Nestled in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Gastown lies a culinary landmark not just known for its delicious meals, but also for its resident phantoms. The Old Spaghetti Factory, with its charming antiques and unique setting in the former headquarters of W.H. Malkin Co. Ltd., is a place where the past and present merge, and the spectral residents are as much a part of the establishment as the furniture.
The Tram Conductor’s Eternal Shift
The first and most renowned ghost of the Old Spaghetti Factory is the spirit of a tram conductor. This spectral figure is often seen in the old trolley car parked inside the restaurant, which now serves as a quirky dining area. Tram Number 53, part of the British Columbia Electric Railway Company’s fleet, had a long service history before being decommissioned and finding its final resting place in the restaurant. The conductor, always appearing in uniform, is seen seated at the same dining table inside the streetcar, usually late at night after the restaurant has closed. Staff have reported place settings moved and inexplicable cold spots within the trolley, adding to the eerie ambiance.
Looky-loo, the Mischievous Red Man
The second resident ghost is a playful, mischievous spirit known affectionately as the Little Red Man or Looky-loo. With his ruddy face and bright red hair, this dwarfish figure is a devilish prankster, known for calling out to staff members by name and strolling through the kitchen. His favorite antic, however, is startling female customers in the ladies’ washroom. The story of two women encountering him, only for him to disappear without a trace and appear as a blur in a photograph, adds to his mysterious legend.
Edward, the Boy with Empty Eyes
The third ghost is a young boy named Edward, as identified by a psychic who visited the restaurant. Edward’s presence became known in 2012 when he gave a female server a fright she would never forget. She saw him running towards the back of the restaurant and under a table. When she approached, she was terrified to see that his eye sockets were empty. Edward is also believed to be responsible for bending cutlery and rearranging furniture in the restaurant, often leaving the staff to find chairs placed on tables and cutlery twisted in unusual ways.
The Little Girl with a Balloon
The fourth and equally enigmatic ghost is that of a little girl seen sitting at a table in the front window, holding a balloon. Her identity and story remain a mystery, but she has been known to interact with guests. On one occasion, a patron had a conversation with her, during which she revealed she was looking for her mother, only to vanish when the patron looked away for a moment.
These spectral residents of the Old Spaghetti Factory in Vancouver weave a rich tapestry of mystery and history into the fabric of the restaurant. They are a reminder of the stories and memories that linger in historic places, bridging the gap between the past and present. Whether these tales send a shiver down your spine or bring a sense of intrigue, they undoubtedly add an extra flavor to the dining experience at this iconic Gastown establishment.
So next time you’re in Vancouver and fancy a plate of pasta, remember that at the Old Spaghetti Factory, you might just be dining with more than just the living. The stories of these ghostly inhabitants continue to fascinate and entertain, making this restaurant a must-visit for both foodies and ghost hunters alike.