Sip your way down New Westminster's revitalized Front Street
If you’ve taken a stroll down by the Fraser River in New West recently you may have noticed the city’s historically charming Front Street looks a bit different.
This isn’t just because the revitalized strip has eclectic shops and cafes appearing (with more opening in the coming months), but also because the giant eyesore of a parkade that towered over the waterfront street has been partially demolished.
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After the removal of a portion of the parkade, a much more scenic and pedestrian-friendly Front Street was born, making it an ideal place to stroll and explore, whether you’re a visitor or a local.
Old Crow Coffee Co. (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Whether you start at the River Market and make your way down the shore or you are hanging out in downtown area, Old Crow Coffee Co. is a must-hit stop when exploring in New West.
This cafe is located at 655 Front Street – right across the road from Westminster Pier Park – and besides making a killer latte, it also makes for one stellar spot to sit and soak in the unique atmosphere.
Old Crow Coffee Co. (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
With a selection of coffee from roasters like Victoria’s Bows and Arrows, Phil and Sebastian, and Timbertrain Coffee along with Granville Island Tea, pastries, toasts, and sandwiches, Old Crow is a fantastic pit stop for breakfast or lunch too.
Old Crow Coffee Co. (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
The cafe has a small selection of merchandise so you can rep your love for Old Crow on you shirt, hat, or sweater, or you can simply linger and enjoy the rotating art hung on the painted brick walls.
Old Crow Coffee Co. (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
At the back of the cafe there is a multi-purpose space (which can be rented by anyone) that is used for live music, events, and community gatherings – something Old Crow’s co-owner Stephanie Vu wanted to encourage in the neighbourhood when they opened in June 2015.
Old Crow Coffee Co. (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Another can’t-miss place to sip along Front Street – Rain City Juicery.
This cold-pressed juicery has one seriously awesome exterior; the location at 417 Front Street still lives in the shadow of the remainder of the retro parkade, but the front entrance’s interesting surroundings give patrons a taste of what they’re in for once they step inside.
Rain City Juicery (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
This isn’t your average big bright juicing spot. It’s dark inside, almost spooky – with a fire crackling and salvaged upholstered furniture as the seating area (not to mention the massive antique dictionary on the coffee table), it’s easy to see Rain City is one in a million.
Rain City Juicery (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Aside from funky decor, Rain City has a winning lineup of juices and they also offer patrons a housemade brand of ginger beer made from lemon, cane sugar, ginger, and filtered water.
Rain City Juicery (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Standout varieties include ‘Remedy’ made from orange, carrot, grapefruit, lemon, cayenne, and ginger, and ‘New West Sunset’ which is a combo of orange, carrot, and beet.
Refill your growler with one of this juicery’s eight kinds of concoctions or grab a cleanse to take home if you’re up for it, Rain City’s got you covered for all your juicing needs in New West.
Rain City Juicery (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Between spots like these and the upcoming events such as Fridays On Front – a bustling community gathering that will see a plethora of food and entertainment in the neighbourhood on Friday afternoons and evenings – the misty shore seems to be the place to be if you’re making a stop in New West.