ESQUIMALT, BC — A historic landmark in Greater Victoria is getting a new lease on life — with help from a "Top Chef" and "The Crown."
Built in 1906, this mansion was a private residence. Then after World War II it became The Old English Inn - complete with Shakespearian cosplay.
Today, this place is poised to welcome guests again, as Rosemead House.
This soon-to open luxury boutique hotel has 28 opulent rooms - no two are the same. Architectural details, art and antiques fill the place. Even the restrooms are richly detailed, with toilets imported from England that have elevated tanks and bowls with ornate detailing on the inside, the fanciest of facilities.
This transformation took six years and there are some royal touches fans of a popular Netflix show may recognize. The curtains and pink chairs in a mezzanine sitting area off the lobby are from "The Crown." Rumor is the new owner, real estate developer Lenny Moy, also purchased the Buckingham Palace gate replicas from the show at auction, and they'll be installed here as well.
The restaurant, Janevca, has another TV tie-in. "Top Chef Canada" finalist Andrea Alridge is at the helm.
“This is something so special. This property, the history of it,” she said.
Also, she's bringing the heat. The kitchen, which she had a hand in designing, cooks with wood-fueled fire.
“I guess you could call me, like, a pyromaniac if you want,” said Alridge. “For the latter part of 10 years plus now all I've been doing is cooking with fire, and I'm obsessed with it. I can't live without it. Everything about it, the smell, the flavors, the smoke, it's incredible."
Janevca’s wood-fired fare will be fresh from the land and local waters and reflect Alridge’s Jamaican and Filipino roots.
You can expect a curated - and cozy - experience at Rosemead House and it’s new restaurant.
“We want to really focus on the heart of the fire, the warmth that that brings, and just bringing everyone together for a great time,” Alridge said.
Sponsored by Destination Greater Victoria.
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