Stanley Park Brewing Co. is going back to its roots by opening up a brewery in Stanley Park's former Fish House restaurant.
The Vancouver Park Board gave the plan a green light Monday night, paving the way for the long-time brewer to build a new $4.5-million brew pub in the space near Second Beach.
"So it’ll be great to go cycling in the park and stop in for a taster and have lunch, and learn a little bit about the great history. And get to enjoy craft beer right in our park," said Park Board Commissioner Sarah Kirby-Yung, adding that the project will increase revenue for the park.
Stanley Park Brewing Co. has been in negotiations for months with Park Board staff about returning to Stanley Park, just a short walk away from the original brewery that was first situated on the shores of Lost Lagoon in 1897. It’s come a long way since then: The company was bought out by beer giant Labatts in 2015.
The new brewery would include on-site brewing, a tasting room, covered patio, renovated bar and growler fill station. A new bike service area, upgraded public washrooms and an enhanced concession area will be incorporated into the renovations.
The restaurant space, not far from the Beach Avenue entrance to the park, was operated as The Fish House from 1990 to 2015, but has sat empty for more than a year.
Built at the end of the 1920s to support tennis players and golfers using nearby facilities in the park, it was originally known as the Sports Pavilion. The space operated as the Third Beach Tea Room from 1949 to 1974, and then was the Beach House restaurant from 1974 until 1990.
The brewer says it's thrilled to "bring the art of brewing back to Stanley Park" and showcase their craft beers that "are inspired by the feelings, places and rich history of Stanley Park."
The initial term of the brewery lease will be seven years, with the option to renew for two additional terms of five and three years, respectively.
