Shinglemill Pub and Bistro

If you're ever in Powell River, you must eat at the Shinglemill Pub and Bistro. The restaurant is named for the Powell Lake Shingle Mill that once stood on this site. The shingle mill was first built by Brooks Bidlake in 1913 and sold to "Doc" Jameson from Vancouver in the 1920's. It was a big part of Powell River's logging history until it burned down in 1951.

Wayne and I love to eat in the pub that overlooks the boat launch and marina. On warm sunny days you can sit on the deck to watch the boats going up and down the lake. This week I took my mom there for lunch. Rather than the eager cabin owners and recreational boaters you see in summer, this time we saw only hardy loggers returning from a long, cold, wet day in the woods.

Inside it was warm and cozy. There are lots of window seats with great views up Powell Lake. Mom got a bowl of homemade creamy chicken vegetable soup. I opted for the lunch special of spicy calamari with a Greek salad. Each day has lunch and specials. My favourite is Wednesday wing night. The Thai wings are to die for, especially with a Sleeman's Honey Brown on the side.

To get to the Shinglemill, cross the bridge over Powell River (the world's second shortest) and make an immediate right. The address is 6233 Powell Hts or you can reach them by phone at (604) 483-2001. Need a ride? Give Powell River Taxi a call at (604) 483-3666. You know, their other name is the Shinglemill Express. -- Margy