South Pond Farms, Kawartha Lakes: Hours, Address, South Pond Farms Reviews: 4.5/5
South Pond Farms
South Pond Farms
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Located in the Bethany Hills of Ontario, South Pond is a beautiful country setting that offers a wide variety of experiences: our barn and fields for weddings and special events, our artisan-built wood-fired outdoor stone oven for traditional flatbreads and pizza, our beautiful gardens for both nourishment and serenity. Our goal is to make your special occasion memorable by sharing the calm connectedness we feel for our little corner of Ontario, and offering much-needed respite from the hectic pace of life. We host both farm-to-table dinners, brunches & lunches as well as cooking & craft workshops, retreats, group experiences & more! What's 'on the menu' for activities changes seasonally so check out our website to see what's happening on the farm today!
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Restaurants
2 within 5 kms
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4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
3
Average
3
Poor
4
Terrible
1
CMA83
Richmond Hill, Canada7 contributions
mediocre, maybe good once, not a second time!
Sep. 2019
We went to SPF in 2019. It is a beautiful farm and a different experience than a restaurant meal, worse than a restaurant in food, but better than a restaurant if you are looking to walk around the area or make new friends at the dinner table.
We were disappointed overall, since we found out about this place via the Netflix series of SPF and also checked their website only to be amazed even more at how everything looked, we got tickets to one of their events, and were disappointed. We realized the Netflix series and the pictures are made by professionals and the actual place does not look as good, as clean, as country style chic, as bright, and the food, well we did not taste the food before, but at the price of the tickets, you naturally expect that the food must be great. The food size was small and my husband and I were both hungry again in an hour.
We think we should have expected the food to be the level that you'd expect for 1/3 of the ticket price at most. So for example, if you are paying for a $90 meal, expect the food quality to be similar to a $30-35 meal at a restaurant and spend the rest for the location/walk/making friends. If you are willing to spend that much on the experience, you might not be disappointed.
We were disappointed overall, since we found out about this place via the Netflix series of SPF and also checked their website only to be amazed even more at how everything looked, we got tickets to one of their events, and were disappointed. We realized the Netflix series and the pictures are made by professionals and the actual place does not look as good, as clean, as country style chic, as bright, and the food, well we did not taste the food before, but at the price of the tickets, you naturally expect that the food must be great. The food size was small and my husband and I were both hungry again in an hour.
We think we should have expected the food to be the level that you'd expect for 1/3 of the ticket price at most. So for example, if you are paying for a $90 meal, expect the food quality to be similar to a $30-35 meal at a restaurant and spend the rest for the location/walk/making friends. If you are willing to spend that much on the experience, you might not be disappointed.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
I'm sorry you were disappointed when you arrived last year for an event here at the farm. Many of our guests enjoy both the property, the overall experience here and our food but I completely understand that this experience is not for everyone. Thank you for letting me know of your concerns as I appreciate all the feedback we receive.
Danielle
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sherry W
Cobourg, Canada849 contributions
South Pond Farms is an amazing Experience!
May 2019 • Family
Having attended a variety of events I can not express enough what wonderful experiences are meant to be had in this wonderful space. From their Mothers Day Brunch, to gardening workshops and their Full Moon Suppers. There is something for everyone.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jayne
1 contribution
Best corporate outing!
Nov. 2019
My office spent the day on the property doing a wreath making workshop, pizza class, and they set up a cozy fire and hot cider in the forest for us! It was absolutely magical! The beautiful surroundings, warm and welcoming staff, and delicious food make for the most wonderful day. A must for everyone, corporate or not!
Written November 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
adelejmooney
1 contribution
Outstanding, wonderful experience!
Oct. 2019
I booked two spots for the October 18th, 2019 Kitchen Party as a treat for mine and my husband's anniversary. Not having been to something like this before, we did not know what to expect. Sitting at a table with other guests not known to us, in a kitchen somewhere on a farm. Ok. Let's try this. I don't have the words to describe this. The night was wonderful, beyond the 5 stars we are allowed to rate! Danielle was a gracious, friendly host. The chef explained each course to us, where the food was sourced and how it was prepared. The taste of everything was amazing! The setting was beautiful and the dinner companions felt like old friends. What a night! Thank you Danielle and her amazing team.
