Information

About the Comfortable Pew

Volunteer Opportunities

What We Do

Items for Sale

Weekday Menu

Saturday Menu

Sunday Menu

Special Events

Return to Centenary

Announcements 

Bruce Buchanan & Steve Crocker
Managers of the Comfortable Pew

Phone: 905-528-5161

------------------------------------------

One Patron's Viewpoint
written by Wilma Seville
copyright 2005

Note: This describes the Tea Room in its original setting.

It was as if I had stepped into a magic kingdom where guests were made to feel special and to feel "at home". Our host, Bruce Buchanan, tries to greet each patron as they enter. The warm and cozy atmosphere is only enhanced by the wonderful volunteers who lovingly serve the scrumptious food.

The light filtering through the stained glass window gives out a soft glow to those sitting close to it. The great outdoors is brought inside by a large plant which sits near the window. Its green feathery branches leaning gracefully towards the diners.

Round tables, with their four pink chairs, sets the stage for intimate talk or, if preferred, a solitary diner could immerse himself in a good book.

Each table is adorned with a different coloured tablecloth, which shows off the lovely china place settings and elegant candleholders.

In one area, in front of a wall hanging depicting a forest scene, sits a magnificent toad with a benign expression. His job is to act as a butler. His dress is wonderful, with a striped vest out of which pokes a golden watch. His outer garment is red and even his black shoes are laced up with golden threads. An interesting sight, indeed, as he holds his tray upright and proudly displays the pamphlets therein.

Close by, but not outclassed by the toad, sits a large candelabra, with its four red pillar candles, ready to be lit at a moment's notice.

Open shelves with rows of English china cups grace a wall near the serving area. The serving area, itself, is tastefully set up with lace cloths and inviting, attractive looking food choices.

Delicious smells come from this area as the chef, Mr. Bruce Buchanan, dishes out each patron's choice. Each day brings new dishes and different decisions to be made - how does one choose from such a delightful menu? It is a dilemma indeed!

For anyone who loves dessert, this is the place to be! A separate table, laden with delicious desserts awaits the discerning diner.

Not only is the food outstanding, but added to this fact are the many interesting pieces of furniture one finds in this tearoom. Most things have been donated by people who are interested in this work done by the church.

One particular china cabinet caught my eye as it held many interesting treasures within and looked to be a solid piece of wood handcrafted into a beautiful work of art.

In the far corner of the room, there is a fireplace with a lovely mantle piece which holds, among other treasures, a carved wooden bird. Sitting high above this bird is the old man, with his weathered face, who looks down over the area as if to say, "welcome." If one uses one's imagination, one could almost imagine him stepping out of the picture frame and sitting down at one of the tables for a lively conversation. Ah, what tales he could tell us!

The dark wood panelling gives a cozy look to this tearoom and the chandelier which is festively dressed up with grapes and green leaves, adds to the look of intimacy and comfort.

A wooden pew, with a cream and brown afghan draped attractively over it, is further decorated by lovely pillows which add a splash of colour to this area.

All in all, the attractiveness of the setting is what might draw patrons in originally, but one of the things which keeps them coming back is the warmth of the staff of volunteers and the delicious, reasonably priced, nutritious food.

As an interesting point, it is helpful to realize that the profits made in this tearoom go to the Church's outreach programme. Not only is one enjoying the new-found friendships and excellent food, but one's money is being used for an excellent purpose - helping out others in our community. Thus, it serves a need for a safe place to come to enjoy a meal, and helps others at the same time.

The Comfortable Pew is fully accessible for wheelchair users and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds. It is a safe and welcoming environment for all those who choose to come for a visit.