We also stopped by the Arrow and Loon where I did break with the club soda and lemon habit to have one Wellington County Ale. The difference with the decor of the Arrow and Loon compared to Irenes is a bit off-putting. It is like having a pint in a Roots shop, a bit yuppie gone wild. The entertainment being a trumpeter playing carols kind of confirmed that. But...the staff are very friendly and knowledgable and they have a much broader selection of beers on tap. They even have three beer engines, those merry-handled pumps you pull back on as a bartender to pull the ale up from a cask. As usual, the beer line refridgeration unit is set to iced lager temperatures so finding any flavour in your glass means waiting around for a bit. I was surprised by the Welly County Ale after my review of their rather disappointing SPA in a six. It was even the kegged not casked version so hope abounds.
No time to eat there but I would definitely go again when someone else was driving.
Comments
Mike M - November 30, 2004 12:20 AM
You were on Bank St and you didn't venture to the Clocktower Brew Pub? The Arrow and Loon does have a pretty good selection though. The food is pretty decent too.
Alan - November 30, 2004 7:46 AM
Wha-wha-what? Where zat? Don't just leave me hanging? They do a worse job than the Whos of Whoville getting their message out on the internet. Scant references though this site has some other Ottawa brewery info. One site said the service at the Clocktower was lousey. Comments?
tbit - November 30, 2004 12:21 PM
The last time I was at the Loon the beer was fine and the food was better. And remember, when in TO, try The Bow & Arrow, of the same pub family.
The Clocktower is just south of the Queensway, right on Bank. I found it pricey for it's speckled selection of grub & beer.
Mike M - December 1, 2004 9:56 PM
I guess the food is a bit pricey, but it was pretty good the times I've eaten there (albeit only twice). I was in a couple of weeks ago, during grey Cup week and the service was ok, as was the beer - a brown. I was also in a couple of years ago and tried a couple of their beers. I'm not nearly the expert you guys are, but they tasted good to me. It's something different anyway.
Alan - December 1, 2004 11:22 PM
Who's an expert?!? I am making this all up. I really like medium sherry but need a brave front.
Colin - December 17, 2004 6:40 PM
We would like to suggest a beer link for your website. Our site, located in Vancouver (BC) Canada provides beer tasting and education information. Currently we teach a class at the University of British Columbia and private seminars for beer enthusiasts. We will be featuring some Vancouver Island Beers in our next class (ask Jessica in special events) We also write a weekly beer review and other beer related articles. We would also like to offer a reciprocal link in exchange.
The link is: http://www.justhereforthebeer.com
Thank you in advance!
Colin
colin@justhereforthebeer.com
Alan - December 17, 2004 6:53 PM
You win! If you want to write an essay or two, please feel free.
Roshan - November 19, 2006 10:10 AM
Will you Canadians do me a big favour and send me a big box of all the great Canadian beer? My mouth waters when I see McAuslan, Moosehead, Kokanee, Sleeman, Upper Canada, Labatt, Big Rock & Molson. Lol. Beer is nectar.
A Canadian beer fan from India