HOSPITALITY SPOTLIGHT
/THE SHAMROCK STOREHOUSE
A Little Love Shack in our own West End
by Michelle Livingstone
(click images to enlarge)
Friendly staff, like rose, are always ready with a welcoming smile. (Michelle Livingstone Photos)
Snuggled between one of the best ice cream shops (more on that another time), and a staircase to heaven, or at the very least its gastronomic delights, is one of the West End's best kept secrets. A lively and welcoming breath of the Emerald Isle itself.
Maybe it's because it's on a busy thoroughfare at the corner of Denman and Davie, and folks are just too focussed on where they need to get to as opposed to where they are.. (there’s a philosophical lesson in there dear readers, but not now, eh?), that somehow in the many - ahem - years we have been frequenting their delightful heated and covered patio, with our lovely doggo (yes dogs are welcome on the patio!) slinging back a gin and tonic as we watch the sunset, we have never - apart from one time - and that was hockey finals, been turned away due to no seating.
Once known just as the Shamrock Bar and Grill, the new management has shaken the place up with a new name, the Shamrock Storehouse.
No strangers to the hospitality industry, Shamrock Storehouse was founded in 2024 by William and Laura Donnellan, who are originally from County Galway, Ireland. They came to Vancouver in 2009, on a six-month visa, thus beginning the amazing rise of their company, IRL. The main idea behind their success is simply put on the website of Shamrock Storehouse, “Community is at the forefront of everything they do, from sponsoring sports teams, donating to charities and creating inviting pubs that feel like a home away from home.”
The Donnellans also bring an updated healthier menu, boasting nothing fried and all locally sourced, yet you’ll still find the favourites you expect from a cosy Irish bar readily available.
what’s your tipple? a pint of guiness or a shot of bushmills? You choose from those classics and an array of less irish offerings.
I can attest to the soup of the day, which on the day we went happened to be an extremely tasty Tomato, which came with warm ciabatta and butter, ($12) along with the Irish Ham and Cheese Sandwich, which we got as a grilled Sourdough ($17). The ham was excellent and the meal was replete with ruffle chips and a lovely little salad, which is a small version of their House Green Salad. Top marks there, as folks like me, an English gal from across the pond, are not fond of fronds.
The Beef and Guinness Handmade Savory Pie ($24) is delicious with just a crust topping, and comes served with wedges. Hubby much prefers wedges to fries, so it’s another score! I added a helping of McDonnells Curry Sauce as an extra side to dip the wedges in! Also the sausage roll ($12) is, in fact, plural and has a snowstorm of heavenly flaky puff pastry with just the right amount of meat to pastry ratio. You get two good size rolls which are absolutely delicious, and I would urge you to try them.
I love a good Irish Stew too, and that’s next on the list to try. Sadly the Sunday roast has been taken off the menu, but one remains hopeful of its return.
The desserts are a little on the sparse side, with only two to choose from, apple pie with ice cream and a sticky toffee pudding - but they’ll suffice if you need something sweet. However, when the mains are that filling, you don’t need a dessert, unless it comes in the form of a Baileys!
Did I mention the heated patio where Fido is always welcome - by the staff and other guests too. I am now completely used to being usurped by a four legged blonde. Sigh.
The view from the patio … well, it’s classic west end!
Along with a great pint of Guinness, they have live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and let me tell you, there are some talented folk out there. I defy you not to tap your foot, as you realise you know that song, and order another drink!
Food is served from 12 noon to 9 p.m. daily. Happy hour is Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. And If you fancy letting your wild child out, the bar is open till 1 a.m., every day apart from Friday and Saturday, when it's a whopping 2 a.m.
The staff are excellent, always ready with a smile and a warm welcome, as you can see from the lovely Rose in the photo. I asked David, the manager, to describe the venue in three words, “Cozy, friendly, local” he replied. And he’s not wrong.
With your favourite sports fixtures throughout the week, and Irish craic to die for; there’s not many bars that are as homey and wholesome as this, and if you can’t get a seat on the patio to watch the sunset, it's probably me or the leggy blonde hogging it again. Sorry.
Shamrock Storehouse
1184 Denman
604.428.4414
Website & Menu
