Nestled in the heart of Whitby, The Springwood stands as a testament to the passion and determination of its owners, Jasmine Lee and Matthew Simpson. This charming neighbourhood restaurant is more than just a place to dine; it is a celebration of community, sustainability, and the art of fine cuisine.

Jasmine and Matt's journey begins years ago when they met as young adults working at a Whitby restaurant. Jasmine worked in the front of house as a server, while Matt worked in the kitchen. After a year of working together, Matt took a new job in Toronto and commuted from Whitby for over two years before the duo's shared dreams and ambition propelled them to make the move to the city, seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and craft in upscale restaurants.

For ten years, they immersed themselves in Toronto’s culinary scene, absorbing invaluable lessons and experiences. However, their hearts remained anchored in Whitby. Both Jasmine and Matt yearned to return, armed with newfound expertise and the desire to create something special in the town they once called home.

And that’s exactly what they did. Three years after moving back to Whitby, Jasmine and Matt began their search for the perfect space to open their own restaurant. In November of 2022, they came across an old fish and chips restaurant that was in dire need of upgrades, but Jasmine and Matt saw the potential. They got the keys to the space in January of 2023 and immediately started on renovations:

From January to April, we worked day and night to completely overhaul the space. We painted, installed new flooring, new ceiling, built a bar…the list goes on. It was a labour of love for sure, but we were so overjoyed with the final product.

Jasmine Lee, Co-owner, The Springwood

Jasmine and Matt made the space unrecognizable from what it once was. Upon entering The Springwood, guests are greeted by warm wood accents, lush greenery, and funky art deco accents. The space exudes a cosy and welcoming ambience, reminiscent of stepping into the home of a dear friend.

Every detail was attended to, from the bookshelf adorned with eclectic items collected from antiquing to the vintage nods to Whitby's history. One standout item is a large strawberry, a resilient survivor from renovations at the restaurant where Matt and Jasmine first met and worked together:

The strawberry has journeyed with us through various apartments and now finds its place of honour in The Springwood. Another favourite piece of décor is an oil painting commissioned by my grandmother in the 1960s, which depicts the house where my mother grew up—the very site where The Springwood now stands.

Jasmine Lee, Co-owner, The Springwood

The culmination of Jasmine and Matt’s efforts led to the official opening of The Springwood on May 25, 2023. The restaurant has quickly become a beloved fixture in the community, offering a unique dining experience rooted in Jasmine and Matt’s core values. Locally sourced ingredients take center stage, championing hyper-seasonality and regenerative farming practices. The menu showcases the talents of Matt, who finally can express his authentic self through his own culinary creations.

Working closely with local businesses is integral to The Springwood's ethos. They supply beer from nearby breweries, forge partnerships with local farmers, and build connections within the community. Plans for a patio are underway, as Jasmine and Matt continuously seek ways to evolve and meet the ever-changing needs of their patrons.

Their dedication and commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed. The Springwood is honoured with the FeastON! certification through the Culinary Tourism Alliance, a testament to their unwavering commitment to local and sustainable practices. Matt's expertise also extends beyond the restaurant's walls, as he serves on the Board of the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) for Durham College's Culinary Management program, mentoring and guiding the next generation of culinary professionals.

Transparency and integrity are at the core of The Springwood's operations. Guests are invited to indulge in a casually elegant dining experience where a cocktail and appetizer are just as welcomed as a full meal. Everything is made in-house, from bread and butchery to cheese and cocktails. The restaurant proudly showcases the origin of each ingredient, supporting the behind-the-scenes workers and giving local farmers and providers the recognition they rarely receive.

Jasmine and Matt value their staff, providing benefits and fair wages, and fostering an environment of growth and creativity. The ever-changing menu ensures that the team is constantly challenged and inspired, working with new recipes and unique ingredients, and forging connections with diverse suppliers.

The Springwood is more than just a restaurant; it is a testament to Jasmine and Matt’s unwavering love for their hometown, dedication to sustainable practices, and passion for culinary excellence. In this cosy and inviting space, they invite guests to embark on a journey of flavours, where every dish served is a celebration of the community, the land, and the shared joy of breaking bread together. Jasmine and Matt invite everyone to “Come Over for Dinner”.

To learn more about The Springwood and to explore their offerings, visit their website or follow their Instagram.

Photo taken by Sid Tang (@sid_tangerine)

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