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Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Top-notch theatre, music fests and a delightful riverfront: What to do in Stratford — including chef-approved picks
Summer in the city is crowded and sweltering. Use this road trip guide to get out of town and explore the charming places within driving distance of Toronto. Every week, we'll spotlight an Ontario destination, complete with expert picks for how best to enjoy. Happy trails! Most visitors come to town for the drama: namely, the Stratford Festival, famous as North America's largest classical repertory theatre company, which alone is worth the two-hour drive from Toronto. But the picturesque city's creative spirit extends well beyond these stage productions. Stratford also boasts a chef-driven dining scene, shaped by one of Canada's top culinary schools; a pretty, walkable core full of artful boutiques and heritage architecture; and a lively calendar of cultural events, including open-air concerts by the Avon River. Here are some of the best things to do here this summer. Visitors can rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat at the Boathouse, located right on the riverfront. Paddle or cruise the Avon. Winding past green spaces and theatres, the river is Stratford's central gathering place and a hub for picnics, strolls and open-air performances. Rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat at the Boathouse , then glide past the city's famous white mute swans, which are ceremoniously released from their winter shelter each spring. For a more relaxed ride, a 30-minute cruise aboard the Juliet III passes the Tom Patterson Theatre and other waterfront landmarks while a guide details the story of how this quiet stretch of river became key to Stratford's cultural identity. The city's stylish shops include Wills & Prior for home goods. Shop like a stylish designer. You'll find some of Stratford's best boutiques along Ontario Street. Bradshaws , a fixture since 1895, is now helmed by Carrie and Jeremy Wreford, who draw on backgrounds in graphic and set design, respectively. The store is stocked with elegant home goods, from Klippan throws to the latest Le Creuset. Just up the block, Wills & Prior is a beautifully styled homewares shop where you can easily go from 'just browsing' to leaving with linen napkins, ceramic mugs and marble soap dishes. They also carry a small but excellent collection of abstract paintings by Canadian artists Shane Norrie and Julia Balfour. 'Anne of Green Gables' is now playing as part of the Stratford Festival's 2025 season. Book the hottest tickets in town. Launched in 1953 by journalist Tom Patterson, the Stratford Festival has transformed from a local gamble into one of North America's most celebrated theatre festivals. Traditionally running from April to October — this year, select shows will extend to December for the first time ever — it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each season for its mix of Shakespeare, new works and musicals. It's a strong year for red-headed heroines: ' Anne of Green Gables ' has emerged as a hit for its warm, faithful storytelling, and 'Annie' has won over audiences with its high-energy choreography. Find the 'secret' beer garden. With a blink-and-you'll-miss-it entrance tucked behind a tree-lined stretch of Waterloo Street, Bru Garden is easy to overlook. Step through the gate, however, and you'll find a spacious beer garden lined with picnic tables and anchored by a food truck slinging smash burgers, schnitzel and loaded fries. For a local pour, order an English pale ale from Stratford's own Black Swan. Fruity spiked slushies are a fun pick on hot days, and there's a solid lineup of non-alcoholic brews, too. With upbeat music playing and the buzz of a friendly local crowd, it's one of the town's best places to unwind. The MusicBarge at Stratford Summer Music. This year, the festival runs until August 10. Listen to live music around town. The annual Stratford Summer Music festival (on now until Aug. 10) has more than 150 musicians playing 45 concerts in venues across the city, from Celtic tunes on riverside stages to jazz in a former church turned restaurant. Also, on Wednesday evenings until Aug. 27, the Stratford Concert Band fills the Upper Queen's Park Kiwanis Bandshell with symphonic classics, pop hits and marches for its free summer concert series . At the Stratford Perth Museum , licensed outdoor concerts on the lawn range from country acts to rock tributes, with proceeds supporting the museum's programming. The Shakespearean Gardens is one of several gardens in Stratford linked by the Avon River. Stop and smell the flowers. Stratford never misses a chance to evoke its Shakespearean namesake — the Ontario city takes its name from the Bard's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. The Shakespearean Gardens, first planted in the 1930s, originally featured only botanicals from his plays but now includes more than 60 varieties of flowers, herbs and shrubs. Rising over the beds is a 65-foot chimney, the last remnant of the Dufton Woollen Mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1919. To see more of Stratford in bloom, follow the path along the river to the Festival Theatre, where five manicured gardens burst with vibrant day lilies and other flowers. Feast by the fire. Step inside Braai House and you'll be hit with the scent of wood smoke and sizzling meat. Stratford's South African-inspired grill house centres on a live-fire hearth, visible from the sleek dining room. Watch chefs stoke the flames in the open kitchen as you snack on boerewors (juicy beef sausage with tangy chakalaka relish), or grab a seat on the second-floor patio. Mains like black cod and rump steak emerge