Spinnakers: Victoria gastropub supports the local food movement

"When you support local food growers and employ local people, you create opportunities." - Paul Hadfield, Owner of Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub.

Vancity member Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub in Victoria is a true pioneer. In addition to launching the growth of the craft beer market, Canada’s oldest brewpub has supported the local food movement for decades.

Owner Paul Hadfield relies on more than 35 Vancouver Island farmers to provide fresh seasonal ingredients for his restaurant’s inventive menu. These local ingredients also form the basis of products sold at the pub’s Provision Store, including artisan breads, handmade chocolates, baked goods and malt vinegar.

“I’ve always been interested in doing creative things,” says Paul, who was the architect for the Spinnakers building and one of the founding owners of the brewery. “One of my goals was to offer an alternative to the impending insurgence of American chains and franchises. We made local food an essential part of our business model decades ago, and now it’s on everyone’s tongue.”

Vancity crossed paths with Spinnakers over the years as both support Victoria’s vibrant local food movement and events like Feast of Fields and the Spot Prawn Festival. Both are also committed to green business practices : Spinnakers is a registered Climate Smart business and has made significant investments in energy - efficient machinery.