4 new Vancouver shops and restaurants to check out in May

Credit: Westin Grand Vancouver

Hendricks has a good view of Library Square off Robson

The latest in the world of lifestyle—from retail to restaurants

1. Hendricks Resto-Lounge

The new 98-seat Hendricks Resto-Lounge occupies the Westin Grand hotel’s upper lobby overlooking Library Square in downtown Vancouver. What’s a resto-lounge? It’s a 1,300-square-foot space with a cocktail bar and a full-service restaurant, plus live music or a DJ twice a week.

2. Lab at Nordstrom

Vancouver’s Nordstrom Pacific Centre now has an incubator project to showcase and support new designers. Called the Lab, it’s one of only two in Canada and five worldwide.

3. Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim

Botanist, Fairmont Pacific Rim’s new restaurant in Vancouver, also includes a lab–for developing cocktails–along with a bar, dining room, champagne lounge and garden, all inspired by botanical principles. The second-floor space, expected to open last month, replaces Oru.

4. An improved minibar at the Opus Hotel

Guests at the Opus Hotel in Vancouver’s Yaletown can now get a taste of B.C. without leaving their room. Minibars offer a selection of local beers, spirits, spiked coffee and other goodies.