Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/810732
tourismvancouver.com 21 CRISTOPHER FLETT (POURHOUSE), NICLI ANTICA PIZZERIA, COURTESY CHILL WINSTON, TVAN/NELSON MOUELLIC (ASK FOR LUIGI), RISHAD DAROOWALA, SECRET LOCATION SHOP Designer row: Versace Home Store adds an extra cool factor to Gastown's growing hub of high-end homeware – and this flagship is the luxury brand's first one worldwide. Head to Inform Interiors for modern brands like Flexform, Vitra and Bensen (designed by founder Niels Bendsten). Fashionable fix: Lifestyle boutique and fashion mecca Secret Location offers dozens of exclusive international brands. LUMAS on Water St. is a Gastown Vancouver's original 'hood has hip eateries, hot boutiques and haute home furnishings V ancouver's oldest neighbourhood with cobblestone-street charm is named aer John "Gassy Jack" Deighton, a ribald seaman who opened the first saloon here in 1867. Pay tribute to his statue on the corner of Water and Carrall streets opposite the iconic flatiron building (both are #veryvancouver selfie spots), then explore the narrow lanes and brickwork of what's now a National Historic Site of Canada. 3 Drink: The Settlement Building is a converted warehouse that's home to the The Belgard Kitchen, where you can taste wares from Postmark Brewing (try the citrusy West Coast Pale Ale) and Vancouver Urban Winery. 2 See: Ice Box Gallery showcases local artwork in what was once cold storage for the fish industry. WORTH THE DETOUR Three reasons to head east on Alexander St. to the historic warehouse district of Railtown. temple to photography, representing work from international artists. EAT Between fashion and homeware shopping, refuel at Pourhouse Restaurant. It has sexy speakeasy style and a menu to match (hello, rabbit terrine with mustard and bread and butter pickles). Nicli Antica Pizzeria brings a slice of Italy to Vancouver as the city's first VPN–certified Neapolitan pizzeria (gluten-free dough is an option). DRINK Gastown also has a burgeoning brew scene, in beans. While exploring the streetscape get caffeinated at Milano Gastown. The long-standing local pioneer in coffee-making and -roasting has an espresso tasting bar, where you can try an award-winning miscela. 1 Eat: Ask for Luigi, a no-reservation spot tucked into a white-clapboard building, serves fare like wild boar ragu and fried brussels sprouts and stracciatella cheese. For something stronger, go to Chill Winston for creative craft cocktails such as the Ritual Sacrifice, made with Victoria Gin, Aperol, grapefruit tea, lemon and peach bitters. Then wander outside and down the stairs to Guilt & Co. where live music goes well with its inventive cocktails, like the A Little Rain. Secret Location Pourhouse Restaurant and pasta dish (right) ON SCREEN: Scenes from the steamy Fifty Shades of Grey movies were filmed in Gastown. Nicli Antica Pizzeria Ritual Sacrifice cocktail