Explore Prince Edward County

A Journey You Won't Forget

7 Amazing Things To Know About The Waring House

The Waring House Picton
The Waring House Picton

The Waring House is a historic inn located in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

The inn was built in 1884 by local businessman James Waring, and it served as a stopover for stagecoaches traveling between Toronto and Montreal.

In the early 20th century, the Waring House became a popular summer getaway for city dwellers, and it was frequented by celebrities such as Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde.

Today, the Waring House is a registered heritage property, and it offers visitors a taste of old-world charm.

Guests can stay in one of the inn’s 11 beautifully preserved guest rooms, or dine in the acclaimed restaurant.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a historical experience, the Waring House is sure to exceed your expectations.

This is one of our favorite places to eat in Prince Edward County.

So let me start the list of “The Top Seven Things You Need To Know About the Waring House” with the food.

1. Barley Room Pub

The Barley Room Pub is a popular spot for both locals and tourists in Prince Edward County. The pub is located in the Waring House and boasts a very historic pub vibe and décor that dates back to the 1800s.

Waring House Barley Room Pub
Waring House Barley Room Pub

The Barley Room Pub has a cozy atmosphere, with a fireplace and exposed original wooden beams.

The menu features pub fare such as burgers and wings, as well as a variety of local craft beer and cider on tap.

My food recommendations are the fresh Pickerel or the Barley Room Burger although the name has changed.

The Barley Room Pub is open daily for lunch and dinner, and also offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

This section is probably the busiest although there is the top section of the pub that’s quieter.

Whether you’re looking for a good meal or a place to relax with a pint, the Barley Room Pub is worth a visit.

2. Amelia’s Garden and Dining Room

Amelia’s Garden Dining Room is situated inside the Waring House. You will notice the room itself dates back to 1832 as the house is one of the oldest buildings in the county.

Amelia's Garden  Picton
Amelia’s Garden Picton

This section of the building is close to the Barley room and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

It offers a more fine dining experience with its beautiful setting.

The garden itself is situated on two acres of land and features a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs.

The Amelia’s Garden Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and reservations are recommended.

Many of the weddings or bridal shower parties that take place have dinners in this room.

Amelia’s Garden Dining Room is the perfect spot for a romantic meal or a family gathering.

Also, check out this about the annual dining event called Countylicious where there is a fixed menu and a chance for you to experience an amazing meal.

The Waring House Menu

Three Waring Houses menus are depending on what you choose to experience.

First, let’s take a look at the Barley Room Menu.

Barley Room Pub Menu
Barley Room Pub Menu

My Recommendations for Food

Barley Room French Onion Soup
Barley Room French Onion Soup

The French onion soup is the best I’ve ever had and is a meal on its own.

It’s always warm and flavorful, this French onion soup is prepared with beef stock and caramelized onions.

Top with a thick slice of crouton bread covered in more thick melted cheese.

Barley Room chicken wings
Barley Room chicken wings

I do add the chicken wings from time to time because they are so worth it also.

The county burger (aka Barley Room Burger) is always my go and for good reason.

It’s huge and topped with real local cheddar cheese…yes, please!

If you like fish the locally caught Pickerel is just amazing and fresh and is often my next go-to meal here.

There are certainly some other great selections of food that you’ll have to explore when you visit.

Secondly, let’s take a look at Amelia’s Garden Menu.

The Garden Cafe is also known as the Amelia Garden which includes seating and dining in the garden area outside. The veranda at Amelia’s also includes the new patio.

Amelia's Garden Menu
Amelia’s Garden Menu at the Waring House

If you decide to eat in Amelia’s Garden I wouldn’t blame you! This is a nice spot in the warmer months.

This of course is a seasonal dining patio at its best in my opinion. With many ingredients supplied by local food producers, Amelia’s Garden is another great place to eat in Prince Edward County.

Thirdly is the Waring House Take Out Menu.

To order from the takeout simply call the pub directly at 613-476-7492 Ext. 5. I always pay with cash when I pick up my order but you can use debit or Visa also.

Take-out order times are Monday to Thursday from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 7:30 PM.

 Waring House Take Out Menu
Waring House Take Out Menu

3. Single Malt Society Night

I’ve been part of the single malt society at the Waring House for some time now.

Waring House Single Malt Society

The Single Malt Society is a group of scotch enthusiasts who meet regularly to discuss and enjoy their favorite whiskies.

