I checked out Bitter on Hastings with a few friends for the first time last night, just hours after awakening from my five day Christmas tryptophan stupor. The Canucks vs Sharks tilt ended well for the inaugural drop-down of the beer-focused restaurant’s new projector screen (and there was much rejoicing). For those who lament the widespread inclusion of televisions in our dining culture, I don’t think anyone not back with us knew that there was a game on, and this despite our occasional hollers, which could have heralded the arrival of new sausages for all they knew. The monster screen is tucked discreetly away in the back room and disappears as soon as the last whistle is blown, which is to say that it’s a rather civilised departure from the multi-flatscreen pub efforts now dotting the city and discolouring too many atmospheres with non-stop blue light. This was noticeably different. Along with the second floor at Lupo in Yaletown, I reckon Bitter is one of the coolest, most subtle venues for dedicating an evening to fork, glass, and the Canucks retaining their first place standing in their division (achieved last night) through to the end of the regular season. If you’re a fan of hockey and beer, book it. I reckon there’s room enough for a dozen or so.

Being too befuddled with the hockey and the many giant bottles of beer (not to mention the Scotch eggs and gooey Welsh rarebit), I neglected to take any shots of the night save for the one you see above using my phone’s King Camera app. Happily, there’s no substitute for checking it out yourselves. In the interim, explore the gallery below to witness the arc of Bitter’s construction. It was as fun to watch as the game.

EVERYTHING SEEN IN VANCOUVER