AS STATELY AS IT IS INVITING, The Royal Hotel has been meticulously restored to honour the character and charm of its storied past while also revitalizing the space into a modern, bright and welcoming retreat in the heart of Prince Edward County.
The design team is Giannone Petricone Associates, whose work includes Toronto’s Terroni Bar Centrale, The Carbon Bar and Stock T.C.
The transformation was a massive undertaking and a once-in-a-lifetime project, says Anwar Mekhayech of Toronto’s Design Agency. “The Royal is a passion project extraordinaire,” he says. “Perfect in so many ways with attention to detail and layers, perfectly blending the energy of urban with the local vibe of rural.”
The use of white oak throughout The Royal’s dining room, including a striking circular custom “rosette” on the ceiling, brings a natural warmth to the 1879 heritage building, an ambience that extends outwards to the terrace and down into a lush courtyard. The view of the kitchen is theatrical, the openness inspiring conversation around the County’s gastronomic bounty as harnessed by chef Albert Ponzo and his team.
The care and attention to detail are obvious throughout. This space is the opposite of trendy. It is a meticulously visioned rebirth of a classic, with deep roots and a big, exciting future.
—Jamie Drummond
Photos: Graydon Herriott
