West (permanently closed)

Photography by James Stockhurst

Words by Nikki Bayley on 19-Mar-2015

Address: 2882 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tel: +1 604 738 8938
Website: view West’s website

Door: Make reservation
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Tapas/plates & dishes

Review

It's worth making the trip across the bridge to take one of the 10 stools at West's bar which has been tended by award-winning David Wolowidnyk for the past decade. A very 'Vancouver-ish' experience, West epitomises the city's love of casual fine-dining: high-level but not pretentious, with an admirable wine wall. A chilled spot for afternoon drinking, the bar hums with the pre- and post-dinner crowd and is packed on weekend evenings with customers standing 2 deep. However, with 2 bartenders taking care of the small restaurant and bar, if you're seeking attention, this is the bar for you.

West's hefty list can feel a little overwhelming, over several pages it explores classics from the 1700s through to original creations with a serious focus on single malts and bourbon. However the team are good at reading the signs and will jump in to help you make the right choice for that moment. A combination of classic and modern itself, the room blends wood detail with a swirling silver hanging art-piece and a wall of curiously phallic glass sculptures divides the dining room and bar area. The full menu is available with afternoon bar bites.