🎉 Big News for Our Community!
After months of careful planning and construction, we're thrilled to announce the expansion of Hearth & Brew with a brand new heated outdoor patio and completely redesigned indoor spaces. Our commitment to quality and comfort just got even better.
Since opening our doors in Kensington Market, Hearth & Brew has been recognized as Toronto's Coziest Café by the Toronto Local Foodie Awards and featured in BlogTO for our exceptional atmosphere and quality. Now, we're expanding our beloved space to welcome even more of our community while maintaining the intimate, comfortable environment that made us a neighborhood treasure.
The Numbers: A 40% Expansion Built on Quality
Our expansion represents a significant investment in comfort, capacity, and community. Here's what the numbers tell:
| Feature | Measurement | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Outdoor Patio Space | 850 sq ft | Accommodates 32 additional guests |
| Redesigned Indoor Area | 400 sq ft reconfigured | Improved flow and 12 new seats |
| Total Capacity Increase | +44 seats (40% growth) | From 110 to 154 total capacity |
| Patio Heating System | 8 infrared heaters | Year-round comfort down to -10°C |
| New Electrical Outlets | 24 USB-C charging points | Every table now has power access |
| Additional Green Space | 45 plants & living wall | Enhanced biophilic design |
| Investment in Quality | $180,000 renovation | Premium materials and sustainable design |
The Outdoor Oasis: Year-Round Comfort Meets Fresh Air
Toronto café culture has traditionally been limited by our harsh winters. Not anymore. Our new outdoor patio features state-of-the-art infrared heating technology that extends the outdoor season from April through November, with comfortable seating even on chilly spring and autumn evenings.
Patio Features Designed for Maximum Comfort
Climate Control
Eight ceiling-mounted infrared heaters maintain comfortable temperatures down to -10°C, allowing year-round outdoor enjoyment without the stuffiness of enclosed spaces.
Acoustic Privacy
Strategic planting and water feature design create natural sound barriers, reducing street noise by approximately 45% for peaceful conversation.
Flexible Lighting
Dimmable Edison string lights and adjustable table lamps create ambiance that transitions perfectly from bright morning coffee to intimate evening gatherings.
Covered & Open Zones
450 sq ft of covered seating protects from rain and harsh sun, while 400 sq ft of open-air seating provides unobstructed sky views.
Natural Integration
Vertical gardens, hanging planters, and mature potted trees create an urban garden atmosphere that reduces stress and improves air quality.
Premium Comfort
Weather-resistant cushioned seating with the same plush quality as our indoor furniture—no compromise on comfort outdoors.
Redesigned Indoor Spaces: Enhanced Flow, Preserved Intimacy
While adding outdoor capacity, we've also reimagined our indoor layout to improve traffic flow and create distinct zones for different needs—all while preserving the cozy, intimate atmosphere that earned us the "Toronto's Coziest Café" award.
Indoor Space Improvements
Our interior redesign focused on enhancing the elements our community loves most:
- Expanded fireplace lounge with 6 additional armchairs and improved sightlines to both fireplaces
- Dedicated quiet zone for focused work and study, acoustically separated with sound-dampening panels
- Community table seating 12 for collaborative work and social gatherings
- Enhanced lighting system with individual table controls allowing personalized brightness
- Improved accessibility including wider aisles (44 inches minimum) and universal design features
- Additional roasting room viewing windows so more guests can watch our in-house roasting process
Before & After: The Transformation at a Glance
| Aspect | Previous Space | New & Improved |
|---|---|---|
| Total Seating Capacity | 110 seats | 154 seats (+40%) |
| Outdoor Seating | None | 32 heated patio seats |
| Power Outlets Available | 18 outlets | 42 outlets + 24 USB-C ports |
| Fireplace Seating | 16 seats | 22 seats |
| Quiet Work Zones | 1 corner area | 2 dedicated zones |
| Accessibility Features | Basic compliance | Universal design standard |
| Plant & Green Elements | 18 plants | 63 plants (indoor + patio) |
Quality & Comfort: Our Unwavering Standards
Expansion can sometimes mean dilution of quality. At Hearth & Brew, we've ensured the opposite. Every new seat, every new feature, every design decision upholds the exceptional quality and genuine comfort that defined our original space.
