nourish: Blackwing Coffee Bar

Nestled in a secluded spot on the Grand River, inside a restored red brick building, is Blackwing Coffee Bar. Blackwing is Galt’s new spot for locally roasted coffee, Ontario micro brews and a wide array of wines and whiskeys.

Blackwing is Katherine Chiles’ second project. Prior to refurbishing the building at 135 George Street,  she co-established Death Valley’s Little Brother (DVLB), a Kitchener staple that purveys fresh pastries, coffee and scotch. Blackwing Coffee and DLVB have partnered with Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters, a café and roastery that supplies direct trade coffee to both locations.

Katherine’s background is in hospitality and interior design, but the experience of working at independent cafes inspired her to curate good coffee, spirits and simple, comforting food to the Kitchener and Cambridge communities. “For me it’s all about the people”, she says, “my favourite part has always been standing behind the counter and getting to know the people that spend time in my café”. Katherine was immediately captured by the atmosphere of Galt. “I loved the architecture, and I loved the presence of the river. We also loved this building and the timing was right for expansion.” The building, historically occupied by the South Waterloo Agricultural Society, is shared between Blackwing Coffee and Galt Collective, a co-working and event space.

The Blackwing menu features freshly baked pastries, including a gluten free selection, a toast bar with a variety of mix-and-match toppings as well as simple fare to pair with the wines and beers. Apart from daily specials, local meats, cheeses and hummuses are offered. The transition from a high-ceilinged, naturally lit space supplying coffee to a sophisticated bar with a sunset patio is what makes this new addition special. This is a unique opportunity to move seamlessly from pouring over readings with a coffee to an evening of wine and cheese.

The interiors of Blackwing were designed by Katherine and feature a number of inviting moments. Cozy armchair nooks, tall palm plants, dispersed bar seating and spacious work tables occupied by visitors with laptops and books add to the overall warm and welcoming atmosphere. A community library covers most of the North wall, shelves of books open for reading, sharing and trading. Katherine hopes that the openness of the space will bring events and gatherings to Blackwing, such a pop-up shops and exhibitions.

Stay tuned for exciting updates to come, and in the meantime, enjoy a pour-over coffee and stay for a beer.

nourish is an ongoing review series of food purveyors within reach of UWSA students. If you are interested in contributing to this series or have related inquiries/concerns, please email bridge@waterlooarchitecture.com.