Cod burger was better with each bite - then came the lemon chicken wings which were not as tasty as…read morethey were slightly over cooked to my liking. They went back to the kitchen and a fresh plate was delivered. The server was friendly, efficient and ever helpful. She checked with us but was never in our space unless we asked. There is no finer place to look over the ocean than Maple Bay

A decent place to grab something if you're in the Maple Bay area. A very large pub with a ton of…read moreseating options. Lovely views over the docks. There's a parking lot on the lower part of hill, if you're not lucky to snag the few spots up front. I went here on a night that I just didn't feel like cooking supper & to enjoy the bay views before it got too dark. There was some larger groups eating/celebrating plus a smattering of smaller tables. I didn't notice more than one waitress & occasionally what I think was a manager on the floor serving. I wasn't in a huge rush to order but I do think the was some very long waiting periods to get a menu, get my a non-alcoholic drink and even much longer to be noticed I just wanted to get the bill to leave. I did appreciate that it was delivered warm. It wasn't a slammed place, but I do also understand when a waitress is running on fumes. So perhaps the bartender & manager could step in when when gaps need to be filled (as I noticed there was more tables awkwardly waiting to pay than me). Food was decent helping but nothing I would say was at a wow factor. I only had one meal here but my friends that have stopped here several times had good remarks about their meals. So maybe another stop by when I'm in the area is worth a second shot & enjoy a view to the water.

English style pub is a cut or two above the rest, thanks to good food and a helpful staff…read more THE ROSES: If you're an Anglophile, Fox and Hounds is a great pub to visit. Wonderful olde English atmosphere. Very good selection of beers on tap. Staff is very helpful in setting up patrons with dishes that allow for dietary restrictions (like gluten intolerance). What I particularly liked is that they were able to make fish and chips for me that was panko breaded rather than battered. I know battered fish and chips is the 'English' way, but few restaurants this side of the Atlantic get battered fish right. All too often it's too much batter, or the fish is really greasy. I didn't feel like taking a chance, so the kitchen breaded my fish and it was really nicely done. The bread pudding is also a standout. THE THORNS: None worth mentioning. THE VERDICT: Fox and Hounds is one of those rare pubs that puts as much (or more?) thought into their food as they do their beer. It's a wonderful 'little bit 'o Britain' in the quiet backwater town of Ladysmith BC Highly recommend!

Pretty bad experience here. The chalk board in the foyer…read morelisted a Belgian Ale as the special of the day, and my friend and I both ordered it. Unfortunately, we were served two Mexican Lagers instead. After patron at a neighboring table also ordered the same beer, but was given something entirely different, not a lager, but also not the expected ale. Both the server and the bartender were friendly but totally incompetent. The bartender said she never even looks at the specials chalk board in the foyer, which is actually a necessity for her job, and that they were out of the ale and were given the new revolving beer. The lager I was given had soured a bit as well. Whenever I'm traveling and find fish and chips made with cod I get the plate, as I did at this establishment. Both me and one other person who ordered the fish and chips agreed that it was not cod at all. It had none of the characteristics of cod, and the beer batter was not flakey but overcooked, hard and crunchy. Nice ambiance however.

Stopped at this charming pub-style restaurant on the way to the ferries. The gardens were adorable…read moreand a really cute touch for this tucked-away gem. The servers were so friendly and welcoming, and the chowder is to DIE for. The burger wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad; the seafood chowder just really overshadowed it. If you want more than just soup, I highly recommend getting it as a replacement for fries with a handheld. My partner got the beef dip and that was an excellent sandwich, tender and well-seasoned. If you're on your way in or out of the Swartz Bay terminal, this is an excellent stop for a solid meal near the coast with charming decor.

Lovely setting,great food, fair price and great service! Who could ask for more? I would love to…read morecome back if I am here again.

As always.. Great service with a smile. Excellent Seafood…read moreChowder. Never been disappointed with menu choices!

1st time trying poutine Fish & chips were excellent and cole slaw tasted fresh. Lovely atmosphereread more

We were looking for a quick lunch while in Duncan (myself, husband and 6 year old). From the google…read morereviews it seemed Just Jakes was a bit more of a fancier restaurant so we went to the Brew Pub next door. We were told they aren't licensed for kids but Just Jakes is owned by the same people and has the same menu/kitchen. Just Jakes, the servers were lovely. Free soda refills without asking. Food was good and reasonably priced. Kids menu was cheap and cheerful. It wasn't fancy or pretentious at all. Ended up being a good stop. It was busy and the food did take a little while to come out, but we enjoyed it.

We have been waiting over an hour and still haven't received our food. No sense of urgency at all…read more Ridiculous.

I was only stopping for the views (as it was a much longer drive out than anticipated) but thought…read moreI'd pop my head into the cafe to see if they'd allow a to-go carrot cake (so I could eat at the bench & enjoy the views). I'm so glad I did as I got to go have a spot down on the dock looking outward to the cafe & bay. The place smelled amazing & lots of indoor seating (& outdoor options when the weather is nice). It has a lovely wide accessible ramp from the parking lot to the dock area, doors were decent size & lots of natural light with the large windows showcasing the views. Decent amount of parking space too. I'll definitely go back so I can enjoy a full supper out there. Menu looks fabulous & locals have recommended this place numerous times to me.

We stumbled upon this great little spot and were pleasantly surprised. The food was fresh and…read moreflavorful, and the staff was super friendly. It's in a fantastic location right on the dock, which adds to the charm. Drinks were decent--definitely more of a beer or wine kind of place, not somewhere you'd go for a proper cocktail. Overall, a solid choice for good food and a great view.

Great pub. Great food. Would recommend!!!…read more Tasty dishes and good service. I would recommend this place to anyone.

After starving to death (by choice-that ferry food looked and smelled nasty) on the1 1/2 hour ferry…read moreride from the mainland we were ready for some good food. It's in a gas station parking lot attached to the Howard Johnson. Do not let that deter you, it was really solid pub food, definitely better and sustansibly more affordable than any pub I've eaten at in downtown Victoria. Clearly all of the other diners were locals, at 2pm on a Saturday. We sat in a cozy booth in the bar after being greeted by a very friendly bartender. We ordered two pints of Magners, the shepherd's pie with salad and the beef dip with frites. The shepherd's pie was beef, so technically a cottage pie, which I prefer. It came piping hot, with little scoops of mash on top and a dark colored gravy. Perfection, meaty, creamy, cheesy deliciousness. The salad was quite nice with field greens, cherry tomato halves, carrot, cucumber and green onion with housemade basalmic vinaigrette. The frites were of the super crispy possibly breaded variety, really excellent dipped in the au jus that came with the roast beef dip. I'd definitely come back on my next visit to get really good Irish pub grub without all the touristy prices.