{"id":30316,"date":"2022-07-20T01:00:44","date_gmt":"2022-07-20T08:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/?p=30316"},"modified":"2022-07-20T09:25:25","modified_gmt":"2022-07-20T16:25:25","slug":"bayview-brewing-opens-in-ladysmith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bcaletrail.ca\/bayview-brewing-opens-in-ladysmith\/","title":{"rendered":"Bayview Brewing: For Foodies & Beer-Lovers Alike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thanks to the recent opening of Ladysmith\u2019s first craft brewery, Bayview Brewing<\/a>, this historic town is becoming a destination rather than just a pit stop.<\/p>\n

As someone who frequently drives from Victoria to Comox, I often only stop in Ladysmith if I have a hankering for a cinnamon bun the size of a sedan from the Old Town Bakery<\/a> or need some gas. The truth is there are actually many reasons to visit this small seaside community, including a thriving art scene, a plethora of hiking trails, and some lovely restaurants, and now, its very own brewery: Bayview Brewing .<\/p>\n

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Bayview Brewing in Ladysmith, BC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first thing I notice when I arrive for my visit is the location. It\u2019s situated off Dogwood Drive in a residential neighbourhood on the edge of Ladysmith’s quaint downtown. In fact, the brewery is attached to a family home and across the street from a new condo development. I\u2019m so used to seeing breweries opening in industrial parks that this gem tucked away on a residential street is a refreshing sight.<\/p>\n

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Bayview Brewing in Ladysmith, BC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The second thing I notice once I walk through the doors is the extensive food menu on display. I assumed this was first and foremost a brewery with maybe a snack or two to keep the masses happy so I am pleasantly surprised to see a substantial and eclectic variety of dishes. The Beer-Braised Pulled Pork Sandwich, a vegan and gluten-free Buddha Bowl, and the Tuna Poke Bowl are just a few of the dishes that jump out at me. Also intriguing are the Tortilla Chips with Beer Cheese and the Char Siu Pork Bao Bun, a dish I have seen posted many times on social media.<\/p>\n

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Bayview Brewing’s tap list<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last thing that stands out is, of course, the beer selection. Like the food menu, it is also extensive with a vast array of beer styles including some pale ales, a sour, gose, saison, dunkel, blonde, and a variety of IPAs. It\u2019s at this point I meet Rod Alsop, the owner of the aforementioned attached family home and one of three owners of Bayview Brewing. He selects four pours for me (Sunny Saltair Special Hazy IPA, Blueberry Pie Lactose Sour, 7 Belles Saison, and the Spruce Tip Pale Ale ) and we have a seat on the beautiful hand-crafted patio to chat more about how this brewery came to be.<\/p>\n

Alsop bought the house next door in 2011. A longtime music teacher at the local high school, that is where he met fellow teacher and now business partner Jonny Ludtke. Ludtke was working as a culinary arts instructor and they became fast friends, bonding over food and beer. As we continue chatting, Ludtke joins us out on the patio with the beer cheese and Char Siu buns I ordered. The cheese comes out bubbling and golden orange, and the Char Siu buns are absolutely massive. I\u2019m in for a treat.<\/p>\n