Written October 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely review. I appreciate that you took a chance to come out and try something different - and I appreciate your support. I'm glad it was a good experience for you both. Looking forward to having you out at the farm again. Danielle
Written October 28, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jenny B
toronto, ON78 contributions
Cozy Friday Night Kitchen Dinner
Oct. 2019
I love South Pond Farms! I've been there a few times - once for a full moon supper and also for a couple of their lunch events. All have been wonderful, but I especially enjoyed the Friday Kitchen dinner held in their super cozy kitchen. It was an intimate evening with only 10 or so guests so everyone got to know each other and chat over the scrumptious meal. Each unique course was introduced by the chef...I loved hearing about how the meal was made and where the food came from. The food was local, seasonal, and delicious. I would absolutely attend this event again in the winter when I'm sure it will be even more cozy!!!
Written October 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi Jenny,
Thanks so much for a lovely review and for attending our new offering, Friday Night Kitchen Supper. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your time at the farm and look forward to visiting again in the winter! It is definitely a beautiful time of year to experience the farm.
- Danielle
Written October 28, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sarah L
6 contributions
Fun Sourdough Workshop!
Oct. 2019 • Friends
I highly recommend the Saturday Sourdough workshop with chef Neale. It was a fun morning out for my sisters mom and I. Chef Neale explained the process in detail and came around to make sure every student felt comfortable with each step. While waiting for the bread to bake we enjoyed wandering around the gorgeous property and had a delicious lunch waiting for us when we returned to the kitchen. I can’t wait to attend another workshop or event at South Pond Farms! An easy scenic 45 min drive from Durham Region.
Written October 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks so much for attending our workshop! We're so glad that you had a lovely experience with your family! We love when people can enjoy the farm together as that was always my vision when creating SPF. We look forward to having you again!
- Danielle
Written October 28, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Diana M
2 contributions
Cooking Lessons
Oct. 2019 • Couples
This was a mignicifant experience and a highlight of our vacation. The cooking class was amazing. We learned some really good skills and have already applied them at home. I thought it was very cheap for a 5 hour class. I could tell you for hours how impressed we were but my husband reminded me that I am german and do not enjoy giving more compliments as 'it was fine'
Written October 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you so much for your review, Diana. I appreciate your support and I am pleased you found the class to be instructive and of good value. I'm so glad that you made South Pond part of your holiday plans. We look forward to having you at the farm again on your next journey! Danielle
Written October 15, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sk0j
Bowmanville, Canada15 contributions
A hidden gem
Sep. 2019
We recently attended South Pond Farms for their Garlic dinner. It is a unique experience that has a setting in a re-purposed barn for serving the dinners. Beautiful grounds to walk around and the food was well thought out and very good. Definite return here is planned.
Written September 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you for leaving us a nice review. We appreciate it. I'm happy you plan a return visit. The farm is beautiful in the fall as well as winter. Hope you see you here then.
Danielle
Written September 27, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
thornhillwillis
Toronto, Canada63 contributions
Not your average 'farm' visit
Aug. 2019
For a delightful visit on a Sunday afternoon, check out South Pond Farms brunch. We were early for our reservation, so we went to see the goats who were making sure we were friendly, checked on the many chickens clucking a welcome, smelled the plentiful herb gardens and saw the glorious and supersized tomatoes in the greenhouse and gardens. Lots of other veggies to see thriving in the many outside plots and swung by the outside smokehouse to see them putting in a brisket. We didn't visit the beehives too closely as we left them alone to do their magic. The shop was filled with lots of goodies for sale, both edible and visual but when the baker arrived with wonderful warm sourdough breads, we couldn't resist. It was delicious and didn't last long in our home kitchen. Danielle and her staff are gracious hosts and everyone checked to make sure we were taken care of. There were lovely choices on the menu but we chose four. We picked the trout appetizer, the peach and tomato salad, the breakfast sandwich and the market board. All were very tasty, cooked to order with a wonderful variety of vinegary, spicy, pickley, salty, sweet and tart flavors. We might have preferred a broader selection of desserts as there was only the one pannacotta with fresh peaches available. However the delicious coffee was a fitting end to the meal. After our meal we roamed around behind the barn admiring the rolling hills and greenery and considered ourselves lucky for this second trip out to the farm.
Written August 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you so much for leaving such a nice review! I'm glad you had a good experience here and look forward to having you back. The fall and winter is lovely here too! Danielle
Written August 20, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bob S
Port110 contributions
Was once great, is now mediocre at best
Jul. 2019
About a year ago my wife attended a dinner with friends, and enjoyed the experience immensely. She told me there were many appetizers, lots of variety, and lots of food served at dinner.
