YLW restaurant wins gold at FABs

World class food and award-winning flavours are on your boarding pass at the Kelowna International Airport. 

The newly renovated Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar at YLW was named the “Airport Bar or Pub of the Year” at the Airport Food & Beverage and Hospitality Awards (FAB) hosted in Bengaluru, India last week.  These awards are presented once a year and is the only global airport food and beverage event encompassing all aspects of airport food and beverage, lounges and other related hospitality services. 

Over 450 entries were submitted to the FAB awards across 25 different categories.  Ellison Field Taphouse was included in the <20 million passengers category and was presented the gold medal beating out other nominees including eateries from New Zealand, Edinburgh and Bahrain. 

“This is an incredible honour for our community,” says Sam Samaddar, CEO of the Kelowna International Airport.  “This recognition displays the commitment of our Airport partners, in bringing a true taste of place celebrating local flavours, producers and community spirit of the Okanagan.”

Since January, Ellison Field Taphouse reflects how the Okanagan gathers: casually, sociably and with a strong connection to what is made nearby.  Built in partnership with the BC Ale Trail, Ellison Field Taphouse has a rotating local craft beer lineup with a direct, drinkable connection to Okanagan breweries and wineries. The food menu is a perfect mix of satisfying a quick bite before climbing aboard a flight or if you have more time, a comprehensive collection of menu items to pair beautifully with an Okanagan favourite. 

To be eligible to win the Airport Bar or Pub of the Year, Ellison Field Taphouse needed to highlight six important factors in which they were successfully judged on including:

• Atmosphere
• Beverage Selection
• Presentation
• Comfort and Space
• Authenticity
• Customer Feedback

“Ellison Field Taphouse brings the spirit of the Okanagan into YLW through local breweries, regional wines, and a relaxed, welcoming bar experience,” says Rich Wilson, Vice President, Brands and Concepts of SSP Canada. “It gives travelers a true taste of place while honoring the airport’s history and showcasing the community, culture, and flavors that make this region special.”

Ellison Field Taphouse is located pre-security allowing anyone to stop by to enjoy without a boarding pass.  Whether you're travelling, cycling the Rail Trail, or in the neighbourhood, stop in and taste this global award-winning taphouse.

About SSP Canada:

SSP Canada is a leading operator of food and beverage concepts in travel locations, renowned for bringing the region’s culinary character—and a true taste of place—to airports. Drawing on deep aviation expertise, SSP creates and operates a diverse portfolio of local, national, and international brands tailored to the needs of travellers and airport partners. SSP Canada is equally committed to fostering an inclusive culture of care where colleagues can thrive and deliver welcoming hospitality at every step of the journey.

Ryan Watters
YLW Media/Communications Advisor 
Kelowna International Airport