Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/352529
M c L e o d h o u s e t e a r o o M a n d g i f t s h o p 4 WINNIPEG FrEE PrESS, SATurDAY JulY 26, 2014 By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press For a taste of modern-day comfort paired with historic ambiance, Mcleod House Tearoom and Gift Shop offers the best of both worlds. F or years, owner leanne Stewart had envisioned opening her own tearoom, but she wanted to find the perfect setting. Her dream became a reality in 2003 when the owners of Mcleod House in Stonewall sold their turn-of- the-century property to her. "The house has got some great bones," Stewart says. "This is the last freestanding home of its era on Main Street in Stonewall." Around 1898, local doctor Alexander Mcleod built the home and ran his practice there. His son, Alan, enlisted in the royal Flying Corps during the First World War in 1917 at the age of 18. A year later, he was flying over France when his plane was attacked. He crash-landed and dragged his comrade to safety, despite his own injuries. He received the Victoria Cross from King George and returned to Stonewall as a hero. Two months later, he died of pneumonia. "The Mcleod family has such an interesting history in Stonewall, as well as in Canada. When we decided to go ahead with the business, it was so obvious that we should call it Mcleod House," Stewart says. "There isn't much family left here, unfortunately, but I have met some distant relatives through the years. I think they appreciate the story being continually told. It's an interesting part of the visit here." Guests can peruse the gift shop located in four rooms on the second floor for women's clothing, accessories, purses and jewelry. "That's a big part of our business," Stewart says. "Seasonally, our giftware and accessories change. In the wintertime, we have a whole room dedicated to Christmas ornaments and Christmas decor." On the lower level, guests enjoy lunch or dessert while sipping tea in delicate china teacups. In warmer months, extra seating is available on an enclosed porch. The menu includes homemade soup, as well as a selection of sandwiches and salads topped with homemade dressings. "Probably our most popular sandwich is our chicken salad, and that's got apricots and cranberries," Stewart says. "In the summertime, we add a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich. That's a lovely fresh sandwich." To satisfy any sweet tooth, desserts range from cheesecake and pie to brownies and bread pudding. "Our cranberry lemon scone is always on the menu. The other dessert that's really popular is our Saskatoon rhubarb crumble- top pie," Stewart says. "Seasonally, we have Boonstra strawberries from a local farm out here. We'll feature those in the salads and in strawberry rhubarb pie. We do a dream cake, which has fresh strawberries over angel food. We also make homemade lemon custard with strawberry sauce and whipped cream. Everything is how it used to be — made from scratch." There's also a selection of 26 loose teas, which can be bought by the bag to enjoy at home. "We have herbal tea and red tea and green tea and chai. right now for summer, we brought in a sweet watermelon oolong tea. People really like that," Stewart says. "We have a Buckingham Palace tea that we brought in for the Queen's Jubilee and we've left it on the menu. It's an Earl Grey, but it has jasmine in it." To add to the adventure of the outing, Mcleod House hosts high-tea events, with teacup readings also available. upcoming dates are Aug. 9, Aug. 23, Sept. 13 and Sept. 27, and reservations are required. "High tea is served on tiered trays. On the tiered tray, each person gets four assorted finger sandwiches. Then they get a cranberry lemon scone with preserves and cream, plus three assorted dainties per person. It comes with a pot of tea or a beverage," Stewart says. "We also do a fascinator high tea. Fascinators are those hats that the British wear to weddings. We have an award for the best fascinator, so people make these crazy creations. It's really fun." Mcleod House Tearoom and Gift Shop is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The venue is also available for special events, such as high tea showers. "In the summer, people are always looking for those little jaunts. We're not far. We're just 22 kilometres from the north Perimeter. It's a divided highway, so it's an easy drive for people," Stewart says. "We do recommend reservations anytime because we're not a huge establishment. It's got a very comfortable feel to it. It's not stuffy. You can come as you are. It's so rewarding to know that people enjoy the food and the experience." For more information, visit www.oncallstudio.com/360webshop. ❙ The historic McLeod House is now home to a tearoom and a second-floor gift shop stocked with women's clothing, bags and accessories. 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