To mark public voting for our travel photography competition, Your Secret Cities, photographer Jennilee Marigomen tours Vancouver, British Columbia, with Inventory founder and Editor-in-Chief Ryan Willms. With its dedicated team headquartered in the Canadian city’s historic Gastown district, Inventory has in recent years emerged as the last word on contemporary craftsmanship and understated chic. Championing heritage-focused brands such as Visvim, Margaret Howell, Engineered Garments and Yuketen with behind-the-scenes exclusives and interviews, the magazine highlights the authentic workmanship that goes into today’s classic menswear. “What really separates Inventory is the depth and integrity of the brand, to remain true to our tastes, aesthetic and beliefs,” explains Willms. “We've always just tried to make the magazine we would want to read. The same general rule applies to our retail.” After the success of his traditional and online publishing platforms, Willms established the Stockroom just a few meters from the Inventory office. Defined by industrial lighting, exposed brick and minimal décor—no hunting-cabin Americana in sight—the store offers a carefully selected range of outdoorsman-inspired brands alongside Inventory’s own collaborations with the likes of designer Mark McNairy, Viberg boots and Mt. Rainier Design. Here Willms shares his tips on where to find the Inventory attitude in Vancouver.
Nelson the Seagull
Since landing in May 2010, Nelson the Seagull has literally been fueling Inventory. Everyday we go here for coffee, lunch and tea. The people are friendly, the food is fresh and the atmosphere is just right.
315 Carrall Street, Gastown, Vancouver, BC; Tel: 604-681-5776
Finch’s Tea House
Because it's a bit of a walk from our office, Finch's is often a special treat. With a great selection of sandwiches and homemade soups, it's definitely worth the trip from any part of town.
353 West Pender, at the corner of Homer, Vancouver, BC
Lee’s Donuts
Lee's has been making delicious donuts daily for nearly 30 years. It's a great place because they keep it classic and don't try to do new things for the sake of it. The old fashioned plain donut is always a good choice.
Granville Island Public Market, 1689 Johnston Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3R9; Tel: 604-666-5784
Six Acres is easy to miss during the day but when the curtain gets pulled up in the evening, the perfect sanctuary is revealed. Their selection of beers is complimented by a simple but interesting menu, making it the ideal place to retire after a long day at work.
The Sea Wall
The Sea Wall is arguably the most beautiful 10km run in the world. It's only minutes from downtown Vancouver and the trail around Stanley Park showcases almost all of the city's natural beauty. Perfect to walk, ride or run at any time of year.
The Belmont Barber Shop
The only place I get my hair cut. Owner and master barber Dustin Fishbone does a great job and runs a tight ship.
111 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1W1; Tel: 604-568-6238
Macleod’s Books
Described as "the last great bookshop," Macleod's have been in their current location since 1982 and have sold books for as little as a $1, and as much as $40,000. Visiting for the first time, you won't quite know where to start, so we'd recommend going with a few hours to spare.
455 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1V2; Tel: 604-681-7654
Zulu Records
Zulu Records might be a little further afield, but their wide selection of new and used vinyl, and range of vintage stereo equipment, always make the trip a worthwhile one.
1972 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6J 1M5; Tel: 604-738-3232
Super Champion
This bicycle shop opened around the same time I moved to Vancouver. From the beginning, I visited them for tune-ups, vintage parts and advice. The staff is extremely knowledgable and they usually have a good selection of vintage Italian components.
245 Main Street, Vancouver, BC; Tel: 604-689-3610