Discover charm and comfort with a Tamworth Hotel experience

Laurie Weir

In an idyllic countryside setting lies a haven of delights waiting to be explored at the Tamworth Hotel. Centrally located in the County of Lennox and Addington, Tamworth is the gateway to a network of stunning lakes, with cottagers frequenting the village as often as tourists from Montreal to Toronto and beyond.

With its classic Victorian architecture and timeless elegance, stepping through its doors feels like taking a step back in time. Each corner of the hotel whispers tales of days gone by, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of yesteryears, wrapped in the quiet, serene beauty of a peaceful night’s sleep.

FUN FACT: Originally settled in 1826, Tamworth received its name in 1848, the year of the great potato famine in Ireland. The area was settled by many Irish immigrants, and by 1865 the population of the area was 500. 

One of the defining features of the Tamworth Hotel is its unwavering commitment to hospitality. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with a warm smile and genuine enthusiasm to make the stay unforgettable. The staff, with their impeccable attention to detail, go above and beyond to cater to every need, ensuring that guests feel right at home from the outset.

This beautiful grande dame of a hotel, circa 1840s, offers guests the choice of four pristine bedrooms – bed and breakfast style. Owners Kevin Hilliker and Carol Brown have owned the hotel since 2015, after it had been vacant for eight years. 

 The five rooms are available on the second floor, complete with a Continental breakfast in the morning. There is a shared kitchenette and three shared washrooms. The fifth room (opening May 2024) will have access to its own washroom. It’s been a renovation and restoration labour of love, Kevin says.

It was through the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) that they jumped into Friday night pizza, and Kevin says that’s how they survived. “We’ve become well known for personalized pizza,” he says because, for those two years, that’s all they did – from 4 to 8 p.m. every Friday.

Flavours galore in the Black Cat Café

Find that special personalized pizza, or sink your teeth into the delicate sweetness of freshly baked pastries at the Black Cat Café, which opened in 2017. Dine in the Lion’s Den Lounge or enjoy seating on the patios that overlook the beautiful gardens. Meals and treats can be ordered to go, and that includes made-to-order sandwiches. Homemade snacks and delicious freshly ground coffee, cappuccino, latte, or espresso are available, as are gourmet cakes, cookies and ice cream.

The menu is always changing. Some of the popular items are chilli, lasagna, homemade soup, fresh sandwiches, summer salads and lots of specialty coffees.

FUN FACT: The name Black Cat Café came from Carol’s interest in New Orleans and French cafés. Black Cat is the name of a medium roast coffee in Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia. The black cat was also a great logo choice for printing. Carol is an acrylic painter, and her daughter designed their logo. And yes, they do have a black cat.

Scents of the season

From spring through fall, guests can wander through the lush gardens surrounding the Tamworth Hotel and be greeted by a kaleidoscope of scents and colours. Take a moment to pause and inhale deeply, allowing the heady perfume to transport you to a world of serenity and bliss. Whether you’re sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee on the patio or strolling through the verdant countryside, senses will awaken, and spirits will be rejuvenated.

The grounds were recognized by Communities in Bloom in 2022 for the garden splendour. “It’s a huge flower display,” Kevin says, as he loves to make extravagant beds.

The best time of the year to visit is between July through October.

Fun and festivities

The hotel plays host to a variety of fun-filled events and festivities, including a summer Irish festival that promises entertainment for guests of all ages. From live music performances to outdoor markets and art exhibitions, there’s always something happening to spark your interest and ignite your imagination.

Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, the Tamworth Hotel offers the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories and forging lifelong friendships.

Halloween is especially fun at the Tamworth Hotel, as the place is all decked out for trick-or-treating.

 “Carol loves Halloween, and we decorate to the hilt,” Kevin says.

 There is a huge get-together for the community at Halloween, as they open their doors for all to enjoy.

“Christmas is the same thing. It gets decorated beyond belief, inside and out,” Kevin says. “It’s become a lifestyle.”

The Tamworth Hotel is more than just a place to stay – it’s become a destination where flowers bloom, flavours flourish, and fun abounds. So why not escape the ordinary and embark on a journey of discovery? Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, a history buff, or simply in search of a little bit of magic, the Tamworth Hotel welcomes guests with open arms.

The hotel is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Mother’s Day weekend until December. The Black Cat Café will be open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The information provided here is current at the time of publication and is subject to change.  For more information and to book, visit the website.