Cordova Bay’s Beach House closes, owner retires

📸: The Beach House / Facebook

Formerly known as McMorran’s Pavillion, The Beach House Restaurant in Cordova Bay officially closed this past Sunday, in light of the owner’s retirement.

Throughout the decades, McMorran’s and The Beach House had been the site for many celebrations, weddings, and events—as well as casual brunches, lunches, and dinners.

It’s always been a third room, of sorts.

In the early 1920s, it began as a general store; and at some point during the mid-century, it became a community hub for residents to enjoy dinner, drinks, and dancing.

It’s an institution that has, amazingly, only gone through one key change of ownership—to Kate Phoenix in 2011. In 2012, Phoenix changed the name to The Beach House restaurant.

For over a decade, Phoenix operated the restaurant, venue, and event space at 5109 Cordova Bay Rd., and patrons have expressed fond memories in light of the owner’s retirement.

“I have had some great dinners and an untold number of lattes and almond croissants, followed by [a number of] walks on the beach,” Barbara Hager expressed on social media. “My son's senior prom was here and … my daughter's grad dinner.”

Hailey Brown, the site coordinator for events at The Beach House, told Tasting Victoria she was aware Phoenix was going to retire for two years.

In January, the property, alongside several other parcels surrounding it, was listed. It’s a uniquely positioned property with stunning views, sitting on two waterfront lots, and the properties are currently on the market for $5.5 million.

The Beach House Restaurant said that patrons with remaining gift card balances will be refunded. Contact them here.

Tasting Victoria has reached out to Phoenix for comment, and will update the story once available.