There’s no place in Toronto like the Fairmont Royal York for the holidays. The tree is sparkling, the decorations are out, and the new House of York Holiday Experience is open for a very special holiday experience.
Located on the Main Mezzanine level, House of York is a cozy, intimate space that feels like you’re on vacation in the mountains. The holiday space seats about 25 people, for a quiet, festive mood, with amazing cocktails.
Christmas music is playing in the background, there’s greenery hanging throughout the room, comfortable cushions on the benches, and it’s absolutely charming and beautiful.
Sitting in the space, relaxing with good company, it’s very easy to forget that you’re in a hotel in downtown Toronto. The space is a complete escape from the everyday, and it’s warm and inviting, with the perfect mood. And beyond everything else, the staff are attentive, friendly, and can help you pick the perfect drinks.
The menu features a range of options, from holiday-themed cocktails, to red, white, and sparkling wine. A few of the favourites are the Kensington Margarita, the Coconut Snowball, and the Panettone Negroni.
I was a big fan of the margarita, in particular. The cocktail features Don Julio Reposado, Grand Marnier, cranberry, rosemary, and lime with a salt rim. It’s a simple but nicely festive cocktail, and the rosemary adds a wonderful scent that sticks with you.
The Coconut Snowball features Ketel One Vodka, white rum, coconut, lime, and cinnamon in a beautiful ball of crushed ice. The drink is a little bit sweet, a little bit sour, with lots of coconut flavour, and just a hint of cinnamon.
And the Panettone Negroni is very popular, with that classic Italian flavours blended into the herbal flavours of a Negroni.
Cocktails and wine ranges in price from $18 to $28, and it’s a very special experience that’s perfect to enjoy with a couple of friends, for your next date night, or an evening with close family.
I absolutely love the holiday theme throughout the Fairmont Royal York, and the House of York is so unique. In a city filled with great bar experiences, the Fairmont’s cozy little bar feels like a real escape from large and loud spaces.
When you’re visiting, be sure to check out the front windows that are decorated for the season, the beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby, and take in the whole festive mood. It’s a perfect slow holiday activity in Toronto.
If you want to make a whole evening out of it, I would also recommend stopping at Reign, their restaurant, or Clockwork, the gorgeous lobby bar, where you can get appetizers, or a stunning meal, and then head to House of York afterwards to finish the evening.
House of York is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. There are no reservations, so you can just arrive and wait to be seated.
Watch my video below to see more about the wonderful holiday experience.
All images by W. Andrew Powell/The GATE.
