Olde Angel Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Olde Angel Inn (224 Regent Street, behind the Courthouse Theatre, 905-468-3411) is my favourite place to eat in Niagara-on-the-Lake, partly because it's affordable compared to the town's other options, and partly because it's located in a low, heavy-timbered building that dates back at least to 1815.

Its first name may have been The Harmonious Coach House, founded some time after 1789. In 1793, the original building on the site may have hosted Upper Canada legislators celebrating the passage of the world's first act to outlaw slavery. John Graves Simcoe and the explorerer Alexander Mackenzie are thought to have dropped in. The first inn burned during the War of 1812. It has had numerous other names (and even a resident ghost, a War of 1812 soldier named Swayze, to whom I may be distantly related.)

As for the comestibles, the Inn serves better-than-average pub food. The chicken pot pie I sampled (above) was larded with Niagara peaches in season, while my brother's fish and chips boasted a laudable fish-to-batter ratio. They serve their own commendable Angel Inn Lager and Angel Inn Red (a Dark too, I think), alongside a list of Ontario craft beers and imported brews. You can expect to quaff your pint to the tune of local musicians on any weekend evening. This meal, with one pint, came to just under $40, before tip.

By the way, if I'm feeling especially skint while in NOTL, I head to Taylor's Bakery and Ice Cream (69 Queen, 905-468-2512) for their delicious lemon cranberry scones with the powdery sugar coating.