The society is open to all Single Malt Whisky lovers, regardless of age or experience.

Once a month you have the opportunity to learn about Single Malt Scotch and Whisky with others in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The Single Malt Society meets every month at the Waring House in Prince Edward County.

At each meeting, members are allowed to sample different types of scotch, talk about the various flavors and aromas, and share stories about their personal experiences with whisky.

The meetings are informal, and there is no dress code or membership fee. You just pay for your meal (approx. $50) and then an additional $25 to taste up to three different single malts.

There is often live music, poems, and stories shared throughout the evening.

Membership is open to anyone over the age of 21, and there are no dues or requirements. The only rule is that members must be respectful of other members’ opinions and discussions.

The Single Malt Society is a great way to learn about scotch, make new friends, and enjoy some of the world’s finest whiskies.

4. Live Entertainment

Instant Rivalry at the Waring House
Instant Rivalry at the Waring House

The Waring House in Prince Edward County is a popular destination for live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy live music, usually on the weekends, with a wide range of genres.

The venue also hosts a variety of other live events, including comedy shows and dance performances.

Whether you’re looking for a night of musical entertainment or an evening of laughs, the Waring House is sure to have something that will keep you entertained.

With its intimate setting and eclectic line-up, the Waring House is one of the most unique live entertainment venues in the area. If you’re in Prince Edward County, be sure to check it out.

5. Waring House Accommodations

There’s no shortage of accommodations in Prince Edward County. From luxurious bed and breakfasts to cozy cottages, there’s something to suit every taste and budget.

 Waring House Accommodations
Waring House Accommodations

However, one accommodations option that stands out from the rest is the Waring House. Located in Picton, the Waring House offers guests a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Canadian history.

Built in 1884, the Waring House is one of the oldest accommodations options in Prince Edward County.

It was also once home to Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.

Today, the Waring House has been fully restored and offers modern amenities while still retaining its historic charm. If you’re looking for a truly unique accommodations experience, the Waring House is definitely worth checking out.

The new building in the back has a total of 49 guest rooms, offered in five price categories depending on what you would like to experience.

Your options are accommodations in The Main House, the Waring family’s fine old limestone homestead, or The House Next Door, a 19th-century farmhouse with twelve really cool rooms.

The newest option is the luxurious Quaker and Heritage Lodges just around the back.

The prices depend on the time of year and the building you decide to stay in.

6. Cookery School Classes

Waring House Cookery School
Waring House Cookery School

Waring House Cookery School is located in the heart of Prince Edward County, Ontario.

The school offers a range of courses for all levels of cooks, from beginners to experienced chefs.

The curriculum is designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to cook confidently and creatively.

Each of the classes focuses on a particular culinary subject. For example, food type, region, ingredient, or theme. The cool part is that many of the classes feature fresh, local ingredients that are sourced on the same days as the classes.

In addition to classroom instruction, the school also offers hands-on experience in the kitchen, allowing students to put their learning into practice.

Whether you’re looking to improve your cooking skills or explore new culinary traditions, Waring House Cookery School is an excellent choice.

7. Prince Edward County Wine Society

The Prince Edward County Wine Society

The Prince Edward County Wine Society was founded in 2017 with the goal of promoting and celebrating the wines of Prince Edward County.

The Wine Society is based at the Waring House in Picton, and membership is open to all who are interested in wine.

The Society offers a variety of services, including wine tastings, educational seminars, and special events.

In addition, the Wine Society maintains a cellaring service for members who wish to age their wines.

The Prince Edward County Wine Society is dedicated to promoting the County as a world-class wine region.

Through its many activities and services, the Society provides members with an opportunity to enjoy and learn about the wines of Prince Edward County.

Have you been to Waring House yet? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience. Leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!

If not, maybe our post has convinced you that it should be added to your list of places to visit in the near future.

If you have a day trip planned from Toronto see these options for stops while visiting.

Either way, we hope you enjoyed reading about this little slice of paradise and that it inspires you to get out there and explore some of the amazing things Canada has to offer.

Tagged:
We Love adventure and we feel very lucky to call Prince Edward County our home. We are county locals that love living here because there so many beautiful things to see and do. We both grew up here. Picton is a small town with many big things to offer. Being part of all the wonderful changes has inspired us to start sharing our experiences with visitors to our website, We hope that proving you with some inside information will help you get a better understanding of what to expect when you visit here.

1 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.

Related Posts

error: Content is protected !!