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Controversy brews amidst new alehouse opening By Jenn Sharp Controversy has been brewing in Saskatoon over a new alehouse that opened recently in the city’s downtown core. On Sept. 17 The Woods Alehouse welcomed its first customers. In so doing, the establishment also alienated several pubs serving The Woods’ namesake beer, Paddock Wood. In a move questioned by many, the owners of these establishments decided to stop carrying Paddock Wood products, saying they would not support their competition. The uproar on Facebook and Twitter has been palpable, with most denouncing the Paddock Wood boycott. It’s one thing when a large franchise with oodles of corporate backing moves into the neighbourhood (remember the uproar when Starbucks opened on Broadway?). It’s completely another when a local business owner sets up shop and is not supported by the business community. But what if that business owner went about setting up his shop in less than exemplary ways? That’s what Winston’s Chris Beavis claims. He says his relationship with Paddock Wood has changed since the brewery became the competition. “We were not informed in a very respectful manner about their plans to open their own place,” Beavis said after finding out about The Woods on Twitter. “That being said, we are all local businesses and are in healthy competition with one another. After all competition is always there but at the end of the day we all have to take care of our own businesses and pay the bills.” He adds Winston’s management didn’t feel obliged to continue to carry Paddock Wood beer as there are many other exciting products to serve patrons. Another pub that has boycotted Paddock Wood beer posted a statement on its Facebook page saying “(Paddock Wood) went from our distributor to our competition.” (Like most stories, there’s more
Pouring a Paddock Wood pint at The Woods Alehouse. QC photo by Andrew Spearin
to this one than meets the eye but I won’t get into all the dirty details in this column.) “We’re a totally different venue. I don’t think it’s a competition,” explains The Woods owner Stephen Cavan. “There’s lots of room in the city for something different.” And The Woods is different than anything else in downtown Saskatoon right now. Part beer bistro, part acoustic nightclub, it’s destined to be the new weekend hot spot. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the service but hopefully that’s a hiccup that will be taken care of soon. Local acts are invited to play, but nothing too loud. The decor is warm and welcoming.
Rich brown walls, big comfy couches and smaller tables fill the space. An unpretentious curtain and mic, flagged by a blackboard listing the upcoming musical acts, are centrally located. The ceiling and kitschy touches of carnations on the table give the place a decidedly retro feel. Expect to see a long lineup of quality craft beers at The Woods this month and a grand opening celebration. Many items on the menu are made with Paddock Wood beer. The menu is not your typical pub fare either. There’s a cheese and beer pairing plate and even beer brulee for dessert. For lunch, I tried the Stilton pecan
salad with the soup of the day — a thick tomato and fresh basil. The service was attentive and the food delicious. Next time I’ll try the Paddock Wood Pale Ale and four cheese fondue, or the duck confit mac n’ cheese. Yes, The Woods is popular and will remain so, as long as the service and food can impress. That doesn’t mean business will slow down at Saskatoon’s other downtown pubs. There’s plenty to go around for everyone. The decision to stop carrying Paddock Wood beer doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Isn’t this driving more business to the so-called competition? Paddock Wood is not the first brewery to open a taphouse and it won’t be
the last. It’s a natural extension for a brewery owner to move into the pub market. Millstreet did it in Toronto and Big Rock did it in Calgary. And guess what? All the neighbourhood pubs are still carrying Millstreet and Big Rock beer. The Woods isn’t the only place pairing beer with food — Regina’s Beer Bros. Gastropub and Deli has been doing it since 2008 to rave reviews. Executive chef Malcolm Craig knows comfort food and he knows his beer. And you can even get a pint of Paddock Wood. The Woods is located at 148 2nd Ave. N., while Beer Bros. can be found at 1821 Scarth St.