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| - The Firkin Pubs have been around for 25 years. In days of yore, Firkin owners would've been happy to bid goodnight to drunk male patrons - the pub landscape has changed much since then.
I checked out the Quail & Firkin; the fourth in the chain to undergo renovation. To date, the Firkin chain has spent $250,000 and 18 months in research, consulted with Jamie Kennedy and Rose Reisman to revamp their menu, and each location's facelift ranges anywhere from $250-600,000 depending on its size.
The old-school carpeting has been replaced with hardwood floors and the entire space has been brightened up from ye olde Firkin days. My favourite piece of furniture has to be the sofa, plastered with the UK flag - definitely the focal point of the pub.
Larry Isaacs, the director of marketing for the chain said that traditionally, alcohol accounted for 75% of sales and food was an after thought. But the industry landscape has evolved since then.
While the female population has long been alienated (presumably because pubs are where guys whine about their girlfriends/wives?), breweries are starting to cater towards this oft ignored bunch and pubs are following suit.
As a female, I am glad that we now have choices... I think us gals are more picky when it comes to beer. In my experience, if you pass a guy a beer he's going to drink it.
I have never been a big pub-goer because my experience with beer has been limited to a glass of Moosehead with about half a can of Sprite poured in to it - that's how my dad used to let us drink beer as kids. Beyond that, there was the occasional Corona or Heineken. It wasn't until this year that I started experimenting with beers - but deep down I'm still a cocktails type of gal.
While the cocktails do not contend with the likes of Barchef, with a healthy list of cold or hot cocktails, it's a step in the right direction to ensure that there is something for everyone - even the non-beer-drinking ladies.
My favourite was definitely the Frost Bite - which tasted like a liquid "Rocket" creamsicle. The blue hue made it fun to sip and the Maraschino cherry made it almost dessert!
While the menu doesn't deviate too much from the traditional pub fare, you can find healthier items such as pan-seared red snapper or a turkey cobb salad. And in keeping with the taco trend, a flash-fried tempura-battered fish taco.
My favourite was definitely the Stuffed Yorkie (no Benji, 'tis not a pup) - but it is a savory Yorkshire pudding with an eggy bread, stuffed with braised pot roast, smashed potatoes and smothered in a thick layer of Guinness gravy. I could've licked the plate clean.
I must also mention the Sticky Toffee Pudding - a decadent and rich dessert but every bite was delectable. It is a little bit much for one person to tackle but perfect for sharing. Two forks please!
The next time I'm having a girl's night out - I'm definitely going to a Firkin pub... After all the clientele is still predominantly single, eligible bachelors right?
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