The Shepherd's Pub

The Shepherd’s Pub 8 Mill St. Elora, Ontario

My mother grew up in Salem Ont.( basically a suburb of Elora) and I spent many summer days growing up in this charming area so close to Toronto. Little did my family ever dream that Elora would become a quaint, charming tourist area. The celebration of music with the Elora Festival brings hundreds of tourists to this area to hear great music, shop in charming boutiques, enjoy the fresh country air and of course to dine. You will also be enchanted with the Elora Gorge
I am so fortunate to have a dear cousin who lives in Elora and I now look forward to my annual visit with her. It is ‘de rigueur’ to go to St Jacobs for a fine shopping spree. The two dress shops in town are a rival for any clothes shopping in Toronto. The St Jacob’s Market is a must visit. There is so much to offer in this area.
Before attending the Handel concert Israel In Egypt (absolutely spectacular) we stopped for dinner at the Shepherd’s Pub. You can’t miss it. It is located on the street by the river with all the charming boutiques. The purple painted exterior walls give it an inviting glow. The pub was already filled when we arrived for an early dinner. Fortunately a table was available by the window looking out on the river. Really pleasant! Typical pub food was available and seemed to be enjoyed by the large numbers. We later recognized that the large group at the table beside us was musicians and singers in the evening performance.
What’s a pub without Shepherd’s Pie? Whiskey scented haggis is layered with turnips and potato and smothered with a Drambui beef glaze. It is served with fresh vegetables ($14.99)
The Beer Battered Fish and Chips is prepared with cod loin and fried to perfection in a beer batter. It is served with fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. (1 piece $9.99; 2 pieces $11.99)
Bangers and Mash is a standard dish of two grilled sausages with caramelized onions, garlic, mashed potato and gravy. It is served with fresh vegetables.($13.99)
The Pub Burger is an 8 oz. homemade patty on a toasted Kaiser with all the toppings and served with fries.($9.99)
I did inquire about a Veggie burger and we all agreed that would be a great addition to the new menu (to be presented in September)
Quesadilla offers flour wrapped tortillas filled with chicken breast, sautéed peppers and onions and shredded cheese. It is served with salsa and cream.($11.95)
Breaded Chicken Fingers are served with fries and plum sauce.($10.99)
We had enjoyed a late lunch and wanted a light meal before the concert. We both ordered a large Caesar Salad prepared with crisp romaine leaves and tasty croutons. ($6.99) We also enjoyed an order of Garlic Bread and Cheese.($6.59)
It was fun to see many of the clients at the concert. Others chose to stroll by the river or to take in the charm of the village.
We walked to the barn where the concert was held. On the walk home we stopped for a late ice cream cone. What a perfect outing.