Fenton Street Art Collective & Distillery

Fenton Street Art Collective & Distillery in Stratford blends an art-filled cafe vibe with the craft of small-batch distilling, creating a spot that’s as much about sipping and socializing as it is about soaking in creativity. Located in a beautifully restored building, this place feels like it’s right at home in the laid-back yet culturally curious heart of the town.

The atmosphere here is a layered experience: by day, it resembles a relaxed neighborhood cafe where locals and visitors alike linger over thoughtfully prepared coffee and simple but distinctively tasty food. The menu offers a mix of light and hearty options like the Egmont Frittata, salmon roulade, and the uniquely styled beef pot pie—dishes that pair nicely with the coffee or one of the house-distilled gins or whiskeys. The food is approachable yet carries little twists that differentiate it from standard cafe fare, appealing to those who enjoy casual dining with a hint of the unexpected.

Adjacent to the cafe is the distillery itself, where the focus on small-batch production gives the place an intimate, workshop-like feel. Visitors who enjoy learning about the craft behind their drinks will find value in chatting with the master distiller or joining a tasting session. The passion invested in gin and single malt whiskey making is palpable, which might draw in connoisseurs as well as curious passers-by.

Upstairs, the art gallery showcases work from resident artists, adding to the creative energy pulsing through the place. It’s a quiet counterpoint to the social hub downstairs and works well for those who appreciate a mingling of visual art with culinary craft.

Staff interactions can be hit or miss on busy days, but the overall tone remains one of earnest effort to provide a meaningful, relaxed experience rather than a polished commercial one. Visitors looking for a straightforward coffee run might find the serving pace slower than expected during peak times, but this also means more time to soak in the surroundings and people-watch.

This spot suits those who appreciate places with a story, where food, drink, and creativity intersect. Mid-morning to early afternoon is an ideal window to visit—before the distillery tours and tastings pick up pace—making it a good stop for locals grabbing brunch or travelers seeking a break from the usual cafe circuit in Stratford.