Coolest spot…

Zoe Shapiro and Chris Loane in Wellington last week preparing for the opening of the Drake Devonshire next spring.

Drake Hotel lays out plans for Wellington property

Is Wellington ready for the arrival of “retro cool”? A weekend story in the Globe and Mail suggests the Drake Hotel may receive a less-than-warm welcome to the village when it opens the Drake Devonshire in Wellington next spring.

In his story on the purchase of the Devonshire Inn by The Drake Hotel, reporter Steve Ladurantaye wrote that “many deep pocketed investors have tried to bring cool to the County, only to be thwarted by suspicious locals resistant to change.”

If true, the major transformation of the Devonshire Inn, currently under way on this lakeside property, would seem to be in vain— or one more frustrated attempt to bring city to the country.

The Drake Hotel folks seem undaunted.

Chris Loane has been assigned the job of running the six-room Drake Devonshire set to open next spring. Loane grew up in a small town in Nova Scotia—but for the past few years he has been booking indie artists for first the Rivoli and now the Drake Hotel.

Loane is moving his young family to Wellington. He says it feels like coming home.

‘I loved Toronto and the opportunities it gave me,” said Loane, “but this is where I want to be at this point in my life. I love the vibe that I find here—both socially and culturally.”

He casts aside any notion that he is imposing an urban Toronto concept upon a reluctant rural community.

“We are coming here to join the community in every way,” said Loane to the Times. “We are restoring the Devonshire to its original state. Everything from the food, to entertainment to art exhibitions will be local—but with a Drake twist.”

Mayor Peter Mertens said he found the Globe story troubling.

“I think it was misleading,” said Mertens. “I am sure there are some individuals who blame investors and developers for the ills they see in this community—but it is a mistake to suggest that the majority of the County is resistant to investment.

“Our experience has been the opposite—investors have come here seeking to embrace this community. The come hoping to lend their efforts and expertise to protect it and enhance it—not to change it.”

Oeno Gallery’s Carlyn Moulton has been selling and promoting contemporary art in the County for more than a decade. She expects The Drake will find a warm and welcoming reception in Prince Edward County.

“The Drake has been a terrific addition to their neighbourhood in Toronto,” said Moulton. “I’m sure they will be in Wellington as well.”

Moulton discounts the cautionary warning sounded in the Globe story.

“I hope they do manage to lure other ambitious out-of-towners,” said Moulton. “That’s pretty much what the country is trying to do as a whole—attract immigrants with energy and passion, a bit of money and a dream.

“My advice to the folks at the Drake is to do what you love, do it as best you can, and give back to the community as you are able.”

THE DRAKE GOES EAST
It soon becomes evident in conversation with Loane that the Drake Hotel experience, and vision for the Drake Devonshire, spring from the mind of one person, Jeff Stober, who was unable to join the interview last week.

Loane explains that Stober visits the County frequently and is attracted by the history and traditions. He notes how events such as the Maple Sugar Shack at the Drake in Toronto have been inspired by the County.

He said Stober is drawn by what he considers to be a community in transition. When Stober opened the Drake in 2004, Parkdale was a tough neighbourhood. From a once proud and regal past, Parkdale had withered in recent decades, becoming a transient waystation for those moving up or down in society But the chic and upscale offerings of Queen Street West were rolling steadily its way.

Stober got in front of the wave, creating a destination that is variously, and sometimes enviously, described as the hippest and coolest spot in Toronto.

He hopes to do it again—this time in Prince Edward County—before it is “cool.”

“We want to become part of the culture,” said Loane.

The inn will comprise six rooms—down from eight currently. It will combine the heritage of the structure and the village with world class accommodation according to Loane, “accentuating service and hospitality.”

But an equal measure to its accommodations will be the Drake Devonshire’s food, entertainment and art offerings.

“There won’t be any starched tablecloths,” said Loane. “We intend to offer innovative and fresh farm-to-table food. We thrive on doing traditional in a new and fresh way. Chef Chris Sanderson is also moving his young family to Wellington— to head the kitchen.”

Loane promises plenty of tasting events—opportunities to explore familiar local food and produce presented with Drake twist.

Loane said music, art and culture will define the Drake Devonshire. Though reluctant to spell out specific details, he suggested plenty of acoustic acts. He said too the Drake Devonshire would seek to be an important part of local music festivals and art exhibitions.

“We hope to offer a fusion of beautiful things,” said Loane, “in a polished but relaxed atmosphere.”