French Creek Pub — Restaurant in Area G (Mid-Oceanside)

TLDR: NOT KID FRIENDLY AS ADVERTISED, MOLD ON FOOD. Had not been out for lunch as a family for months because life is very expensive these days. I had the misfortune of scrolling through This pubs social media posts to come across their recent post advertising themselves as "Kid Friendly". Had I not seen this post, we would have chosen elsewhere as I know that although legally kids are allowed in pubs, its not necessarily "kid friendly". Our kids (age 8 & 11) had a pro-d day off school so we thought it would be fun to go out for lunch together. I had seen this facebook post about the pub being a kid friendly evironment, had heard great reviews about the food recently so thought we would give it a try. I would not have chosen this location if they had not advertised that it was a "kid friendly". We arrived and it looked busy but there were a few empty tables, the friendly bartender invited us in and suggested a table in the far corner. There was an event in progress that we were not aware of until later on, but weren't worried as we had been invited in and given a table. Menus arrive and there are no kids menus. Small annoyance as they were encouraging families to come in with kids, but not a deal breaker. There are plenty of things on the menu that kids would like, just larger portions and higher prices than one might expect for kids. Our older kiddo would probably have ordered an adult meal regardless. Our drink orders were taken quickly and arrived quickly at the table. Off to a good start. Lunch order was taken. We play numerous rounds of card games, we know it is busy so we aren't too annoyed...but the kids are getting pretty hungry. The wait is 45 minutesish (certainly feels longer with kids). My kids have been well behaved and respectful this entire time. If you have kids you know this is a big win considering how long they are waiting! Two of the 4 meals arrive at the table, including my 8 year olds choice..the halibut burger. I notice right away that the bun has quite a bit of mold on it. I point it out to the waitress, she apologizes and takes it away. The other two meals come out, she then brings a small plate of tater tots for my 8 year old to snack on while they re-make his meal. I am very understanding of the situation, it happens. My 8 year olds meal arrives eventually when the rest of us are almost done. Again, we roll with it. Not a big deal. We just want to have a nice family lunch out. When the bill comes, having worked in the service industry I'm expecting to see the moldy meal either taken off the bill entirely or discounted, to make it right. It was not. As my husband is paying the bill I ask if the server knows if they will have a kids menu in the future, she says no. I mention that it was advertised on facebook as being kid friendly, and it's hard to justify a $23 dollar adult sized meal for a kid when their appetite is much smaller. She then responded that legally they have to allow kids in but "she" (manager? owner?) did not want to encourage people coming in with kids by having a kids menu. I was not being rude when I asked, I was genuinely curious as I know it is under new management. Her response was very rude in tone, and it makes absolutely no sense to me that you would advertise your pub as a kid friendly environment, and then right in front of my kids...say you don't want to encourage kids coming in. It was an expensive meal. Like most families, we don't go out often so this was a rare treat. The food was good, Other than the mold (which is pretty inexcusable). They could have saved that situation but chose not to. I won't be back and I am sure many other families won't now either knowing that "Kid Friendly" does not really mean kid friendly. Which it turns out is probably what they want. Unfortunately I also won't be back with my husband or friends either. Really left me feeling disappointed, and just kind of shocked at the server's rudeness. It looked like their event went well and was a great success, it's just too bad that we had a pretty negative experience at...

For ownership changing and multiple "rebrand" failures, I for certain would not recommend dining nor cocktails at this establishment. The last so-called upgrade to the place was a waste of time, the musty smell of old fryer oil and urine will never go away. The service was excellent don't get me wrong, 1000% put forth from the service staff.....but let's face it...front of house has to have something to serve....and the food is NOT it...from their lengthy "simplified" menu, the kitchen staff can't seem to pull it off...cold food, orders not given in timely fashion, patrons getting food ahead of people who have already started their third beverage while waiting on their disappointing garbage that will be brought to them on lack luster forms of attempted pub grub/restaurant eats. Although heavily supported by the well seasoned locals whom without this place assumingly would've boarded up shop many moons ago I see the attraction. Somewhat waterfront views, and LOCAL between Parksville and Qualicums little communities. But facts are facts, doesn't matter how cold the beer is or how well the service is.....If you're going to serve food....SERVE DECENT FOOD! 3 day old 7-11 cheese burgers and stale nachos are more worth the dollar. If you choose to dine here, pack tums, pepto bismal, and any other digestive aids to help cope with your disappointment in dining choice. Best of luck and I truly hope French Creek Pub learns how to cook real food....hell even Snoop Dog learned how to cook with Martha Stewart....Not rocket science. BTW HOTDOGS IN A MARINA DINER? Don't really suit any purpose other than bait for the shell fish you could be serving......but I guess the reason is.... can't reaaaallly screw up...

Okay I have bulked at getting the Halibut fish due to the difference in price between it and Cod. Well… the difference is worth it. If you have not tried the Halibut at the FCP you are, frankly, missing out on one of the best fish and chips in the Nanaimo to Qualicum Beach area. I have had fish and chips, typically Cod, in many places in the NPQB area and can tell you that the drive to French Creek is worth it. Both the Cod and Halibut are excellent.

The pub is a typical pub with the friendly neighbourhood hangout feel. It seems to be well supported by both locals dropping by for their daily/weekly social and tourists/visitors to the area. I can’t say much about all of the menu as I purposefully went for the fish and chips (initially based on recommendations on FB). However if I can go by what I have had then I have high expectations for the rest of the menu items. I found prices fair (in today’s market) and the portions quite generous. We were a party of four and we ordered two 2-piece fish and chips with gravy on the side and extra tartar sauce, and then shared. All four of us (yes even the younger ones) were very happy with the portions.

Although the patio is small it is very enjoyable. We sat outside on a very hot day, in the shade, with a breeze, enjoying the music and cool drinks. On previous visits we sat inside and found the atmosphere very nice.

Services was great each time we...