I love hanging out at the Drake Hotel in Toronto. There is so much do to there that you could have a completely different experience each time you go. There is the Café which serves what I think are the city’s best chicken and waffles, the Sky Yard where you can enjoy a meal or just drinks under the stars, the Underground where you can catch a concert, a comedy show, or even a film screening, and a main restaurant with just some really good food.
The Drake Hotel is just a fun place to hang out, and usually has something to do whatever your mood is. It’s a fun, cozy spot that is always buzzing with something exciting happening.
After a two year restoration of a late 1800 year old building, the Drake Devonshire located in Prince Edward Country is set to open it’s doors on September 15th, and I’m kind of excited about it!
Prince Edward County is two hours away from Toronto, and all I have heard lately is buzz about the amazing wine and atmosphere this area has to offer. Twice a year I head down to Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tours, and I have been itching to switch it up and head to Prince Edward County. Now that the Drake Devonshire is opening, this is totally happening sooner than later!
The Drake Devonshire will be open for business September 15th, but the actual grand opening will be in Spring 2015. By that time you will find a the Creekside Deck built, and cabanas situated near the water.
Until then you will find the Drake Devonshire is ready to host you with eleven rooms, and two suites. One of the suites will be a two bedroom loft-like space, while the other will be called the Owner’s Suite and will sit above the beach with a custom brick fireplace. How cozy does this sound? The rooms will feature Malin + Goetz toiletry products, free Wi-fi, and the Drake Pleasure Menu.
On site you will find the Glass Box ping pong room with beautiful glass walls overlooking the lake, a Pavilion where special events, fall markets and wine tastings will take place, a covered bar and deck, an expansive outdoor patio, and a fire pit.
Some of the cocktail creations from the Drake Devonshire
The lobby of the Devonshire will features a micro Drake General Store. I love checking out the Drake General store in Toronto for fun and original gifts. I always seem to find some strange item that I’ve never seen before, but wonder how I have survived this far without it.
One of the things I associate the most with the Drake Hotel is the food, and it seems like the Drake Devonshire won’t disappoint!
Seafood Chowder:
Shrimp, scallops, fish, crab + grilled corn
$22
Farmer’s Lunch:
Assorted house made charcuterie with traditional garnishes
$17
Beef on Weck:
Slow braised tri-tip of beef, pepperonata, gruyere, caramelized onions, horseradish & mustard on a soft caraway bun
$20
Chef Matt DeMille has created a farm- and lake-to-table menu with all-time Drake favourites alongside new Devonshire dishes. Local wines will be featured on the menus as well.
Drake Breakfast:
Fried eggs, hash browns, roasted tomatoes, banger, baked beans
$12.95
Cobb Salad:
Rotisserie chicken, blue cheese, apple, tarragon dressing, Vicki’s arugula + crispy bacon
$15
Highline Mushroom’s on toast:
With pickled eggplant & herbs
$15 + add smoked trout $4
I’m excited to visit this hotel, and it seems like it doesn’t matter which season I go because there will be something to do. I love visiting wineries in the fall because they are less busy than the summer months, and Prince Edward Country offers excursions like fishing, cross-country skiing, art tours, and of course wine tasting! Drinking is luckily a year-round activity.
The Drake Devonshire is located at 24 Wharf St., Wellington, Prince Edward County. Rates start at $229. Reservation requests are now being accepted for October 1 onward, and can be made at www.drakedevonshire.ca or by calling 1-844-898-3338. Dining is available for guests from 7:30 a.m. through to midnight, from opening day.
For more information, visit www.thedrakehotel.ca
