The Olde Angel Inn

Historic Legacy

Step into The Olde Angel Inn, founded around 1789 as the Harmonious Coach House on land granted to the deputy surveyor-general. Originally in Newark, Upper Canada's first capital, it hosted legislators celebrating the world's first anti-slavery act in 1793. Rebuilt in 1815 after burning during the War of 1812, its hand-hewn beams and thick plank floors remain, echoing British soldiers and townsfolk.

Legendary Haunting

Local lore centers on Captain Colin Swayze, a militia officer slain in 1813. Delaying retreat for his true love, he hid in a cellar barrel; American invaders bayoneted it, spilling his blood. Rebuilt by John Ross—who named it after his wife—the inn saw owners like Richard Howard and John Fraser. Ghostly tales from the 1820s include moving objects, phantom laughter, rearranged settings, and footsteps, especially sans British flag.

Pub and Dining Experience

The pub offers authentic British home-style food—think hearty pies, fish and chips—with draft ales and extensive single-malt whiskies. Open daily 11am-1am for dine-in or takeout, it draws locals and travelers. The newly renovated English beer garden is pet- and family-friendly, perfect for outdoor dining amid historic ambiance.

Live Entertainment and Atmosphere

Live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 9:30pm showcases local bands in this, one of Canada's oldest music venues. Low ceilings, brick walls, and cozy wooden tables create an inviting, timeless vibe. Historical figures like John Graves Simcoe, Alexander Mackenzie, Prince Edward, and Thomas Moore once gathered here.

Accommodations and Location

Five quaint rooms above the pub and two cottages in the beer garden grounds provide modern comforts with old-world charm. Centrally located on Regent Street in Historic Old Town, it's steps from Fort George and near Niagara Falls, ideal for exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake's heritage.