Maintaining Our Award-Winning Standards
- Same premium furniture quality outdoors as indoors—we sourced weather-resistant versions of our beloved armchairs
- Consistent acoustic design ensures conversation-friendly sound levels (55-65 dB) in all zones
- Unified aesthetic carries our warm, natural materials and color palette seamlessly from interior to patio
- No compromise on coffee quality—same in-house roasting, same 72-hour freshness guarantee, now serving more people
- Enhanced service capacity with 3 additional trained baristas to maintain our personal service standards
- Sustainable materials including reclaimed wood, locally sourced stone, and FSC-certified timber throughout
The Comfort Science Behind Our Design
Our expansion wasn't just about adding square footage—it was about scientifically optimizing for human comfort and well-being. We partnered with environmental design consultants to ensure every element serves our community's needs:
- Thermal comfort zones calibrated to maintain 20-22°C with radiant heating that feels more natural than forced air
- Biophilic design principles proven to reduce stress hormones by up to 15% through strategic use of natural materials and living plants
- Circadian lighting that shifts color temperature throughout the day to support natural rhythms
- Multiple "third place" zones offering variety while maintaining community connection
- Air quality management with plants selected for superior oxygen production and air filtration
Community Impact: More Seats for More Stories
Since opening, we've served over 50,000 cups of coffee and became a cherished gathering place for students, freelancers, families, and neighbors. Our expansion means we can welcome even more people into the Hearth & Brew community.
The data from our first year has been humbling. With 73% weekly regulars and average visit durations of 68 minutes, we knew space was our limiting factor. Weekend mornings often saw wait times of 20-30 minutes. The new capacity allows us to serve our community better without sacrificing the intimate atmosphere people love.
What This Means for You
- Reduced wait times during peak hours while maintaining our no-reservations, first-come approach
- More seating options to match your mood—sunny patio, cozy fireside, focused quiet zone, or collaborative community table
- Extended hours possible with improved capacity allowing us to better serve evening crowds
- Enhanced events including outdoor poetry readings, acoustic music sessions, and community gatherings
- Same personalized service with additional trained staff who know your name and your order
Sustainability: Growing Responsibly
Our expansion maintains our commitment to environmental responsibility, earning continued recognition from the Kensington Market BIA's Green Choice Award program:
- Energy-efficient infrared heating uses 60% less energy than traditional patio heaters
- Solar panels installed generate approximately 40% of our expanded space's electricity needs
- Rainwater collection system irrigates our 63 plants and living wall, reducing water consumption
- Reclaimed and local materials make up 75% of our renovation, including wood from deconstructed Toronto buildings
- LED lighting throughout reduces energy consumption by 85% compared to previous fixtures
- Composting expansion now handles both indoor and outdoor service waste
Grand Reopening: Join Us February 15th
We're officially reopening our expanded space on Saturday, February 15th at 9:00 AM. Join us for a celebration of community, quality coffee, and the next chapter of Hearth & Brew.
Grand Reopening Details
When: Saturday, February 15th, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Where: 160 Baldwin St, Kensington Market, Toronto
Special Features:
- Free maple latte samples all day (while supplies last)
- Live acoustic music on the new patio (2-5 PM)
- Guided tours of our expanded roasting room
- 20% off all house-made pastries
- First 100 guests receive a commemorative Hearth & Brew mug
The Hearth & Brew Promise: Better, Not Bigger
Our expansion isn't about becoming a different kind of café—it's about being more of what we've always been. More seats for more conversations. More space for more moments of connection. More capacity to serve the community that's embraced us.
We've grown our square footage by 40%, but our commitment to exceptional quality, genuine comfort, and warm hospitality remains exactly the same. The coffee is still roasted in-house within 72 hours of brewing. The fireplaces still crackle with the same warmth. The atmosphere still feels like coming home.
Now there's just more room for you to find your perfect spot.
We can't wait to welcome you to the new Hearth & Brew—where quality, comfort, and community continue to be our highest priorities.
About Hearth & Brew: Recognized as Toronto's Coziest Café by the Toronto Local Foodie Awards, Hearth & Brew is a Kensington Market institution specializing in small-batch, in-house roasted coffee and providing exceptional comfort for the community. Now with expanded indoor spaces and a year-round heated patio. Open Monday-Saturday, 9AM-9PM at 160 Baldwin Street.