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Bard & Banker Reviews List
Bard & Banker
Victoria's newest premier landmark pub, located on the corner of Fort St and Government St downtown Victoria, BC. Opened in 1862 as the Bank of British Columbia the building remained a bank until 1988 under a different array of banking establishments’ control. Of all the bank employees to work at this location in the 126 years it was a bank the most notable was, the bard of the Yukon, Robert Service. With 30 different beers on tap, one of the most impressive selections of spirits under one roof and live music every night, the Bard & Banker defines the ultimate pub experience.
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35 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 35 reviews
5 stars
(8)
4 stars
(19)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(22)
- vibrant bar scene(15)
- great for lunch(10)
- late-night find(10)
- neighborhood gem(9)
- hot spot(8)
Bard & Banker Reviews List
Review 1 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had a fantastic time at the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a fantastic time at the Bard & Banker. They were able to accommodate a large group reservations on a Friday night, which is rather difficult to find in Victoria. The service and food were fantastic. They can accommodate vegetarians and gluten free people which was a huge bonus given our group. I would strongly recommend this place."
Dined on 12/04/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 2 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A great place to try a new beer etc
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was good as was the food and beer but with 7 of us a bigger table would have been nice"
Dined on 22/04/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Would not recommend for a
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Would not recommend for a large party - we had a party of12 and were squeezed into a smaller table and had to request an additional table. The waitress was accommodating and tried to please everyone. The food was good, but not outstanding. The ambience was outstanding - very quaint, both interior and exterior."
Dined on 19/04/2013
2011
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Review 4 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place and outstanding
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place and outstanding service from out waitress. Will be back again!"
Dined on 30/03/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 5 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bard and Banks the BEST PUB!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a fabulous time at this beautiful pub! Perfect table for the birthday girl ~ enjoyed a pleasant view of the kilt clad bartenders and they were the BEST! Friendly, fun, delicious fish and chips. Lots of delicious cocktails and great service. Can't wait to go back again on our next visit to Victoria, BC."
Dined on 22/03/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 6 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Except for forgetting to credit
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Except for forgetting to credit the OpenTable points, I do not have an issue with this very pretty pub in Victoria. The food is good. The beer is appropriate. The wine list is substantial, particularly for "by the glass (or less). Ambience is very nice, as is service."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The first time we came to
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The first time we came to the Bard and Banker was for a company christmas party. It was delicious! We had an absolutely wonderful steak dinner. The potatoes were very unusual and delicious.
This was the reason we chose to come for Valentines Day - to have another fine meal. We discovered however, that the steak had been removed from the menu, and the only thing we could order that didn't contain onions, was a burger! Although the burger was good, we were quite disappointed...Burgers aren't very romantic now are they?
If there were more options on the menu - or at the very least a steak meal, we would return, because the ambience was quite fun. Too bad really."
This was the reason we chose to come for Valentines Day - to have another fine meal. We discovered however, that the steak had been removed from the menu, and the only thing we could order that didn't contain onions, was a burger! Although the burger was good, we were quite disappointed...Burgers aren't very romantic now are they?
If there were more options on the menu - or at the very least a steak meal, we would return, because the ambience was quite fun. Too bad really."
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
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Review 8 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Exceptoonal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really enjoyed the facility. Food was good and our server was exceptional. Also, had the best martini yet(decadence)"
Dined on 16/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 9 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, a great downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always, a great downtown spot for after-work drinks and eats. A little pricey, but then that is the trade off for such a well thought out and beautiful space (and historic)."
Dined on 15/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Friendly staff, good food,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Friendly staff, good food, good service, the younger crowd are louder than us. The Scottish music was outstanding!
Cheers,
Pat."
Cheers,
Pat."
Dined on 25/01/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 11 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We enjoyed our experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our experience from start to finish at Bard and Banker. We were there on Robby Burns day for lunch and were greeted by a friendly efficient waitress who reviewed the interesting, affordable wine list and menu with us. The salads we ordered were exceptionally delicious and my husband, who is very picky about his savoury pies was delighted with the special of the day, a sumptuous chicken pot pie.
I requested a cozy booth through"open table" and my wish was granted. The ambience as always is quinteseentially British Pub on a grand scale and the noise level was just moderate. Can't wait for our next visit."
Dined on 25/01/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Bard & Banker
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were surprised to see the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were surprised to see the top level closed for supper, but the main leval was almost full. We were then upset to find out that, although we reserved about a week in advance, the few tables still available that we were shown, were,'reserved', and we had to do with a small tall table and somewhat uncomfortable tall stools. We are over 60 and were looking for an comfortable night at a lovely looking pub.
To their credit, the staff did show us a booth that came open later.
My wife's fish and chips were quite 'heavy' but my Shepard's pie was excellant,(as was the ale which, after two 20 oz pints, made the night more acceptable.)
We'll try it again for lunch on another visit from Vancouver. We'll come early this time!
Tom"
Dined on 21/01/2013
2009
Special Features: great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Bard & Banker
Based on the average of (23) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic