Nice location, nice decor, but such a waste. The staff and service are sub-par. The waitress was condescending and rude and the management seemed to shrug off any concerns my wife and I had. The Drake needs to understand that THIS IS THE COUNTY NOT TORONTO, leave the attitude where you came from. Im never going here again and wont recommend it to anyone.

Being a new arrival to any community let alone a small, insular one like Prince Edward County is difficult at the best of times. Now imagine you're a hotshot young mover and shaking from the "big city" buying a historic property to use as a platform to introduce your unique brand of programming and engagement. As the Spanish would say, "Dios mio!" Fast-forward from the Drake Devonshire's 2015 fall launch and we can already see that their commitment to the County, their thoughtful partnerships and genuine earnestness in being a good neighbor are being recognized by visitors and residents alike. I'm not surprised at all. A long-time fan of their flag-ship Toronto hotel I am familiar with their passion for hospitality and the arts. Not a night goes by that there isn't some form of food, music, arts or community event hosted in their city bar, restaurant, cafe, skydeck, event space or rooms and the fans that gather to enjoy the programming. Now the same thoughtfulness is found in Wellington, Ontario (a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto or Ottawa) and rather than Queen West's gritty cityscape, the views from their windows are Lake Ontario and the edge of the famous Sandbanks beaches. The renovated inn is full of beautiful and often surprising design details, the new Pavilion promises to be the place to experience flights of local wines (some of the best in the country and in some cases even world beating), and the kitchen under the sound hand of creative local-focused chef Matthew DeMille is already taking advantage of the abundance of the County's harvest of fresh everything. Those lucky enough to experience the start-up phase witnessed flashes of brilliance as the Drake Devonshire finds its footing and 2015 promises to be a banner year of fresh programming, sincere partnerships and surprises galore as the Inn and the community find a natural rhythm. High-points: Friday after-work drink on the lake patio, anything from Chef DeMille's comfortable local-focused menu (especially the burger using butcher Ted Aman's fresh ground beef and lamb from literally across the street!), a wander from room-to-room and the grounds to experience the inn's artwork (paintings, sculpture, furniture etc.), 86'd in the County nights with clever themes from County-steeped Ivy Knight, and especially an overnight to experience unique rooms in close proximity to a well-spent evening of eating and drinking–be sure to grab a bike from the rack and a map from the frontdesk and explore the local area. City in the County is the theme but exceptional attention to a visitor's experience is the promise that won't disappoint.