Pinecroft Pottery Studio and Restaurant
Looking for an authentic dining experience in Ontario, Canada? What if I tell you there is a perfect one in the middle of a tranquil forest! I recently discovered the perfect oasis and of course I had to check it out immediately. I am excited to share this amazing experience with you, which happens to include delicious meals, beautiful pottery, a bed and breakfast, and more!
What better way to experience a meal than in a raw environment. Locally-sourced ingredients, surrounded by oxygen from towering trees, feet grounded in the raw earth. If you are ready to immerse yourself in amenities within a lush 54 acre pine forest in Aylmer Ontario, with an atmosphere similar to Nothern Muskoka, follow along my quick guide to Pinecroft Pottery, Restaurant, and B&B below.
About Pinecroft Pottery
Pinecroft Pottery is about 2.5 hours from Toronto, in Aylmer Ontario. They started out as a wholesale pottery business in 1948 (occupying an original log cabin from 1934) and the business stayed in the family - expanding into a pottery studio, restaurant, bed and breakfast, and gallery + gift shop. They are actually considered to be Canada’s oldest continuously-operating pottery studio!
Pinecroft was started by Selma Caverly Clennell and Jimmie Clennell, who fell nicely into a thriving market after World War 2, due to a shortage and demand of various functional items. They had both been immersed in pottery courses and creation prior to the war, and were able to establish a functional pottery-making business after Selma’s father offered them his land, where they would go on to build their studio (where Pinecroft sits now). You can read a little more about them here.
Selma’s father, Arthur Caverly, planted 85 000 pine seedlings and dredged a 2.5 acre lake in the 1920s, in the spirit of conservation, which makes this location so impactful and perfectly tranquil. Selma and Jimmie’s ultimate dream was to create a place where “creativity flowed and the arts would flourish to nourish the soul,” and as you will come to see, that they did.
The Restaurant Experience
The restaurant portion is conveniently sprawled out, as you have the option to sit at a table inside the main wooden cabin, or you may opt into an outdoor patio seat, surrounded by the tall pines (I definitely recommend the latter). The washroom is inside, between the restaurant and shop (they connect).
My mom and I made a reservation a few days in advance and the process was seamless once we arrived. Once you park your car, you must check in at the little booth beside the parking lot. Your table number is already assigned, therefore, you simply fill out the Covid contact form and then you are escorted to your seat. Walk-ins also need to approach this booth when arriving, but reservations take priority of course. We chose a patio seat during the earliest time slot, which was 11 am; it was a great choice, as the space did progressively become busier (but never crowded) as the day went on.
We opted for a celebratory gin and tonic while we decided on what to order. As per recommendation by our lovely server, who insisted that we MUST try the homemade soups, we ordered both the mushroom (fan favourite) and tomato soup to start. True to her word, they were both bursting with flavour. Along with the soups, their homemade bread is also exceptional! All of the ingredients at the Pinecroft restaurant are locally sourced, and this is very evident.
As a main dish, my mom and I both got the chicken and broccoli crêpe, which arrived with a side salad and a fresh homemade bun. It is a lot of bread and very filling (especially after a hearty soup), so definitely a great dish if you are hungry! The crêpe was creamy and flavourful, with a good (and generous) ratio of broccoli and chicken, and the sauce they added on top was lovely. The Caesar salad was a bit salty for my taste, but that is subjective, as I am not a big salt fan.
The bread though. I would visit just to eat the bread alone. Ok, and probably a larger portion of the soup next time too!
Overall, we had tasty food, great conversation, and the service was efficient, friendly, and very attentive. Since we mentioned it was my birthday in passing, our server even brought out a cheesecake with a candle! And truly, how could anyone not feel delighted being surrounded by natural tranquility in itself. Sensory bliss in every direction.
Check out the menu in advance here.
Features and Things to Do Onsite
So, what else is there to do once you finish your meal?
Check out the gift shop. You will find a large assortment of their beautifully-crafted pottery. I highly recommend supporting local and picking up a piece. The shop holds an array of Canadian-made souvenirs and handicrafts, and the prices are very reasonable as well. My mom purchased one of their hand-crafted mugs as a birthday gift for me, and it quickly became my favourite (and most durable) piece of art at home!
There is a large pond on the property. Spend some time wandering around and observing the flora and fauna, or simply sit and enjoy the fresh air and meditative sounds of the rippling water. It is known as a wonderful spot for creatives and artists to become inspired.
Visit the stone-made ‘Green Frog,’ tucked away in a little forested groove near the pond, which has sat there since 1921. This frog was carved out around 1900 and it was used as a mounting block to get onto horses and into carriages. It was purchased from a St. Thomas Hotel owner and moved to Pinecroft by Charles Caverly. Leave a few coins while here for good luck!
Spend a peaceful night at the cabin on the property (Selma’s Cabin B&B) and enjoy breakfast in the morning between 9 am - 10 am. The cabin is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, coffee maker, bar fridge, microwave, stone fireplace, and a TV with Netflix. There is a deck and an entrance separated by a central living room with a view of the pond.
There is a massage hut on the property, operated by a local massage therapist. If this is of interest to you, make sure you call in advance to ensure they are operating, and to make a reservation.
I do recommend dedicating a good chunk of time for your visit here. The energy and calming atmosphere in itself is welcoming and a much needed getaway from the chaos of life. The serenity pulls you into a state of ease, which makes it tough to leave. We assumed we would only need a couple of hours to enjoy this space and had booked another activity afterwards. However, between lunch, exploring the property, and enjoying the gift shop, we could have easily spent a couple more hours there.
Things to Note
Patio is open 11 am - 3:30 pm / 7 days a week.
Reservations are not necessary, though strongly encouraged.
There is a 90-minute dining limit due to Covid restrictions.
The gift shop is open 10 am - 4 pm / 7 days a week.
They do not allow smoking, dogs (certified service dogs are accepted), or picnics onsite.
You can walk around outside with no masks (there is a lot of open space), though masks are still required indoors.
The paths to the tables seemed fairly leveled and appeared accessible, though I would contact Pinecroft to confirm.
Their pottery is oven, microwave, and dishwasher-safe.
They normally host pottery workshops at their studio onsite; however, they are not holding them due to the pandemic until further notice. You can, however, walk past the studio building and peek inside to see the magic!
This place is very special, so please ensure you treat the land and people with utmost respect while here.
I would like to acknowledge and express gratitude to the ancestral lands in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Mississauga & Attawandaron Peoples. I wish to recognize the long history of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Ontario, and show respect to them today, with the understanding that they will always belong to them. Two guiding principles in all my adventures are “leave no trace” and “treat the environment with utmost respect.”
Stay tuned for the next adventure.