perfectly seared, but don't overlook the wood-fired pizzas, crisped at the edges and packed with charred flavour. If you stay: Steps from the Avon River, the Bruce Hotel channels English country-manor charm with a modern twist. Its 25 rooms and suites feature elegant details like marble bathrooms, French doors and crystal chandeliers. Dine at the restaurant, where dishes draw inspiration from local farms, or ring the 24/7 cookie hotline to have freshly baked treats delivered to your door. Want more food and drink recommendations in Stratford? Visit for 'Where Chefs Eat,' featuring chef Randi Rudner of the Prune. WHERE CHEFS EAT: Chef Randi Rudner's favourites in Stratford When she's not teaching future culinary stars or co-leading the kitchen at the Prune — a Stratford institution known for its refined, seasonal cooking — chef Randi Rudner knows exactly where to go for a delicious bite. She spent years working under some of the city's most respected chefs, at restaurants like Pazzo Taverna and the now-closed Rundles, and today helps shape Stratford's next generation of talent through her role as a program manager at the Stratford Chefs School . Here, she shares her go-to spots in town. The Starlight : 'It has a retro lounge vibe. They have a really interesting cocktail program and such talented bartenders, but also the kitchen is strong. They've got a killer weekend brunch, and dinner is small plates influenced by local products and the seasons. It's low-key and a really easy place to go have drinks and snacks.' Bluebird Restaurant & Bar : 'It's owned and operated by Aaron and Bronwyn Linley, who have been in the Stratford restaurant scene for a really long time. It's a very pretty restaurant. The menu (offers) familiar ideas articulated through the lens of the travelling that Aaron and Bronwyn do. They've got a cute patio and nice wines and cocktails.' The Relic Lobby Bar : 'It's a fantastic bar with cool, well-balanced cocktails. Ulises (Sanchez), the owner, is super talented and does a lot of community building by hosting guest bartenders from other restaurants and bars. It's a beautiful room that's styled like an expat lobby bar, and they also have a little, secret speakeasy in the basement.' Mercer Kitchen : 'The food is Japanese beer hall-influenced. They have these fried chicken karaage bites that are satisfying any time of day. They have a huge menu and over a dozen rotating beer taps showcasing interesting microbreweries. It's great if you're a beer drinker because they do flights, and the taps sometimes change over the course of a day.' Lovage : 'It's a French market bistro-style restaurant, and the menu changes regularly. Jamie (Crosby), the chef, is unbelievably talented. It has a great patio and a huge and interesting wine list. It's a beautiful room that's comfortable and casual. You can go for a special occasion, but it's also a great spot for a glass of wine on a random Tuesday.'
The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Our UK seaside village is inundated with tourists after TV show made us globally famous – it's forcing us out our home
A POPULAR TV show is forcing residents to leave their picturesque coastal village - because it has become a mecca for tourists. Residents in the Cornish village of Port Isaac have fumed that droves of Doc Martin fans arriving each year have made their town unlivable. 9 Tens of thousands of Doc Martin fans flock to the village each year Credit: Neil Hope 9 During summer months, the town is so crowded that locals steer clear Credit: Neil Hope 9 Over the past two decades, house prices in the area have quadrupled Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Tens of thousands of 'Clunatics' - the nickname for fans of the show and star During the summer months, the town's narrow winding lanes are so crowded that locals steer clear of the historic harbour. Fans from the UK, To some in Port Isaac, this has brought new opportunities including walking tours, cafes and merchandise shops. Read more News Rubber-necking tourists reportedly flock to view iconic landmarks such as the home of Martin Clunes ' character Dr Martin Ellingham, and Aunty Ruth's cottage above Squeezy Belly Alley. But locals have suggested that their home has become a "victim of its popularity". Over the past two decades, house prices in the area - renamed Port Wenn on the show - have quadrupled. Mum-of-two Anne Wilce, 44, a lifelong Port Isaac resident, told how it had become "unrecognisable". Most read in The Sun She fumed: 'It is horrific, there is no affordable housing available for anybody now. 'My sons are 19 and 22 and they won't ever be able to afford to buy a house at this rate. 'Without more affordable housing in the village the younger generation will move away because there is nothing here for them. 'My house is 30 years old and it's part of the last affordable housing that has been built here. Martin Clunes announces sad death of Doc Martin co-star live on air - two years after hit ITV show ended 'I don't go down to the village centre, I have no reason to because it's all second homes. "Even when something does come up for sale it's ridiculously priced - nobody around here can afford it. 