St. Lawrence Market New Store Introduction: What kind of shop is C’est What Durham?

The other day, while walking through St. Lawrence Market, I noticed a beer shop I hadn't seen before next to the Tibetan clothing store on the first floor. Since the market is known for its food and bakeries, it's hard not to get curious when you find a new shop like this.

The shop I found this time is C’est What Durham. Some might be confused by the name, but to be precise, it is not a distillery focused on spirits, but rather a brewery-style shop that handles craft beer. In this article, I have summarized what kind of brand this is, how you might enjoy it, and some tips for exploring St. Lawrence Market.

A new beer shop found at St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is a place that not only tourists but also Toronto residents want to visit again and again. It's fun just to walk around looking at the bread, cheese, ham, seafood, and sweets, but adding a new craft beer shop gives adults one more way to enjoy the experience.

What I felt while actually walking around is that, unlike beer shops in typical bar districts, there is an atmosphere here that allows you to drop in casually as you make your way through the market. It feels less like going out for a heavy drinking session and more like finding a bottle that catches your eye while you're shopping; that kind of distance feels just right for this location.

What kind of brewery is C’est What Durham?

A long-established brewery that started in 1996

According to their official website, C’est What Durham Brewing is a brewery that started in 1996, and Bruce Halstead has been at the center of their brewing operations for many years. Furthermore, it is noted that in 2021, they partnered with C’est What, known as a craft beer bar in Toronto, leading to new developments. The official site lists cask ale as one of their specialties, and they offer beer in various forms, including cans and kegs.

Knowing this background, it feels less like just a new shop opening and more like the flow of Toronto's beer culture has spread into the market. Since the area around St. Lawrence Market retains a historic streetscape, a brand with a bit of local color like this fits in well with the atmosphere.

Brewing base is in Pickering, the market is an accessible store in Toronto

One thing that is useful to remember here is that the brewing and taproom base is in Pickering, and the St. Lawrence Market location is presented as a Toronto store. The official site lists the Pickering Brewery & Taproom and the 91 Front St. E. St. Lawrence Market store separately. In other words, it is more natural to understand that even if you encounter the beer brand within the market, the actual manufacturing is not necessarily done on-site.

I think this is actually an important point when introducing the shop. Some readers might imagine a brewpub where brewing happens on the spot, but based on current official information, it is easier to understand it as a store where you can easily buy their products within Toronto.

Curious about what kind of beer they have

Many British-style and classic-leaning names make it easy to choose

Looking at the lineup on the official website, they introduce beers like Al’s Cask Ale, Blak Katt, ESB, Ginger Wheat, Hemp Haze, Hop Addict #9, Mocha Porter, Red Dragon, and Starlight. In terms of styles, there is a wide range, including Irish-style stout, Extra Special Bitter, ginger wheat, old-school IPA, porter, red ale, and even light lager ale.

With a selection like this, it doesn't feel like a shop only for craft beer experts; it's easy to choose based on whether you want something light today, something with a bit of bitterness, or want to try a dark beer. It feels accessible to both tourists and residents.

It's great that it's easy to stop by while exploring the market

Shopping at St. Lawrence Market tends to focus on food. However, after looking at cheese, sausages, bread, and deli items, having a beer shop adds to the fun of pairing things together. It gives a sense of a weekend treat, and it seems like a great way to pick up a bottle before heading to a friend's house.

Furthermore, the official website notes for those downtown that it is easy to pick up items at the St. Lawrence Market location. Since you must be 19 or older, it is good to keep that Canadian rule in mind.

Things to know before you go

It is recommended to check store information in advance

According to the official website, the address for the St. Lawrence Market location is 91 Front St. E., and the hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Monday hours are not listed, so it is best to check the day of the week when planning your market stroll.

Those who want to enjoy it more thoroughly might be interested in the main store

The main C’est What location is described on the official website as a craft beer bar in Old Town at 67 Front St. E. It is in an area close to St. Lawrence Market, so if you like the market shop, you might become interested in the main store next.

The joy of buying to take home and the joy of sitting down for a slow drink. Viewed as an entry point for both, this new market shop seems like it will be quite convenient.

Summary

The newly opened C’est What Durham at St. Lawrence Market adds the pleasure of craft beer to a food market. Based on current official information, the most natural way to view this is that a brewery with a brewing base in Pickering has opened an accessible shop in the heart of Toronto at St. Lawrence Market.

For those who love St. Lawrence Market, those who want to feel a bit closer to Toronto-style craft beer, or those looking for something local while sightseeing, I think this new store is quite an interesting addition. Rather than trying to visit too many places, it seems to suit a way of spending time where you walk slowly through the market and find a bottle that catches your eye.

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