Executive Chef Michael Sproul’s menu features plenty of variety for every palate
QUALICUM BEACH – Matt Hill had a hunch that the town of Qualicum Beach was ready for a new dining experience featuring a brew pub.
He was right, as the Fern + Cedar Brewing Company downtown at 101-680 Berwick Road South has been a huge hit with local residents since opening its doors in December, 2021.
Matt Hill is one of the partners in the family-owned Fern + Cedar Brewing Company
“Who knew that a trendy craft brewery could open in little Qualicum Beach and be as popular as we’ve been in a short amount of time,” says Hill, who is partners with his family members, Amanda Hill, Rob Hill, Mike Hill and Dan Farrington in this establishment, as well as the Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company in Parksville, which they opened seven years ago. “Ever since we opened our doors at Fern + Cedar it’s been full almost daily. We quickly expanded our patio to meet the demand of the thirsty locals here and the tourists that come through. It’s been an incredible ride and it hasn’t stopped.”
Hill notes that Brewmaster Wesley Bain has been doing an outstanding job creating new beverages.
“His creativity is really unparalleled in the industry in this area, and the products he’s come up with are constantly changing, creating new experiences,” he states, adding they are top quality. “We have our signature Oceanside Lager, which is light and crisp on these hot summer days, and has been the go to for the majority of customers. Second behind that is our Green Mountain State, a New England IPA that is hugely popular with a massive local following.”
Executive Chef Michael Sproul has put together a unique menu that has captured the attention of Qualicum Beach diners.
“Michael’s put together a phenomenal menu,” Hill notes. “He’s most famous for his fried chicken, so we do fried chicken strips and a sandwich in a few different variations. His seafood chowder is phenomenal and his local Bannock with a local cedar jelly that he creates with hand picked cedar tips himself, is amazing. My favourite is his braised short ribs.”
Brewmaster Wesley Bain has created outstanding beverages for clients to enjoy
Both operations are family-run businesses, and they have also operated the Kasba Lake Lodge in the Northwest Territories for 50 years. Hill grew up in the hospitality business, and studied Hospitality Management at Royal Roads University in Victoria before managing restaurants in southern Thailand, then returning home to central Vancouver Island, where he was born and raised.
The Mount Arrowsmith Brewing Company experience in Parksville emboldened them to open in Qualicum Beach.
“There were hurdles, but we had a lot of support from day one from the town and council and locals,” Hill says. “There are always going to be some difficulties proceeding in any community, and there were some here, but the vast, vast majority were behind us.”
“People recognized the area needed something like this, a community gathering spot, something trendy, new and fresh, and we’re just happy to be able to provide it.”
It all starts with good people, he says, adding there are 50 employees between the two operations.
“We’ve been successful at creating businesses that attract good people,” he states. “We’ve tried to focus on the atmosphere here, and we’ve been fortunate at finding and retaining quality team members.”
By Mark MacDonald