Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. With only a precious few summer weekends left, I’ve been trying to make the most of them. And if you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know that one of my favourite weekend activities involves enjoying a delicious brunch!
It’s no surprise that brunch is my favourite meal. There’s just something about it that feels particularly indulgent. It’s an excuse to sleep in, start your day with dessert (if you so choose) and enjoy a cocktail long before 5pm… and the nature of the meal practically requires its participants to relax and linger awhile. (I mean, have you ever been invited to join someone for a “quick brunch”??) There’s something about brunch that feels decadent and luxurious – whether you’re indulging in lobster eggs benedict at a fancy restaurant, or simply enjoying coffee and pastries at home. That said, sometimes you just need to treat yourself to a truly luxurious brunch… and the restaurant I’m posting about today is definitely a splurge-worthy affair!
Last month, I went to the Ancaster Mill with Tania and my parents for their famous Sunday brunch. It was a joint birthday celebration for me and my mom – our birthdays are just 12 days apart – and we couldn’t have picked a better place to celebrate! From the atmosphere to the food to the service, every detail was top-notch.
Located in Ancaster (a community of Hamilton), the Ancaster Mill has a rich history that spans over 200 years. The site has been home to four flour mills over the centuries – the first three were destroyed by fire, and the lucky fourth – the one still standing today – was built in 1863. You can read more about its history and construction here – the fact that it was built before the advent of steam or electric power is pretty impressive! In 1972, the mill was purchased by the Ciancone family, who carefully restored it over several years. The Ancaster Mill Restaurant officially opened in 1979, and has been a beloved landmark ever since. Its historic grandeur and natural beauty make it the perfect venue for a special occasion. Fittingly, they also host weddings and events… they even have an onsite chapel!
The Ancaster Mill is renowned for their Sunday brunch buffet, which runs every Sunday from 9am to 2:30pm. This had been on my brunch bucket list forever (what, doesn’t everyone have one of those?) and I was so excited to finally check it out! Brunch here isn’t just a meal – it’s a full-fledged, expertly staged production. The buffet spans multiple rooms, and even if you took the smallest bite of everything, there’d be no way to try it all! The options are virtually endless, and there’s truly something for everyone.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the waterfalls outside. The Ancaster Mill is home to two waterfalls, which provide a beautiful scenic backdrop for your meal.
This room was set up beautifully for a special event. We saw a few groups celebrating milestone anniversaries and other extra-special occasions!
Upon being seated, we were promptly greeted with mimosas and a sweet birthday message for me and my mom. I love businesses that go out of their way to do things like this – even the smallest gesture goes such a long way!
And speaking of mimosas: not only is this brunch all-you-can-eat, but it also includes bottomless libations. You can choose between mimosas, sparkling wine, caesars, juices, tea or coffee – and you can switch it up anytime!
Tania and my dad getting a head start…
Now, I’ve been to brunches where you pay extra for bottomless mimosas, but it’s not really worth it because the server only comes around once or twice to refill. Not the case at the Ancaster Mill! Our server was so attentive, and was constantly offering to replenish our drinks – so much so that I actually started turning down mimosas (I know… there’s a first time for everything!)
Now let’s get to the food! There are three main sections of the buffet. The main dining room is where you’ll find the ‘cold’ food: pastries, breads, charcuterie, salads and pasta salads, yogurt parfaits, and the fruit platter of my dreams.
Perhaps most impressive is the seafood station, which includes shrimp, crab legs, smoked salmon and freshly shucked oysters.
The “hot food room” is reserved for eggs, bacon, sausages, potatoes, made-to-order omelettes, and the like. The fried chicken and waffles are a fan favourite – I definitely went back for a couple of helpings!
The highlight of this room is arguably the carvery station…
…but the crepe station is also a big hit! You can customize a made-to-order crepe with any fillings and toppings of your choice. (Sorry, I don’t have any photos of this part – I was too mesmerized watching the “crepe master” in action!) Here’s a photo of the crepe itself, though. By the way, is anyone else as unhinged as I am when it comes to buffets?? Crepes, fried chicken, bacon, apple crisp and bread pudding all on one plate… any rules about what ‘goes’ together go right out the window!
Exhibit B: a croissant, smoked salmon, an arancini ball, sliced cheese, and a blueberry scone with an ungodly amount of jam and maple butter. Is anyone else like this!? (I swear I don’t do this at home…)
Last but not least: the dessert table! Unlike other buffets where dessert sometimes (sadly) feels like an afterthought, at Ancaster Mill, it’s the star of the show! My favourites were the cherry crumble and the aforementioned bread pudding. Another favourite at our table: the lavender meringues!
On that note, I have to compliment the creativity and quality that goes into the dishes here. My mom – who’s notoriously hard to impress – couldn’t stop raving about the food, and trust me, that’s high praise! While you’ll find all your classic breakfast staples, there are also unique and innovative dishes you wouldn’t necessarily expect… and of all the all-you-can-eat buffets I’ve been to, this is one of the few that doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity.
After a few rounds, we were all absolutely stuffed! Before heading out, we enjoyed a stroll around the beautiful historic grounds and admired the waterfalls up close.
The Ancaster Mill’s Sunday brunch costs $77 per person (half-price for children aged 5-12) and in my opinion, it’s well worth it! There’s a 2-hour seating limit for reservations, which is honestly more than enough. I thought we’d stay the entire time, but 90 minutes in, we were all too full to eat any more! You can make a reservation online, which I recommend booking well in advance. Understandably, this event fills up quickly!
Do you have any favourite local restaurants I should add to my brunch bucket list? If so, please drop them in the comments or send me an email – I’d love to hear your recommendations!
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