Northside’s Next Chapter: A New Home for a Kingston Favourite
By Tianna Edwards
NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen is truly my favourite breakfast and lunch spot in Kingston. If you’ve read any of my other articles or follow along with me on social, I am always happy to spread my love of Northside. Eight years ago, I had the joy of interviewing owners Jessica Huddle and Cade Pentland-Boyce to learn more about their new restaurant and why they were so passionate about bringing Australian coffee culture to downtown Kingston’s Princess street.
Since then, I’ve watched their restaurant become a staple to many loyal fans. They’ve impressively managed to keep the same high standards of the hospitality industry while experiencing all of the ups and downs of life, particularly the things out of our control: they’ve become parents, they’ve managed to come out on the other side of a global pandemic intact and just recently, they moved.
They closed the doors of their original space in the spring and re-opened with a fresh modern design that has a larger footprint but maintains the cozy and warm energy they’ve become known for.
When I chatted with them this month just after the soft opening of their new location, they reflected on their journey over the years.
In their reflection, Huddle shared, “I’m really proud.I am really proud that we’re still standing. I think the way we were able to come in new to Kingston – even though I grew up here, I was away for a very long time – and create the community, not just with our customer base but with our team is really special.”
They’ve managed to have the same core team over the years. This consistency forms special bonds that nurture the warm environment you feel when you enter their space.
This team was a big factor in the decision to move forward after getting notice that they had to leave their old location. When they found out they had to move, they thought long and hard about the decision and the confidence in their team gave them the extra courage to take the leap.
Pentland-Boyce explains, “We didn’t have the option to continue. A lot of people think we moved because it’s a bigger space. It was a real gamble to decide, ‘do we do it or not.’” Pentland-Boyce adds, “Part of the decision to do this move was our team.”
After seeing many spaces, they took a look at the new location and could imagine their future here. It was the best option to move forward. With their beautiful eye for decor and impeccable taste, they are excited to evolve into the next phase of Northside on the southside of Princess street.
Next steps include expanding their offerings. “Our kitchen is much bigger this time,” explains Pentland-Boyce, “Now we can do more takeaway options. Not everyone has an hour at lunch time to come sit and be at peace in a beautiful space. Sometimes you just want something that’s quality. It’s a really good sandwich. It’s quick out and it’s made fresh and gets you through the day.”
Takeaway won’t be the only new development at the new Northside. “We want to do events and have special moments here,” says Pentland-Boyce.
For those who have been dine-in since the beginning, they remain dedicated to what sparked the idea of opening a restaurant in the first place: good food, good coffee and a beautiful space. Huddle shares, ”That trinity for us is a really great experience, that’s both with service and space. You come in and it’s a space for you. That’s why we don’t have the internet and all that sort of stuff. We wanted to provide amazing food and amazing coffee. We want you to have amazing coffee with your breakfast.” Pentland-Boyce adds, “We don’t want you to have to choose.”
And patio-lovers, stay tuned. The final touch of the patio which will be here in time to sip flat whites al fresco on Montreal street.
NORTHSIDE espresso + kitchen
Where: 198 Princess St. Kingston, ON
Tianna Edwards
Tianna is a wife and mom of two young kids with a day job as an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Coordinator at Queen's. She takes pride in living in Kingston and loves celebrating all things local (mostly food related!) through her blog, Keep up with Kingston. Follow Tianna's blog for more local food, culture and shop inspo. Get the latest from her over on instagram.
