John Mitchell Chef & Brewer Series

“Great Beer Should be Enjoyed with Great Food”

VANCOUVER, BC, AUGUST 12TH, 2026 – The prestigious John Mitchell Award for Brewing Excellence is proud to introduce the inaugural event for the JOHN MITCHELL CHEF & BREWER SERIES.

ORIGIN STORY

In 1982, Alexander John Mitchell started an economic and cultural revolution when he pioneered Canada’s first craft brewery in Horseshoe Bay, BC.

Two years later, John Mitchell, and his partner Paul Hadfield, changed the brewing and hospitality industry forever when they opened Spinnakers, the first purpose-built brew pub in North America.

Today, we are honoring John Mitchell’s historic legacy through a series of industry awards, educational scholarships, major collaborations and one-of-a-kind culinary and craft beer dinners and special events.

ABOUT JOHN MITCHELL CHEF & BREWER SERIES

The John Mitchell Chef & Brewer Series is a new program that connects BC’s top chefs with professional brewers. Together, they will collaborate and host one-of-a-kind culinary and craft beer dinners, and other special events, at a variety of settings and locations throughout the province of BC.

The series is part of the John Mitchell Award for Brewing Excellence and is based on John’s philosophy that beer should be enjoyed with food.

John Mitchell was a trained executive chef, restauranter, publican and master brewer. He believed that pairing beer with food elevates the drinking and dining experience more than any other beverage. The vast array of malts, hops, yeasts and carbonation in beer provide unique tools to cut through rich foods, cleanse the palate, and compliment flavors in ways that enhance every bite and sip.

EVENT DETAILS

The inaugural John Mitchell Chef & Brewery Series event is a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between the historic Vancouver Club in downtown Vancouver and Four Winds Beach House and Brewery in Delta, BC. The event will take place on September 15th, 2026, at the Vancouver Club’s rooftop lounge.

This highly exclusive event will accommodate 48 guests: 38 tickets will be made available to Vancouver Club members and ten tickets available for non-Vancouver Club members. Four Winds Beach House and Brewery will award 2-4 tickets to the winners of a special social media contest.

PARTICIPANTS

Four Winds Brewing Co. opened in 2013 with a vision rooted in community, craft beer excellence, and independence. Four Winds is owned and operated by the Mills family and has grown into one of Canada’s most acclaimed and respected breweries. They operate two locations in the Lower Mainland: the original taproom and taco shop and the Four Winds Beach House and Brewery. The Beach House is where patrons can sample a variety of beers with a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu.

Founded in 1889, The Vancouver Club is one of Canada’s most distinguished private clubs. Housed in its landmark Georgian Revival clubhouse in the heart of downtown Vancouver since 1913, the Club has been a gathering place for leaders in business, culture, and the community for more than 135 years. Today, it continues to evolve as a modern destination for exceptional dining, connection, and hospitality.

IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATIONS

Collaborations are at the heart of the culinary and and craft beer culture. These practices not only lead to unique and innovative food and beer but also foster a strong sense of community among brewers, restaurants and consumers alike.

PAYING IT FORWARD

The John Mitchell Chef & Brewer Series is a not-for-profit undertaking. Proceeds from the John Mitchell Chef & Brewer Series benefit the John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma program in Langley, BC. KPU’s program was of particular significance to John Mitchell, who personally visited its Langley BC–based facility to meet students representing the future of BC’s craft brewing industry. The scholarship was established in 2019, after the passing of its trailblazing namesake.

The John Mitchell Chef & Brewer Series highlights the legacy that John created for the next generation of brewers in Canada.

MEDIA EVENT

The John Mitchell Chef & Brewer Series, along with The Vancouver Club and Four Winds Beach House and Brewery, is hosting a special media event on September 15th, 2026, at The Vancouver Club, between the hours of 5-6pm. This event will give media and other special interest groups an opportunity to sample beers and appetizers prior to the Inaugural dinner and to learn more about this historic collaboration. Please RSVP John Ohler to the contact information below.

Cheers and Bon Appetit!

John Ohler

Founder

John Mitchell Legacy Foundation

360-201-5140

Notes to Editors

Media Assets:

For more information about the John Mitchell Award for Brewing Excellence and the John Mitchell Chef & Brewer Series, please visit: https://johnmitchell.beer/media

About Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Based at five campuses across Richmond, Surrey and Langley, KPU offers a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Learn more at kpu.ca.

About KPU Brewing

The KPU Brewing & Brewery Operations Diploma is the only program of its kind in BC, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University was the first Canadian institution recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas for a standard of excellence in brewing education. KPU is recognized as one of the top brewing schools in North America, placing first in 2019 and second in 2021 overall in the US Open College Beer Championship. KPU was awarded Brewery of the Year at the 2019 BC Beer Awards. More recently, a student team won bronze for their Signature Series beer at the 2022 Canadian Brewing Awards. Learn more at kpu.ca/brew.

For more information:

For media and enquiries, contact

Mr. John Ohler, Executive Director

John Mitchell Award for Brewing Excellence

T: 360-201-5140

E: info@johnmitchell.beer

Third-party news items are published as received for informational purposes. Publication does not imply endorsement by the Guild. Please use the contact details within the post for any enquiries.