In this month’s copy of the
airline WestJet’s magazine there is an interview where Alan Doyle who shares his
favourite places and regular hangouts.
Many of the places mentioned
in this article I have been lucky enough to visit on my fan pilgrimages to St.
John’s and Newfoundland. I have included a photograph from my most recent trip
I took from The Rooms on a snowy winter’s day looking out over St. John’s, the
harbour and all the way to Signal Hill. The view was spectacular indeed.
I have copied a few of the
comments made in the article here. It has not been copied in full due to
copyright and to the best on my knowledge cannot be shared on social media.
The article “Going Local St.
John’s with Alan Doyle” by Sara Samson is available digitally in the July 2015
issue in the West Jet magazine on the WestJet webpage www.westjetmagazine.com/issues.
Going Local St. John’s with
Alan Doyle by Sara Samson.
Favourite festival…
Favourite live music venue…
Favourite place for a pint…
“It’s a tie between Erin’s
Pub and The Duke of Duckworth” Doyle says noting that The Duke is a popular
happy hour destination with locals.
Favourite place to eat…
“St. John’s has become a food
mecca that has happened so recently the paint is still wet” Doyle says. He
recommends Mallard Cottage in Quidi Vidi Village for its use of local produce,
the refurbishment of one of North America’s oldest wooden structures, and
because “it’s just a really cool, amazingly worldly, local restaurant”.
Fun Rainy Day Activity…
“(Visiting) The Rooms is the
greatest rainy day activity in Canada, because the view from there looks cooler
when the weather is poor” says Doyle of the building that houses the
Newfoundland and Labrador Art Gallery, archives and museum.
Must-do…
Favourite place to shop…
‘O’Brien’s Music Store – the
oldest store in the oldest city in North America. That’s what they claim
anyways. It was the first music store I was ever in my life. They sell primarily traditional instruments.”
Best out-of-town adventure…
“Easily Petty Harbour” Doyle
says of where he grew up, about 15 minutes from St. John’s. “It’s just the
coolest little fishing town (and has) the best fish and chips on earth at
Chafe’s Landing.”
