We opened a "pint-size" but full-service English-style pub across the hall from our Shoalwater Restaurant in December 1987, dedicated to the memory of Tony's British mother. It occupied a light-filled space surrounded on two sides by gorgeous Art Deco stained-glass English church windows (from the same set as in our front dining room). The space was originally created as a gift shop by Innkeepers David Campiche and Laurie Anderson as part of the major expansion of The Shelburne Inn undertaken in 1983. Local architect David Jensen (who apparently spent a lot of time in pubs while stationed in England with the military--hopefully only when on leave) did a masterful job of transforming the room and making it the popular "mini-Cheers" that it is today. In 1996, we created access from the pub to a lovely deck overlooking the beautiful Victorian gardens of The Shelburne. In good weather, an outdoor meal can be enjoyed under one of the festive umbrellas.

We named the pub to honor Charles Beaver, who built the original Shelburne in 1896, as well as the beautiful Great Blue Heron, which is so often seen standing guard in the tide flats of nearby Willapa Bay and the Columbia River or flying majestically along the water's edge--it's also Ann's favorite bird. (There's a second, more "off-colorful" story surrounding the name of the pub, but you'll have to come in to hear it.)

The pub was designed as a bar to service and complement our dining room, and originally offered only snack fare to accompany our beverage selection. Over the years, however, in response to growing demand from our loyal locals, we developed a full cafe-style menu for the pub (prepared in the same kitchen as the restaurant). The pub's all-day menu features a range of soups (always including our now-famous Mussel & Clam Chowder), salads, innovative hot and cold sandwiches, and a variety of light meals, many based on the more formal dining room menu. In fact, all items from The Shoalwater's dinner menu are available in the evening for those who prefer a full meal in a more informal--or outdoor--setting.

The space is compact, but offered a full selection of beverages, including a list of 40+ beers/ciders (three on tap from regional craft breweries); 20+ wines by the glass (plus access to The Shoalwater's 400+ wine list); and full liquor service, which included a wide variety of single-malt Scotches (available alone or in trios of tasters), single-barrel Bourbons, premium gins and vodkas, fine brandies and liqueurs. We also offered a broad range of non-alcoholic beers, wines and soft drinks, as well as complete espresso service.

Many have enjoyed lunch or a light dinner at the Pub, or just cozy up after dinner at The Shoalwater Restaurant with a good Cognac and a cribbage board or a good book before bed.