The Wellington Hotel, Nanaimo

One of the best value places to eat and drink in Nanaimo is The Well Pub in the Wellington Hotel (tel. 250/758-5513), 3956 Victoria Avenue. It’s just off the Island Highway North (Hwy 19A), corner of Norwell Drive, a couple of blocks west of the Country Club Centre shopping mall. If you’re driving northwest on the Island Highway, turn right just before Coast Realty and Long Lake. If you’re driving southeast, turn left just after the overhead pedestrian bridge beside Coast Realty.

An institution at The Well is Sunday brunch, served Sundays from 1100-1400. At $2.95 with two eggs, potatoes, toast, and a choice of bacon, ham, or sausages, it’s a deal. You’re required to order a drink, but two people can enjoy a hearty breakfast here with coffee for $9.40 plus tip. Come early to get a table outside the smoking section.

Weekly specials include Shelley's jumbo dog with fries ($2.75) all day Monday, burger and fries ($3.75) all day Wednesday, deluxe burger and fries with wine or a pint of beer ($6.95) all day Thursday, 6oz steak sandwich with garlic toast, fries, and salad ($5.95) on Friday, and two-piece fish and chips ($6.50) or veal cutlets ($5.95) on Saturday. Sundays from 5 to 7 pm there's a prime rib dinner for $8.95.

The Well Pub is not only appealing for the inexpensive food, but the drink prices are also low. There’s a huge screen at the end of the bar where sporting events are broadcast live, and a couple of TV screens with other events playing. Keno and other forms of light gambling are also available, and I suppose that’s where they make their money. In the evening, there are participatory games, raffles, and light entertainment. I really like the unpretentious, friendly atmosphere at The Well and I highly recommend it. Abundant free parking is available.