A few weeks ago, she invited a couple, and myself, to a full moon dinner. The experience this time was very poor. Instead of many appetizers served before the meal a year ago, this time there was one appetizer that was in short supply. We sat down to tables that instead of having some space between them, were now jammed together in a long "cafeteria style". Our group of 4 was seated with 5 others, 2 of which were served the separate vegetarian meal. Our group received a bread platter (now for 9) while other tables of 6 received the same amount. Then the salad was served, and it turns out the vegetarians helped themselves to that as well. Then the vegetables were served, same thing happened, an amount for 6 people consumed by 9. Finally the vegetarians received their separate dinner plates. We then received a beef platter (for 7), which had large cuts of grizzle/bone to make it look like a lot of meat was there. After the group of 9 was finished eating, still hungry, two guests did their best to scavenge what little meat there was on the grizzle/bone "slice". We looked at the adjacent group of 6 jammed against our table, and saw them doing the same thing, trying to get some meat off their served grizzle/bone "slice". They commented as well on the food shortage. Their table of 6 was still hungry. Other than the vegetarians who had helped themselves to our meals, the 7 of us were famished.
Final comment, the alcoholic drinks are over-priced, and you have to get up and locate the bar some distance away, and get them yourself. Even though it was very hot. and each table was served 2 bottles of tap water, the water went quickly and the waiters were no where around most of the time, to ask them for more.
Such a shame to see a dinner establishment go from excellent to terrible in 1 year. A major disappointment after taking our friends to celebrate a birthday, raving about how great the experience would be, and having such a poor experience.
A few weeks ago, she invited a couple, and myself, to a full moon dinner. The experience this time was very poor. Instead of many appetizers served before the meal a year ago, this time there was one appetizer that was in short supply. We sat down to tables that instead of having some space between them, were now jammed together in a long "cafeteria style". Our group of 4 was seated with 5 others, 2 of which were served the separate vegetarian meal. Our group received a bread platter (now for 9) while other tables of 6 received the same amount. Then the salad was served, and it turns out the vegetarians helped themselves to that as well. Then the vegetables were served, same thing happened, an amount for 6 people consumed by 9. Finally the vegetarians received their separate dinner plates. We then received a beef platter (for 7), which had large cuts of grizzle/bone to make it look like a lot of meat was there. After the group of 9 was finished eating, still hungry, two guests did their best to scavenge what little meat there was on the grizzle/bone "slice". We looked at the adjacent group of 6 jammed against our table, and saw them doing the same thing, trying to get some meat off their served grizzle/bone "slice". They commented as well on the food shortage. Their table of 6 was still hungry. Other than the vegetarians who had helped themselves to our meals, the 7 of us were famished.
Final comment, the alcoholic drinks are over-priced, and you have to get up and locate the bar some distance away, and get them yourself. Even though it was very hot. and each table was served 2 bottles of tap water, the water went quickly and the waiters were no where around most of the time, to ask them for more.
Such a shame to see a dinner establishment go from excellent to terrible in 1 year. A major disappointment after taking our friends to celebrate a birthday, raving about how great the experience would be, and having such a poor experience.
Written August 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hello,
I am so sorry you had a bad experience here at the farm for our full moon supper. One of the features of these dinners is they are served at long harvest tables out in the field, from farm to table, and as a such, that is how they are advertised. As for the portions - we will try to do better and make sure that everyone has had enough. The meal that was served for the main was beef and the bone was left on the platters for people to take and remove the parts closest to the bone where the best flavour lies.
I appreciate and value your feedback and hope that you will give our farm another chance at some point in the future
Danielle.
Written August 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TREE
1 contribution
I recall reading that you can explore trails when visiting the farm. Are the trails on property or nearby?
Angela
1 contribution
Yes, you can access the Ballyduff trails from South Pond at any time. The farm is closed Monday and Tuesday's but you may also park and walk on the trails then. If you arrive and we have a private event - just please be respectful of the group that is here. The trails begin by the large sign in the parking area. Please also remember that no dogs are allowed on the farm or the trails. Thank you for your inquiry.
How many acres is the farm? It looks amazing and we are watching the show now.
Angela
1 contribution
Hello Chris!
The Farm is 60 Acres.
Thank you so much for watching Taste of the Country.
We hope to have you visit one day soon!
