On our innkeeper’s suggestion, we ventured off Niagara-on-the-Lake’s busy Queen street and veered onto Regent instead. Here, the Olde Angel Inn resides and operates one of Ontario’s oldest pubs (established in 1789 and re-built in 1815). Going through the narrow doorway, you’re transported (somewhat) back into the past: the dining room has the rustic charm of exposed knotty beams and small slightly uneven windows. However, the restaurant has received modern renovations including re-laid even flooring, television screens, gas fireplaces, and air conditioners (a modern miracle within the cozy packed environment).
For
being in wine country, their wine list is surprisingly short and disappointing.
Yet, given the Olde Angel is an English-style pub, you’re better off sticking
with their beers. It’ll likely pair better with their meals anyways since beer
is used in a number of the mains. Guinness is incorporated into the steak and
onion pie ($15.49), where the rich salty Guinness gravy is so good that I
sopped up every last bit with my fries. The oval piece of puff pastry on top
was a tad hard to cut through, but was nonetheless crispy and flakey. Within
the actual pie were huge chunks of roasted beef and not a vegetable in sight (a
welcomed recipe for some). I enjoy some vegetables in mine so added the
accompanying peas into the pie for contrast.
Their
house beer is used in the English style fish and chips ($15.99). The recipe
creates a thicker batter without the air pockets that create a crunchier bite.
Nevertheless, it was still crispy and the fish was well drained so you won’t
get a mouthful of oil. For me, I enjoy a zippier tartar sauce, so found it
could use more relish, but the coating was well flavoured; enough that the fish
even tastes good without the condiment. I was a tad disappointed that the
“chips” were actually fries and not the thick flat version found in the UK.
There’s something about the cut (not a fry nor a wedge) that makes it the perfect
vessel for dipping into things.
The
Olde Angel’s pub wasn’t quite as “old” as I expected, but its laid-back charm makes
for a cozy dinner. Moreover, after a day of drinking, tucking into a hearty
English meal was an ideal ending to the day.
How To Find Them
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
Address: 224 Regent Street
Address: 224 Regent Street
Website: http://www.angel-inn.com/
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
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