is also on the ground floor.

The Beer

Sleemans Honey Brown….Okanagan Springs Pale Ale….Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale….Alexander Keith's White….Alexander Keith's Red Amber….Budweiser…..Budweiser Light….Kokanee….Phillips IPA….Kilkenny Cream Ale….Canadian….Stongbow….Hermanns Dark Lager….Guinness

The Cuisine

A huge menu with a large selection of food, this place is well known as one of the best restaurants in the area. Some of the more popular dishes among many are: Signature Thai-Ginger Salads – crispy strips of beef or chicken tossed with ginger-chili honey garlic sauce, served over Caesar salad and oriental noodles; Coachman Kung-Pao – Asian stir-fry prepared with crisp garden vegetables, chicken roasted cashews and hot peppers, tossed with an oyster-ginger-sherry sauce, served over steamed noodles; Chicken Cordon Bleu – homemade, with fresh chicken breast or veal, Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, lightly breaded and served golden brown with white wine garlic sauce; and Baked French Onion Soup – Prepared with loads of onions, sherry, and cheeses. And always – The Best Liver'n Onions in Town!

The Pub Menu

Click here to download the complete Pub Menu »

The Directions

Driving into Campbell River on Hwy 19A, turn west (away from the water) on Second Ave. Drive up the hill to Dogwood St. Turn left and then begin to look right.

All text taken from the publication "Favourite Watering Holes of Vancouver Island "