Nestled quietly away from the main drag in Yorkville, boutique hotel The Windsor Arms evokes old world charm in a city where condos spring up faster than a Mayor Ford scandal. Stepping into the lobby, you get the sense that this would be somewhere that Jay Gatsby would frequent if he were a Torontonian, an idea that was once again confirmed upon stepping into The Living Room space. Especially considering there is a Tearoom next door (hello, Old World glamour).
This is not your grandmother’s living room — you won’t find plastic couch covers or overbearing floral print. Instead The Living Room’s ‘shabby chic’ décor, designed by Jacques Dinel of Dinel Designs, features dark wood, classic British-inspired textiles and antique British art along with pieces by Canadian artist Charles Pachter.
The Living Room doesn’t rely on looks alone; it has a full food and drink menu including a specially designed vegan menu. With 60 beers on tap, including many local craft beers from independent breweries like Guelph’s Wellington Brewery and Flying Monkeys from Barrie, The Living Room definitely shows some love to the locals. With all its classic considerations, The Living Room doesn’t disappoint in the wine department. The wine cellar is a unique space tucked behind what appears to be an old bank vault, boasting a wine list that has been awarded The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for five years in a row.
With the piece de resistance — a self-pour draught available for groups of four or more — anchoring the space, The Living Room is a destination for those who want to let down their hair after a luxurious day of shopping on the high-end Bloor strip or cast off their cufflinks and enjoy a bite and some good beer.