'Doc Martin brought a whole load of money into the village which has created jobs for people and helped this community. "But it is also a victim of its popularity and it doesn't feel like our village any more.' Tourism has long since overtaken fishing as Port Isaac's main industry. Local businesses have thrived as a result of the town's worldwide fame. 9 Local resident Anne Wilce worries about her children finding homes in the area Credit: Neil Hope 9 Locals have suggested that their home has become a 'victim of its popularity' Credit: Neil Hope 9 To some in Port Isaac, Doc Martin has brought new business opportunities including walking tours, cafes and merchandise shops John Cleave, who was brought up in the village and runs the Boathouse fashion and gift shop, agrees that the show has changed village life. "The locals talk about BDM – that's Before Doc Martin. "It was always favoured by comparatively few people who simply saw it as a beautiful, typical Cornish fishing village. "As a business you could close your doors from October to Easter and it wouldn't make a lot of difference. "Thanks to Doc Martin we now have all-year-round trade." The British comedy-drama first aired in 2004. On the outer edge of the village - next to Port Isaac's real GP surgery - sits a small housing estate containing some of the village's only affordable homes. They were constructed around 30 years ago and according to residents they were the last affordable homes built in the village. There are now just two active fishing boats remaining in the village - compared with 174 holiday lets on Airbnb alone. In the past year, semi-detached properties in Port Isaac sold for an average of £810,000, with terraced properties fetching £616,250, according to Rightmove. Shop worker Elisha Scott, 19, and her family have lived in the area for 10 years. She said: 'Nobody my age can afford to rent let alone buy a house here, all my friends still live with their parents. 'I'm not really thinking about house prices though because I don't think I'll stay here for a long time, there just aren't the job opportunities. 'Doc Martin definitely made a difference to Port Isaac, there are always fans of the show looking around the village. "What has come with that is a lot of people buying second homes here which has made it too expensive for locals.' Earlier this month a new plan was unveiled to build more affordable homes for local people. Tre Haven Community Land Trust (CLT) has started negotiations with Cornwall Council to purchase land for 25 affordable housing developments. The proposal has support from the area's Lib Dem MP Ben Maguire and local celebrity chef Nathan Outlaw. But critics point out the site sits on a main road several miles from the village - with almost no public transport links to shops or schools. Unemployed Ciaran Patching, 20, said: 'It took me two years of searching and I feel incredibly lucky to be here, before that I was living with my mum in the town. 'I would love to be able to buy my own house here but it doesn't feel like that will ever be an option at the moment. 'Port Isaac is definitely very popular in summer but in winter it can be dead. "The popularity of Doc Martin has helped a lot of businesses around here but it has made it hard for year round residents.' 9 Resident Ciaran Patching lives in affordable housing in the area Credit: Neil Hope 9 John Cleave hailed the show's positive impact on local businesses Credit: Neil Hope 9 Ferne Cottage - which appears in the series as Doc Martin's home Credit: Neil Hope
Scotsman
09-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
'Cutest' beachside restaurant with stunning views on tiny Scottish island for sale
A family owned restaurant on a Scottish island has come on the market. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Boathouse on the Isle of Gigha is on the market. The award winning restaurant is known for its locally caught seafood and produce as well as its stunning location in the Ardminish Bay on the tiny island of Gigha on the west coast. The restaurant, which has 50 covers in a 300 year old building, has been family owned for years and has been recognised by the Michelin Guide , is now on the market with Christie & Co with a leasehold of £100,000 and an annual rent of £5,500. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The listing reads: 'The Boathouse is an independently owned restaurant with a great reputation for the finest Scottish seafood, most of which is landed on the doorstep. The restaurant has enjoyed a growing reputation over the years and has even gained recognition from the Michelin Guide. 'The business offers a unique dining experience to its customers as they can dine in one of Scotland's most scenic restaurants overlooking Ardminish Bay. The restaurant offers an outstanding menu and 'Fresh Ins' board to suit everyone. They also serve steaks, burgers and kids meals. 'The business plays a large part in various events throughout the year such as the Gigha Raft Race and The Gigha Music Festival.' The Boathouse on the isle of Gigha is on the market | The Boathouse Gigha As well as the restaurant, the business has a bar, outdoor decking area and two glamping pods. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A spokesperson Christie & Co added: 'The business would be an excellent purchase for a hands-on owner operator / chef proprietor who is keen to acquire a well trading and profitable business which is fully under management and seasonal offering a great lifestyle opportunity. The restaurant is becoming increasingly popular from its boasting reviews online as more and more tourists are visiting Scotland's Islands year on year. 'The main attractions are the stunning beaches along the rugged coastline and also the locally caught seafood. It is attracting more tourists and locals who are passing on boats as they can moor up for the night or take advantage and stop off for lunch or dinner. 'The restaurant attracts a mixture of clientele including walkers, cyclists and sailing boats which come up/down the Mull of Kintyre along with some sport enthusiasts who are keen on water sports. 'The business also benefits from having staff accommodation on site and a loyal established team in place. Our clients choose to trade the business from April to October however, a limited offering could be introduced for the quieter months.'
