Langley Profile: The Barley Merchant, Langley’s Local Favorite for Food, Beer, and Community
The Barley Merchant Taproom & Kitchen in Langley, BC has quickly become more than just a restaurant – it’s a beloved local hangout.
Jenny Holly Hansen
The Barley Merchant Taproom & Kitchen in Langley, BC has quickly become more than just a restaurant – it’s a beloved local hangout. Opened in 2021, this independently owned taproom has won over the community with its delicious food, inviting ambiance, and strong community involvement. Below, we review each of these three areas in detail to see why Langley residents speak so fondly of The Barley Merchant.
Food Quality
Fresh, Local Ingredients: The Barley Merchant prides itself on a “from scratch” kitchen that uses in-season, locally sourced ingredients. Nearly everything is house-made – from sauces and soups to their own sourdough bread and even desserts. This commitment to craft carries over to the bar as well: all 50 taps pour British Columbia-made beer, cider, or wine, giving diners Langley’s largest selection of BC craft beverages to pair with their meal. The result is a menu where quality and local flavor shine through in every bite and sip.
Menu Variety and Taste: The food menu is diverse, elevating pub favorites and introducing creative twists. Guests can start with shareables like the “Filthy Fries”, tossed in chili oil and topped with serrano crema and pickled onions, or the Beer Cheese dip infused with local lager. Mains range from hearty gourmet burgers to globally inspired dishes. One fan raved about The Barley Merchant’s “Triple Barley” burger (“awesome, add bacon!”) alongside a flavorful house-made clam chowder and “loaded dirty fries” – all of which they called “excellent”. Lighter options like a prosciutto and pear flatbread and the “Dirty Bird” fried chicken sandwich (a customer favorite) show off the kitchen’s creativity. Notably, the restaurant offers dedicated gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free menus, ensuring everyone can find something delicious to enjoy.
Standout Drinks: As a craft beer haven, The Barley Merchant constantly rotates its taps, having featured over 2,100 unique BC beers from 165+ breweries since opening. This means there’s always something new to try, from hoppy IPAs to crisp ciders. Beer flights and taster pours are available for sampling several brews in one visit. For those who prefer other libations, the bar curates BC craft spirits and even offers inventive cocktails – their signature Lavender Collins and house-made Dill Pickle Caesar are local legend. With such breadth of choice, one reviewer noted The Barley Merchant has “something for everyone”, arguably the best local craft selection “in the entire province”. All of these drinks come expertly paired with the kitchen’s dishes, making the food and beverage experience truly cohesive.
In short, food quality at The Barley Merchant is top-notch. The combination of scratch-made cooking and all-local beers/ciders yields exceptional taste. It’s no surprise the venue was crowned “Best Craft Beer Bar” in BC by The Growler magazine’s readers in both 2022 and 2023 – a testament to its culinary and craft beverage excellence.
Ambiance
The Barley Merchant’s modern exterior and glowing patio lights already hint at the warm atmosphere inside. Inside, patrons find a welcoming taproom that balances upbeat energy with laid-back comfort.
Atmosphere and Decor: The interior of The Barley Merchant is often described as warm, bright, and full of character. The space is large (210 seats) yet manages to feel cozy and inviting. Its walls are adorned with loving details that pay homage to craft beer culture – in fact, one writer noted that the decor reads like a “love letter to craft beer,” with memorabilia and even the restrooms papered in craft beer artwork. Despite the beer-centric theme, the vibe is not a rowdy bar, but a true gastropub atmosphere: upbeat yet relaxing. Soft Edison lights and natural wood accents give it a rustic-modern feel, and you’ll often hear the happy buzz of conversation among friends and families. (Yes, it’s family-friendly too – you’ll see kids with parents enjoying a meal, not just adults at the bar.)
Seating and Space: Guests have plenty of seating options. There are classic high-top tables and a long bar inside, as well as booths and communal tables for groups. During warmer months, the outdoor patio is a highlight – it’s spacious and even heated, allowing year-round al fresco dining. Strings of lights and overhead heaters make the patio a cozy spot on cool evenings, and on sunny days it’s perfect for enjoying a cold local brew in the open air. Whether you visit for a casual business lunch or a relaxed date night, the restaurant can accommodate; one local patron said The Barley Merchant is ideal for anything from “a business lunch [to] hang with friends [or] date night”. The layout and friendly ambiance make it easy to have a conversation without shouting, but lively enough that you feel part of a community gathering.
Live Music & Hospitality: Adding to the ambiance is the regular schedule of live music. Every Tuesday evening, The Barley Merchant hosts “Music at The Merch,” featuring local musicians playing jazz, acoustic, or indie tunes that enhance the vibe without overpowering it. Patrons love these live music nights – it’s not every day you find a taproom where you can sip a craft IPA while enjoying talented local bands. The staff also contribute greatly to the atmosphere. Service is known to be friendly and knowledgeable about the beers. In fact, the team’s philosophy is rooted in “genuine hospitality” – they want each guest to feel cared for by a passionate team. This personal touch often starts at the top: the owner, Tim LaHay, is frequently seen mingling with customers. Locals appreciate seeing the owner on the floor, and there are even stories of him bringing a round of free drinks to tables that had a longer wait than expected. Little gestures like that reinforce the sense that The Barley Merchant treats you like a valued neighbor, not just a customer.
