By Matt Weingarden – Staff Reporter
You don’t have to cross the pond to get an authentic British pub experience.
Tecumseh’s Sir Richard’s Wine and Alehouse, located at 11828 Tecumseh Rd. E, is open for business post pandemic. But, it hasn’t been an easy path to forge.
Just as the newly knighted English style pub opened for business, the pandemic hit, forcing owner/operator Neil Vaseleniuck to re-think his business plan and to move to take-out meal options.
It was a bit of a bumpy start with Neil having to buy his partner out and do some realignment.
He made the decision to see the project through, starting with indoor renovations and adding a large outdoor patio with deck, garden and waterfall at the 11828 Tecumseh Rd. East location.
What makes Sir Richard’s a destination?
“Well, it already had the look and feel of an English pub,” said Vaseleniuck. “You don’t see a lot of places with pub fare, we wanted to present high end menu options in a tradition atmosphere.”
If you are a fan of local music, Sir Richards offers entertainment every Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.
“We offer some great food and drink at reasonable prices, considering there are a number of restaurant options along Tecumseh Road,” said Vaseleniuck. “We also have nice steady support from our regulars.”
And, the menu?
The pub is in the midst of tweaking its menu, after the recent addition of general manager Rick Wilkinson, who brings vast culinary experience working at Caesars Windsor and two local golf courses.
“I love a pub,” said Wilkinson, a graduate of the St. Clair College Culinary Program. “It’s a fun place to hang out, have a few drinks and order some food.”
Wilkinson says that offering tradition pub fare such as classic fish and chips, sandwiches and wraps…as well as the classic roast beef dinner. A new specialty includes a chicken club with all the fixings.
“Its just wholesome good food at a fair price,” Wilkinson said. “We envision a comfortable place with a family friendly atmosphere, a place that customers can come a couple of times a week….or enjoy everyday.”
Wilkinson’s philosophy as a chef?
“I like to keep it simple and consistent. Use wholesome ingredients with a focus on keeping it local as possible…and prepare it very well,” said Wilkinson, who recommends the battered fish made with an in-house brewed beer.”
“We had a women come three times last week just for the fish,” laughed Wilkinson. “That makes me happy and tells me we’re doing it right.”
The pub recently started offering a popular breakfast menu on the weekends.
Wilkinson believes in building a solid team of employees both in the kitchen and front of house.
“It’s important for staff to be happy…that happiness is contagious. We’re building a staff that believes in helping one another based on mutual respect,” added Wilkinson.
Vaseleniuck adds that they are a very sports – oriented pub, entertaining post-game hockey, baseball and soccer teams. Sir Richards also boasts 14 indoor televisions and two on the patio – carrying all major sporting events.
“We have a solid group of British ex-pats that regularly stop in to catch the latest football matches,” said Vaseleniuck. “Especially around tournament time….you won’t miss a game here.”
Vaseleniuck is a long-time entrepreneur, who owned a restaurant in Nova Scotia. He moved back to his hometown of Windsor and opened up “Cheers to You,” an award- winning fermentation estate to make your own wine.
Vaseleniuck is a big supporter of community, serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rotary Club.
He recently created the Knight’s Wish Foundation, dedicated to his daughter Olivia, who passed away last November. Vaseleniuck has started an annual golf tournament in her memory, which will take place on Saturday Sept. 24.
He says that applications for the tourney are still being accepted and can be found at the pub or online.
“Money raised from this year’s event will go towards building new classrooms for children in Tanzania,” he added.
Drop in and try a Bumbling Knight Porter:
Vaseleniuck says he’s looking forward to the next phase in the pub’s growth planning to offer wine on tap and continuing to offer beer brewed on location.
“We currently offer the Bumbling Knights Porter and the Branson Blonde,” said Vaseleniuck.
Stay tuned for information regarding a weekend outdoor market to be held on the restaurant grounds.
“It’s the perfect atmosphere with a neighbourhood feel,” said Vaseleniuck. “Come out and give us a try!”
Check out their website at sirrichards.net or on Facebook at Sir Richard’s Wine and Alehouse.
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