Big news for Regina’s Lancaster Taphouse!
Since 2013, The Lancaster has been providing the Queen City with the very best. With a freshly revised menu following their COVID closure and award-winning chef Joel Williams at the helm, this place should be your next visit.
The Lancaster is located in Harbour Landing along Gordon Road. It is a welcoming restaurant with a great layout for socializing. There’s an elevated section near the windows with chairs, and while this spot is great for casual dining it would also work perfectly for a job interview or semi-casual meeting. There’s a mix of chairs and booths, and the large booths are always a highlight for when you go with friends. The bar area is also a great space with televisions and 13 local beer taps.
Clearly, the taphouse Draws inspiration from the British Isles and beyond.
“We feature a traditional pub menu based on the classic traditions of the Irish, Scottish, English, German and North American public houses,” said Tim Rogers, one of the owners.
While many of these inspirations are grounded with their roots in historical Europe, The Lancaster puts an original spin on the concept by supporting local.
“The Lancaster is local,” said Rogers. “From as much locally sourced product as we can, to being proudly part of the local sports, arts, and music community.”
There are a number of ways to get the best experience out of visiting the The Lancaster, but my personal advice is to bring friends, order the ale pretzels, and try a flight or “plank” of beers. It’s a great way to experience the unique flavours of some of Saskatchewan’s most talented breweries. The prices are relatively cheap for the quality, and in the past (though this has been temporarily suspended), Happy Hour was always a highlight.
Executive chef Joel Williams was born and raised in Regina and holds 24 years of professional experience.
“[He trained] with some of this city and province’s top chefs along the way,” said Rogers “Joel is the creative culinary force behind both the Lancaster and the Capitol Restaurant and Bar, which we unfortunately had to close due to COVID.”
During the shutdown, however, Williams and Rogers worked on rebuilding their classic menu.
“All this time gave us the freedom to really deep dive and carefully craft this new menu that we are so proud of,” said Rogers.
Still, COVID hasn’t been easy on this local institution.
“[Lancaster’s is] currently averaging about 25 per cent of normal sales at this time,” said Rogers. “We are fortunate to live in a city, province, and country who have all provided and continue to provide help to see us through this time.”
And they are also taking precautions to keep the staff and in-person diners safe. Right now, the tables are placed at a minimum of two metres apart and there is a six-customer-per-table limit. All members of staff wear masks and sanitize their hands, and the bar – a high-contact area – is behind plexiglass. They have also made digital menus available to reduce unnecessary contact.
When I asked about any exciting future plans, Rogers said that big things are coming.
“We are incredibly excited to announce … that The Lancaster will be opening its second location downtown this fall!”
Now, that’s some news we can toast to!
