Nestled in behind familiar Chelsea favourites is a new patio that has quickly become one of the summer go to spots. The Terrasse du Square (244 Chemin Old Chelsea), developed by the same people behind the Square Old Chelsea, offers outdoor seating, an appetizing menu with snacks and meals, and creative drinks featuring Distillerie du Square products. It doesn’t get much more local than enjoying a drink within steps from the distillery where it was made!
Distillerie du Square provides a charming backdrop (and supply of spirits) to Terrasse du Square. Photo: Hannah Manning
More than just a patio, the new space has already played host to a number of community events with more on tap for the summer season. There is a weekly market on Sundays from 10am-1pm and twilight cinema on Wednesdays at dusk. A stage is available for live music, open mic nights, poetry readings, and more. There are family-friendly games such as jenga and washer toss, and room for your well-behaved dogs to join in on the fun. The full events calendar can be found online and there are plans for an Oktoberfest celebration as well as a Christmas market. Tours of the distillery are available by reservation.
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The outdoor kitchen is serving a menu that includes Korean, Mexican, and Vietnamese fusion dishes, as well as mocktails, cocktails, and soft-swirl ice cream. Appetizers include wonton chips and dip for $7 or “loaded Chelsea fries” topped with kimchi, feta, guacamole, sesame, gochujang, and cilantro for $16. Speciality corn dogs (beef or veggie) are $17 with your choice of Korean, Mexican, or Vietnamese inspired toppings. Cocktails and mocktails are $10-14. On a hot day, a beer from nearby Chelsea and Co. microbrassie hits the spot. You can even get a pizza hand delivered from Biscotti & Cie!
The opening of the patio marks the completion of a two year development initiative. In a release celebrating the patio’s opening, Manuela Teixeira, CEO and Co-owner, Square Old Chelsea said “it’s been a work of love from start to finish, and we are most grateful for the funding we have received from EDC [Canada Economic Development] and Outaouais Tourism to create this amazing space. We look forward to continuing to host fabulous events throughout the year that perfectly complement the overall vibe of Square Old Chelsea.”
The patio is conveniently located near the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre and is an excellent spot to stop for a break after a trip through Gatineau Park, but the patio in and of itself is a worthy destination.
Distillerie du Square gin cocktails.
Terrasse du Square is located at 244 Chemin Old Chelsea. Street parking is available. The patio is closed Monday and Tuesday, and open from 12-8pm from Wednesday through Saturday and from 11am-7pm on Sunday. Washrooms are available inside the Distillerie du Square building.
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