Perhaps you can’t decide where to go on your next date-night, or are struggling to find an affordable, convenient location to meet up with family and friends. Either way, New Westminster Station is the perfect go-to shopping, dining, and entertainment hub!
Located directly on the skytrain route, it is easy to pass by without a second look. However, thanks to the addition of the “Shops at New West” completed in 2012, this corner of New Westminster has received quite the transformation, and is definitely worth exploring.
One of the top reasons to visit the Shops at New West is because it is home to Landmark Cinemas. Due to Landmark, the days of paying  $12.50 for a movie are over!
The regular adult admission price is just $10.00, however if you make a visit before 6pm, tickets are only $8. For students the deal is even sweeter. With a valid student ID, tickets are only $6 to $8. Additionally, they beat Cineplex’s Tuesday deal, with their $5 Tuesday movies! You can even purchase Landmark Cinemas’ movie tickets at a discounted price from certain local Costco’s.
After your movie you can then head to one of the various eateries at the station. With fast food options including Subway, Extreme Pita, and Fresh Slice Pizza you won’t go home hungry! If you’re making a quick stop, there’s also a Starbucks and Tim Hortons!
Of course, if you just want to satisfy a craving for something sweet, there is also the Nestle Toll House Café by Chip (one of only two in BC), which has various chocolate delicacies from cookies to ice cream! There is also the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory with bakery items in all forms.
However, if you are seeking a sit-down meal the place to visit is The Old Spaghetti Factory, located directly across from Tim Horton’s on the lower level of the shops. Unlike many modern restaurants, the interior of The Old Spaghetti Factory embodies life as it was in the past, and takes you back in time with its old photos and décor. Even the menus feature photos of old New West, and a short write-up on the town’s history, making your dining experience a little more educational than usual.
As the name hints, the Factory’s specialty is indeed spaghetti, so if it’s your first visit you HAVE to give it a try! A personal favourite off the menu, is the Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese (eating spaghetti without sauce may seem odd, but it is surprisingly flavourful)!
The restaurant is also known for their “it’s all included” meals, which come with your choice of minestrone soup or a salad to start, spumoni ice cream, and the freshly baked all-you-can-eat bread (you could probably eat numerous loafs in one seating if you didn’t restrain yourself). Before taxes and gratuities this will come to approximately $12 for a 4-course spaghetti meal, a price that is sure to leave both your stomach and wallet content.
Sound like the perfect night out? For more details, head to the webpage for the Shops at New West here: shopsatnewwest.com
 Written by: Kerri J