Hailey
Something new is cooking on Goldstream Avenue in Langford. The much-loved Darcy’s Westshore Pub, affectionately called “Larcy’s” by regulars, has closed its chapter after nearly a decade of serving late-night food, drinks, and live music.
But in its place, a fresh idea has taken root. The new name is Emporia, and with it comes a different vision – one that combines good food, family-friendly service, and a stage for local artists.
Owned by Jesse and Jennifer Sugarman, Emporia promises to be more than just a pub. With over 25 years of experience in community pubs, Jesse wants to create a neighborhood hub where people can share meals, enjoy live performances, and connect with the community.
From Darcy’s Westshore to Emporia
Darcy’s was a popular nightlife spot in Langford since 2014. Known for its live music and party crowd, it built loyal customers and memories. But when the pub was sold, Jesse and Jennifer saw an opportunity.
They scouted Langford and immediately felt the community spirit. Their goal wasn’t to erase Darcy’s history but to add a new chapter – one that welcomes families, artists, and food lovers under one roof.
A Community-Driven Vision
According to Jesse, the heart of Emporia is being a local neighborhood pub and community hub. Their core focus is simple:
- Fresh food made in-house
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Affordable family-friendly menu
- A stage for artists and musicians
Local Partnerships and Fresh Food
Emporia has already partnered with local food producers like:
- Roaming Raven Farm (Metchosin)
- West Coast Mycology
- Bagga Pasta (Esquimalt)
- Sooke Trout
This not only supports local farmers and businesses but also ensures customers enjoy fresh, quality meals at reasonable prices.
Jesse even joked, “The amount of food you get for 22 bucks is pretty insane here.”
Not Just About Food – A Stage for Artists
While food is the foundation, Emporia also plans to become a hub for local talent. Jesse wants to give musicians, painters, writers, and performers a stage to share their work.
The name Emporia comes from the Latin word emporium, meaning a place where ideas, goods, and services are exchanged. True to this meaning, the pub aims to be a cultural meeting point.
Planned events include:
- Local music nights on Thursdays
- DJs on Fridays and Saturdays
- An open mic night coming soon
Family-Friendly Focus
One of the biggest changes Emporia brings is its family focus. Unlike Darcy’s, families can now bring kids to enjoy burgers, pasta, and other meals.
- Daytime and early evenings: Family-friendly dining
- After 9 PM: Fun party spot for adults
Jesse explains: “At Darcy’s you couldn’t bring kids. Now, families can watch a game or share a meal together. That’s our number one goal.”
Honoring Darcy’s Legacy
Even though Emporia is different, Jesse respects Darcy’s loyal fan base. Many former staff members are still part of the new venture, keeping a sense of continuity.
Jesse acknowledges that some customers miss Darcy’s: “We’re not trying to erase those memories. We’re creating a positive space to write new ones.”
What’s on the Menu?
Everything at Emporia is made from scratch, even the ketchup. The menu includes:
| Food Category | Examples | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers | Classic beef, veggie options | Made in-house |
| Pasta | Partnered with Bagga Pasta | Fresh, local |
| Seafood | Trout from Sooke | Locally sourced |
| Family Meals | Kid-friendly combos | Affordable |
| Pub Favorites | Wings, fries, snacks | Large portions |
Community Response So Far
The early reaction has been very positive. Families are excited about a new space where their kids are welcome, and locals appreciate the effort to source food locally.
Jesse knows it will take time to win over Darcy’s die-hard fans, but his message is clear: Emporia is about adding, not replacing.
Emporia is more than just a restaurant – it’s a community space where families can share meals, artists can showcase their talent, and friends can gather for a good time.
By honoring Darcy’s past while creating a fresh future, Jesse and Jennifer Sugarman are bringing something truly unique to Langford’s food scene. With locally sourced food, affordable menus, and live entertainment, Emporia is set to become a favorite destination for both families and night-out seekers.