Last weekend we discovered an unexpected holiday market popping up at Steel and Oak Brewing in New Westminster.
Hidden within their warehouse distillery space this is a market that you were able to shop with beer in hand. It is the first of such Popups that they are doing, with the goal to shine their spotlight on local artists and vendors.
Amongst their steel vats were fold out tables showcasing hand made giftables. The selection included knitted winter accessories, crochet pom pom gnomes, varnished pottery with a water theme, ornamental beeswax candles, and kitschy stickers and stationary with an Asian flair. An intimate space made magical with strung up lights and the ability to connect with the artists. More photos of the tables below.
The brewery even set up a photo op with fireplace and Christmas tree backdrop, Photo Booth props to wear and hold, and a ring light to capture your best angles.
Within the tap room they had a “this weekend only” Holiday Market featured drinks and food menu to further the festivities.
We grabbed a seat by their bar, overlooking the taps and appreciating their vintage vinyl collection with record player spinning.
We tried all 3 of their drink features, including a mulled beer, which I was unaware that, that was even a thing. Prepared with Steel & Oak’s Blackcurrant Cherry Pale Ale, gently mulled with fresh citrus, and a medley of warming spices. This is served warm in a wintery themed mug. It drank herbaceous like tea with the sweetness of dates, it reminded me of the warming and healing Chinese herbalist’s brewed natural remedies.
The Mulled Old Fashioned was a spiced up whisky forward cocktail. A festive twist on a timeless classic with bourbon, Angostura bitters, and a spiced mulled syrup.
The Rosemary Gimlet was our favourite. More tart lime than botanical gin, with subtle herbal rosemary notes that paired well with our food.
Every weekend the Between 2 Buns foodtruck parks outside of the brewery, offering visitors a bite to eat from their listing of smash burgers and deep fried sides.
And to keep on theme they too had a “this weekend only” offering. It sounded so good that we didn’t want to share and we each got our own. And it was so good that I hope it makes additional appearances on their menu this season. Having it certainly made me want to try one of their regular smash burgers.
Santa’s Secret Stuff(ing) is made with a Smash Patty, Lettuce, Pickles, Deep Fried Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy and Swiss Cheese. Best enjoyed fresh when the edges of the smash patty are still crispy and the bun still spongy. Where you get the intended variety of temperatures between warm mashed potato and chilled cranberry. It tasted like a familiar holiday feast in an easy and messy hand held. I could have used more crispiness besides the edges of the burger, so recommend that you order their onion ring and fries as a side.
Overall an unexpected and delightful experience. It was well conceived and added a little extra joy to a regular brewery visit. I would like to see what they do with their next Popup with menu to match.
Steel & Oak Brewing Co.
1319 3rd Ave, New Westminster, BC V3M 1R2
(604) 540-6495
steelandoak.ca
