GENERAL INFORMATION

The Merchant Ale House Restaurant Brewpub originally began as a beer brewing experiment in a basement; however, it did not take long to become one of St Catherines most unique pubs. Located down town on St Paul Street, The Merchant Ale House is a great place to meet up with friends or family for a hearty meal, live entertainment, and some locally brewed beer. Affectionately nick named 'The Merch' by its local patrons; The Merchant Ale House is host to a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff who are always eager to answer any questions or share a sample of the beers.

The Murray Street Brewing Company is the Merchant Ale House's own brand of beer that is brewed onsite, fresh, with no preservatives. The Brewing Company name was forged from the street where the initial vision of the Merchant Ale House began, on Murray Street during the 1990's.

On tap is a variety of beers, ranging from amber ales, lagers, to even berry flavoured brews. Old Time Hockey Ale is an ever popular chocolate malt amber ale, which was the first beer ever produced at the Merchant Ale House. Notoriously favourite is also Blonde Bombshell Blonde. Another crowd pleaser on draught is the Strawberry Blonde Fruit Ale, a surprising sweet blend of The Merchant's blonde ale and real strawberries. For those who enjoy a more distinctive taste there is a full bodied stout on the menu, made with whole flaked oatmeal, roasted barely and chocolate malt. With other beer styles such as an American Wheat Ale, ESB English Bitter, West Coast India Pale Ale, and Dark Wheat American Wheat beer, The Merchant Ale House is sure to turn anybody into a beer connoisseur. In addition throughout the year, the Merchant Ale House staff is proud to pour several seasonal beers including summer's Blueberry Wheat Fruit Beer and Ginger Ale Fruit Beer, The Headless Horseman Pumpkin Ale in the fall, and Nut Brown Ale during the winter months.

If you have worked up an appetite, the Merchant Ale House also serves a full menu for busy lunch and dinner crowds, ranging from appetizers, salads, soups and pub grub. It has been described by staff members and local customers that the restaurant consistently "puts as much into the food as they do the beer". This is reflected through ingredients that are always fresh, never frozen, and often purchase from local producers when applicable. The menu prices are reasonable and the portion sizes are very generous, with consistent quality standards from the kitchen. There are also several different vegetarian options on the menu as well as featured specials announced daily in house.

The rustic wooden tables and interior and large windows facing out onto St Paul Street give The Merchant Ale House the classic feel of the workings man's pub. The Merchant Ale House is known many nights to draw in a large crowd, and often there is a live band playing.