The Westwind Pub is back in business.
Wayne Procter from Nanaimo bought the Westwind pub and liquor store after the pub closed a few years ago. Between the coronavirus pandemic, a strike affecting the liquor store and the closure of Highway 4 due to the Cameron Bluffs wildfire last year, reopening the pub had experienced delays.
With new manager Rheana Lyons, and chef Brendan Duggan, the pub reopened July 13, 2024 with a fresh menu and good vibes. "It has been really busy," said Lyons, who has been managing the Wheatsheaf in Cedar for The Wayne Procter Group.
The popular Westwind wings are back. Lyons polled the community to see what the public wanted to return "and wings seemed to be No. 1," she said.
Duggan comes to the Westwind by way of the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel and a research camp at Caboose Creek. He's created 42 flavours of wings and has added waffle fries to the menu. Fridays and Saturdays the menu will feature a "chef's choice," and a seafood bake is a distinct possibility too.
The Westwind will be open 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The pub is located at 4940 Cherry Creek Road. Phone 778-421-1181.
•••
Britt Coulson, president and chief operating officer for Coulson Aviation, has been named one of Canada's Top 20 Under 40 by Wings Magazine.
The award recognizes individuals showing leadership, innovation, influence and dedication to the Canadian aviation and aerospace industries.
"It's a great honour," Coulson said. "I was very fortunate from a young age, you know, we bought the first aircraft the year I was born and so I've grown up with it. I was bit by the aviation bug very young...part of our desire, and with our school is to be able to try and give other young people that same opportunity because aviation is such a rewarding career."
•••
Brie & Barrel has a new owner.
Daniel and Bouchra Savard, the owners of Swept Away Inn, have officially purchased the restaurant and wine bar, which was opened by Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions five years ago.
“We opened Brie & Barrel not because we wanted to run a restaurant, but because as Mayor, I wanted to invest in an area of town I believed strongly in the need for revitalization of,” Minions said on Facebook.
The Savards say they will be adding their well-known Morrocan and French cuisine to Brie & Barrel’s current offerings.
“Our goal is to enhance, not change the food that you have come to love and appreciate,” the Savards said on Facebook. “There will be subtle changes in the beginning and creative changes throughout the fall and winter.”
Find Brie & Barrel online at www.brieandbarrel.com or call 250-724-0010.
•••
Witch’s Brew Café and Bakeshop had a steady line of customers at their grand opening event on Saturday, July 13. Local band The Highway Four played nostalgic tunes, and there were games for children — as well as two dinosaurs to take photos with.
Owner Melissa Scott took the opportunity during this event to promote Furever Endeavour Rescue Network, a rescue organization that helps to re-home homeless and abandoned dogs and puppies. She raised $350 in total. Sonja Drinkwater won a $25 gift certificate for Witch’s Brew and a $65 gift certificate for a tea leaf reading. Anette Simpson won a $25 Grill ’n Chill gift certificate and a painting by artist Ethan Craig. Crisanna won two $15 gift certificates to Valley Fish & Chips, as well as a fish pack donated by Chims Guest House.
Witch’s Brew is located at 2990 Alberni Highway (next to Alberni Liquor Store) and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.
If you would like more information about Furever Endeavour, check out their website at www.fureverendeavour.ca or call them at 250-736-0788.
•••
Antidote Distilling Co. hosted a Coastal Cocktail Clash on July 6, with the top eight cocktail makers facing off at a public event.
Raven Dales from Victoria emerged victorious with her Sunbeams n' Substance cocktail. Stacey Urquhart of Surrey won silver with her original When the Clouds Break cocktail. Moses Towell of Port Alberni won bronze for his Barkley Breeze.
Rounding out the top eight were Aaron Colyn and Luka Brown from Port Alberni, Melissa McKinney of Quadra Island, Dennis Virshilas and Chey Haima, both of Vancouver.
•••
There are two new pharmacies in town.
Harbour Pharmacy officially opened its doors on Ninth Avenue in the Alberni Medical Clinic building on Friday, July 26. The pharmacy is owned by Jyoti Modhgill, formerly of No Frills pharmacy, and will be open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Call 250-723-8100.
Quality Care Pharmacy has also opened on the corner Argyle Street and First Avenue. Pharmacy manager Tara Torki says she aims to provide high-quality pharmaceutical care to the community. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Call 250-724-1353.
•••
Tattoo artist Matthew Medgyes has been tattooing for 12 years and has now opened his own studio. Cathedral Ink, located at 4905 Cherry Creek Road, held its grand opening with a car show on Sunday, Aug. 11.
Cathedral Ink will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tattoo inquiries or scheduling, email mmedgyestattoo@gmail.com or find Cathedral Ink Tattoo on Facebook.
•••
Two local businesses have moved into a formerly empty plaza on upper Third Avenue next to Healthy Habits.
Wesco Food Society has opened their new community food centre at 2960 Third Avenue, where they offer Vancouver Island and B.C.-produced foods. Pick-up and delivery services are available. Visit www.wescofoods.ca for more information, or find them on Facebook.
Del Rio Jiujitsu Academy has also moved from their old location on China Creek Road to a unit at 2966 Third Avenue. Del Rio offers Brazilian jiu-jitsu and yoga through private lessons and group classes. For more information, call 250-730-0083 or email jiujitsueducation@yahoo.com.
•••
Alberni Valley Plumbing is a new plumbing company that offers service to the Alberni Valley, Qualicum and Parksville areas. Owner/operator Josh Soucy says they offer drain cleaning, leak repair, hot water tanks, renovations, tubs, sinks showers and any fixture needs.
For more information, find them on Facebook, email albernivalleyplumbing@gmail.com or call 250-918-5047.
•••
Rachel Dalueg, a Red Seal certified hairdresser and barber with eight years of experience has opened her own hairdressing shop. The Dal Haus Salon and Barber is located inside the Madman's Wife, 3092 Third Avenue. Find her online at https://www.thedalhaus.com/ or call 250-730-1585.
•••
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY...Alberni Sushi at Victoria Quay is celebrating its fourth anniversary this month...Mountain View Bakery and Delicatessen celebrated a sweet 19 years in June.