The Province
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Province
Last summer for popular beachfront seafood restaurants in Kitsilano and White Rock
The Boathouse restaurant, which has two other locations in Metro Vancouver, announced that it will close its White Rock and Kitsilano locations in the fall. File photograph of Kitsilano Beach. Photo by DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS Two beachfront Boathouse Restaurant locations, one at Kits Beach and the other in White Rock, will close in September, according to U.S. company Landry's Inc., which owns the chain. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors That will leave two locations left in Metro Vancouver: Port Moody and New Westminster. According to an emailed statement Tuesday from Landry's communication staff, the reason for closing the Kitsilano and White Rock seafood restaurants has to do with the expiration of their leases. Shah Ghani, COO of Boathouse, said in the statement that The Boathouse in White Rock, at 14935 Marine Dr., and the one in Kitsilano, at 1305 Arbutus St., will be serving their final guests on Sept. 21. 'We are grateful for everyone that has made our time at these locations special, and are thankful to our dedicated employees for their hard work throughout the years,' said Ghani. 'While it's time to close this chapter, the spirit of The Boathouse lives on at our other nearby locations, where we remain committed to providing an exceptional experience for our guests.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Landry's communication staff didn't respond to questions asking why the company decided not to renew its leases. Ghani said staff members are working to relocate employees to nearby Boathouse restaurants following the closures. The Vancouver park board, which owns the Kitsilano restaurant building, opened the bidding process in January to seek a new restaurant operator. In a statement Tuesday, park board staff said the board opened up a new lease opportunity publicly through a request for proposals to all eligible restaurateurs and hospitality companies, including The Boathouse. The RFP closed in February. The contract award is subject to review and approval, and the new owner is expected to be announced sometime this summer. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'This restaurant space was initially designed as a destination-style establishment. We are eager to welcome a restaurant that embodies the spirit of Vancouver and Kitsilano, offering local food and beverage concepts that will appeal to both residents and visitors,' park board staff said in the statement. The closures come as many restaurants are struggling to remain open amid the skyrocketing costs of living. Earlier this year, beloved Vancouver café Aphrodite's in Kitsilano closed after 20 years in business, citing 'the rising cost of doing business.' Last year, Joe's Café on Commercial Drive also closed, as did Moxie's in the West End and famed east Vancouver sushi restaurant Koko, which closed after 42 years. Another favourite Vietnamese restaurant among Vancouver foodies, the Ba Le Deli & Bakery, told Postmedia News in an email that it will close its flagship restaurant after 37 years in business on June 22. ticrawford@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Sports News
Vancouver Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Last summer for popular beachfront seafood restaurants in Kitsilano and White Rock
Two beachfront Boathouse Restaurant locations, one at Kits Beach and the other in White Rock, will close in September, according to U.S. company Landry's Inc., which owns the chain. That will leave two locations left in Metro Vancouver: Port Moody and New Westminster. According to an emailed statement Tuesday from Landry's communication staff, the reason for closing the Kitsilano and White Rock seafood restaurants has to do with the expiration of their leases. Shah Ghani, COO of Boathouse, said in the statement that The Boathouse in White Rock, at 14935 Marine Dr., and the one in Kitsilano, at 1305 Arbutus St., will be serving their final guests on Sept. 21. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'We are grateful for everyone that has made our time at these locations special, and are thankful to our dedicated employees for their hard work throughout the years,' said Ghani. 'While it's time to close this chapter, the spirit of The Boathouse lives on at our other nearby locations, where we remain committed to providing an exceptional experience for our guests.' Landry's communication staff didn't respond to questions asking why the company decided not to renew its leases. Ghani said staff members are working to relocate employees to nearby Boathouse restaurants following the closures. The Vancouver park board, which owns the Kitsilano restaurant building, opened the bidding process in January to seek a new restaurant operator. In a statement Tuesday, park board staff said the board opened up a new lease opportunity publicly through a request for proposals to all eligible restaurateurs and hospitality companies, including The Boathouse. The RFP closed in February. The contract award is subject to review and approval, and the new owner is expected to be announced sometime this summer. 'This restaurant space was initially designed as a destination-style establishment. We are eager to welcome a restaurant that embodies the spirit of Vancouver and Kitsilano, offering local food and beverage concepts that will appeal to both residents and visitors,' park board staff said in the statement. The closures come as many restaurants are struggling to remain open amid the skyrocketing costs of living. Earlier this year, beloved Vancouver café Aphrodite's in Kitsilano closed after 20 years in business, citing 'the rising cost of doing business.' Last year, Joe's Café on Commercial Drive also closed, as did Moxie's in the West End and famed east Vancouver sushi restaurant Koko, which closed after 42 years. Another favourite Vietnamese restaurant among Vancouver foodies, the Ba Le Deli & Bakery, told Postmedia News in an email that it will close its flagship restaurant after 37 years in business on June 22. ticrawford@
