Bishop and Bagg Reviewed : One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer
Bishop and Bagg. Photo Andres Roget.
A new British pub has opened up in Mile End, and not a minute too soon. Bishop and Bagg, an offshoot of Griffintown’s Burgundy Lion, quietly opened its doors in February. And if Friday night’s crowd was any indication, it’s already a huge hit with the local hipsters.
Bishop and Bagg. Photo Andres Roget.
Featuring the usual array of beer—I sampled a nice IPA—as well as a good selection of scotch, bourbon, and a few choice cocktails (I enjoyed the Knob Creek bourbon, and my friend had a deliciously smooth Benriach Sherry Cask scotch), Bishop and Bagg is welcoming and warm. The menu reflects a rather colonial British outlook, going beyond standard pub food; we had the delicious lamb kebabs in a yoghurt dill sauce on fresh pita with mint and greens. If you just need a snack to accompany your beer you can try crispy pig skin; if you’re looking for something a little more filling, go for Jerk Cornish Hen with Plantain Hash, stuffed pork shoulder with marinated squash and Brussels sprouts, or egg noodles with roasted eggplant ragout. Prices are reasonable.
Bishop and Bagg. Photo Andres Roget.
We found the decor very warm and inviting—lots of wood and deep red colour on the walls. The atmosphere is less precious than that of the Burgundy Lion, and the service is friendly. Our only complaint was that all food and drink orders must be placed at the bar; the food is delivered by a server, and sometimes the drinks are, but not always. It was a tad confusing, but I’m sure they’ll get that sorted out.
Bishop and Bagg. Photo Andres Roget.
A brief word about noise levels: when we arrived at 6:30, we could hear each other even though there wasn’t a free seat in the house. However by the time we left around 9:30, we were shouting over the music and our neighbours to be heard. So if you’re hoping to have an intimate conversation, and a seat, go early.
Bishop & Bagg is located at 52 St. Viateur.