Overall, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between a lively craft beer bar and a comfortable community restaurant. It’s the kind of place where beer enthusiasts, families, and date-night couples all feel equally at home – a true “vibrant restaurant with a BC craft exclusive bar and an elevated from-scratch menu” as its profile aptly states. The combination of thoughtful decor, pleasant acoustics (even the bustling nights aren’t too loud), and welcoming service makes the experience memorable long after you’ve left.
Community Initiatives
What truly sets The Barley Merchant apart is how deeply embedded in the local community it has become. From day one, the mission was to celebrate local craft producers – a principle embodied in their motto “We Serve BC”, as they pour only independent BC beers and spirits. But supporting “local” goes far beyond the beverages. Over the past few years, The Barley Merchant has actively participated in events and partnerships that enrich the Langley community and support neighbors. It’s no exaggeration to call it a community hub. Here are a few ways The Barley Merchant engages with and gives back to Langley:
- Live Local Music Nights: As mentioned, every Tuesday the restaurant shines a spotlight on local talent by hosting live music. This not only entertains guests, but also gives Langley-area musicians a stage and regular gig. It’s become a beloved weekly event for patrons to gather and enjoy the arts in a casual setting. Many in the community appreciate having a venue that consistently supports local artists.
- Langley Craft Beverage Week: The Barley Merchant has been an enthusiastic participant in the annual Langley Craft Beverage Week, which celebrates the area’s breweries, wineries, and cideries. In 2023, they partnered with Tourism Langley to host a marquee event called “Craft & Canapés” – a sold-out evening that brought together local craft drink makers and the restaurant’s culinary team. Guests were greeted with a special collaboration brew (created with brewing students from KPU university and Barley Merchant staff), and treated to a menu of 20 new bite-sized dishes crafted just for the occasion. Even local high school students from Walnut Grove Secondary helped in the kitchen, gaining experience. This event showcased The Barley Merchant’s commitment to fostering local talent and gave the community a chance to “drink local” and “eat local” in one immersive experience. It was such a hit that it reinforced the restaurant’s reputation as a central player in Langley’s craft scene.
- Langley Loop & Local Breweries: As a proud supporter of Langley’s breweries, The Barley Merchant helped launch the Langley Loop initiative – uniting all eight craft breweries in the area. In the 2024-25 hockey season, they even teamed up with the local WHL hockey team (Vancouver Giants) to bring those beers to the wider public. Branded as “Barley Merchant Presents: The Langley Loop” at the Langley Events Centre, the taproom curated a special concession stand featuring beers from each of the eight Langley breweries during Giants games. This partnership meant hockey fans could sample a diverse selection of true local brews at games, from a crisp Helles Lager to a fruity sour – all curated by The Barley Merchant team. By extending their reach into the sports arena, the restaurant not only promoted local breweries but also cemented its status as an ambassador for Langley’s craft beer identity.
- Charity and Fundraising: Perhaps most importantly, The Barley Merchant has shown a big heart for local charities. During the holiday season, they spearheaded a Langley-wide charity drive in collaboration with the Langley Loop breweries and distilleries. On a December weekend, the entire local craft community (breweries, a cidery, a distillery, and The Barley Merchant) coordinated a one-day donation drive across all their locations. Residents were encouraged to drop off unwrapped toys, non-perishable food, or cash donations at any participating spot – including The Barley Merchant – to support organizations like the Langley Food Bank, Langley Christmas Bureau, Kimz Angels, and Baby Go Round. This collaborative effort, inspired by a local philanthropist’s initiative, showed how the restaurant doesn’t just exist in the community, but actively works to improve it. Beyond this big event, the taproom has also hosted smaller fundraisers (for example, partnering with craft industry folks on charity nights) and often uses its social media to spotlight local causes.
These initiatives illustrate why The Barley Merchant is cherished as more than just a place to eat or drink. It consistently leverages its success to give back and connect people. The owner and staff’s presence at community events, their support for other local businesses, and their welcoming attitude have all made a positive impact. As one article fittingly called it, The Barley Merchant is “a gathering place for craft enthusiasts & those who support local”, taking pride in “supporting [the] community” in everything they do.
A Local Favorite, Through and Through
Talk to any Langley local, and chances are they’ve been to The Barley Merchant or heard glowing reviews. The sentiment around town (and online) is overwhelmingly positive – people love having a spot that encapsulates Langley’s friendly, craft-loving spirit. “The Barley Merchant is my favourite place in Langley,” one customer wrote, praising it as a go-to for lunch with colleagues just as much as for an evening out with friends. That versatility and consistent excellence have endeared it to the community.
In summary, The Barley Merchant has earned its status as a local favorite by excelling on all fronts: top-quality food and drinks that highlight local flavors, an ambiance that makes everyone feel at home, and a genuine investment in the Langley community’s well-being. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a foodie looking for your next great meal, or simply someone who values community, The Barley Merchant delivers an experience that truly lets you “drink it all in”– and Langley couldn’t be prouder to call it their own.
Let’s Keep Talking:
Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.
She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.
She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jhansen@waypoint.ca. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/. Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social
Let’s Meet Up:
Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4
Tags: #Jenny Holly Hansen #The Barley Merchant #Langley is Awesome #Best Craft Beer Bar #We Serve BC #Langley Craft Beverage Week #Langley Loop
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