Want the apres ski vibe without the actual ski or snow? Or are you looking for a spot in the city where you can snuggle up by a fire? Well Batch on Plaza is back for another year and has now expanded with a second downtown waterfront location as well.
For those unfamiliar, Batch is the once pop up shack that has since been made available for visits all year round. This open bar of sorts is located just off the walking and riding path at the Plaza of Nations. Making them a popular intersection for those walking the seawall an s are in need of a drink or rest. With access to regular heating and power they are able to provide running water and warmth for their walk-in customers, along side a one of a kind view. Plus they are pet friendly, so all dogs are welcomed.
And this winter season they are making things cozy with fire pits, fleece blankets, heat lamps, and plastic tarps to shield from the weather.
You simply order a beverage and/or some light snacks at the counter and pay for them, before grabbing any available seat. If lucky there will even be some live music to enjoy as you eat, drink, and chat amongst yourselves.
They carry a selection of local beer and wine, but during this time their mulled wine and hot apple cider are popular choices. There is also talks of a potential Christmas Sangria in the works.
In terms of food they have brought classic Britain flavour to the Plaza thanks to Rosie’s Catering, already known for their southern style barbecue operating out of their bright red food truck.
Tonight we had a taste of what’s cooking starting with some fondue. Fresh fruit the likes of apples, strawberry, and grapes were chopped up small for easy dipping into a personal sized fondue pot. This was kept continuously warm via tea light. Here, I found the dragonfruit and interesting choice, but that its taste and softer texture didn’t match all that well with the creamy beer cheese dip. A sharper cheddar with some zesty herbs would have helped to curb the sweet tropical fruit, or just some bread in place of it.
Everyone loved the homestyle chilli with its hearty mix of ground beef and kidney beans. Although the highlight was the slice of cornbread served on the side. Its sweetness well contrasting the heated spice mix of the chilli.
My favourite menu item was their pocket Shepherds pie. Everything you love about this pie with ground beef, potato, and vegetable; but easy to eat, all wrapped up in flaky baked dough.
They also had giant pretzels with a cheesy mustard dip, ideally paired with some beer.
Although both operating under the same name of “Batch”, their new location at Granville Plaza, downtown waterfront has a fairly different energy. Less relaxing and more bustling.
Still an outdoor Popup with all the amenities and comfort of the indoors, outside and located by picturesque water. This location also has fire pits and enough blankets around them for all; though that you will need them considering how toasty it is with heat lamps and covered seating. Not to mention, they are just as dog friendly.
The main differences are the view of Canada Place’s sails and the port at the distance, the larger space that allows the Granville Plaza location to have a rotating vendor market for guests to sample and shop from, and food for purchase directly from Rosie’s BBQ Smokehouse food truck.
Today’s list of vendors included artists selling prints, Raincity Distillery from Squamish pouring samples of their tea infused gins, and BC’s first and only fortified wine made from haskap berry.
There was even live music to set a jovial mood, as the winter bar/lounge caters to make who work in the surrounding buildings, looking for a quick and inexpensive happy hour option.
They don’t have any specials per se, but their bar parallels the Plaza of Nation’s offerings with reasonably priced canned beer, bottled wine, mulled wine and spiked apple cider.
As for food, with Rosie’s BBQ Smokehouse truck parked right at their threshold, their entire menu is available to order. I recommend their beef brisket sliders. Tender slabs of brisket sandwiches between buttered buns and fresh red onions.
For some more sharable plates look to their charcuterie tray. A handsome collection of soft and hard cheeses, sliced and cubed meats, pickled vegetables, and crackers as a base for them all.
And what is a Batch fire pit without their trademark fondue? This was different cheese blend from the one we had at the Plaza of Nations location. This was more full bodied with a larger blend of cheeses. No dragon fruit to scratch your head at, but Brie instead; amongst sliced fruit to dip.
In short, Batch offers a one of a kind outdoor eating and dinking set up, this holiday season. Visit either for a relaxed and comfortable time.
Batch
Plaza of Nations Parking – Lot #1188
770 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R8
Granville Square
200 Granville St Suite 700, Vancouver, BC V6C 154
