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Meet The Blind Pig
The Blind Pig Pub officially opened last week in the heart of historic downtown Cranbrook.
The newly refurbished taproom and eatery features a rustic prohibition look and a return to uncomplicated dishes, conceived under the direction of owner and operator Danyari Shields.
“We are thrilled to open our doors in the heart of downtown Cranbrook,” said Shields. “It’s a spot where the community can come together. Everyone has a story to share about this building —when it was the Byng Hotel, when it was Dewey’s. People are excited to see the transformation.”
Located a few steps from the Cranbrook Clock Tower Square, the expansive 150-seat Blind Pig Pub offers a full menu and late-night pub service.
Shields and husband Drew Hillier renovated the historic hotel, one of the first building sites in Cranbrook dating back to the 1800s.
Shields, a Kelowna-born entrepreneur, first came to Cranbrook two years ago to open Mountain Cannabis. When the lease came up for the location next door, the pub idea began to take form. Fast-forward through extensive renovations, and patrons can now enjoy a local craft brew in a comfy yet upscale location.
Menu service is headed up by chef Micheal Schnobb, who originates from Montreal, so look for Montreal smoked meat meal and MTL poutine as well as a five-burger menu (with an additional veggie option) and the massive black bins of Macho Nachos. Mains will include the Reef and Beef prawn and steak dinner as well as upscale pasta dishes.
The Blind Pig Pub features a curated cocktail list, thanks to Justin Atterbury and Steve Kuffler of the Taynton Bay Spirits, a small craft distillery in Invermere who have recently expanded their offerings after a successful Dragon Den’s pitch.
While the pandemic and undertaking upgrades to a 100-plus-year-old building threw a few hurdles at Shields and her team, she’s excited to finally welcome her patrons.
“The pandemic allowed us to slow down and think about what we were going to do, rather than racing to the finish line,” she said. “It was a hard time, but it almost worked in our favour. We’ve had almost two years to think about how we want to open.”
Photos submitted
Submitted
