Collaborators & Co-Conspirators
Peterborough has always been full of creative people, independent businesses, farmers, musicians, brewers, artists, cooks, actors, writers, weirdos, and community builders doing amazing things. We’re lucky to know a lot of them.
These are some local businesses, artists, and organizations we genuinely admire, collaborate with, eat at, listen to, work with, or simply think deserve more attention.
St. Veronus Café and Tap Room
Has long been one of our favourite places to disappear for a good beer, a proper conversation, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you lose track of time in the best possible way. Owner Roland Hosier is one of the good ones — thoughtful, passionate, wildly knowledgeable about beer, and deeply invested in the culture and community of downtown Peterborough.
We’ve shared stories, ideas, late-night conversations, and probably more pints than either of us should admit publicly. If you love carefully chosen Belgian beer, good food, and places with actual soul, St. Veronus is one of the gems of this city.
Beau Dixon
One of those rare humans who seems incapable of making boring art. Musician, actor, writer, storyteller, force of nature — and once upon a time, a member of the Night Kitchen crew. Beau Dixon worked here back in the day before taking his creativity far beyond our little brick oven and onto stages and screens across the country.
Whether he’s performing music, acting, writing, or creating entirely new worlds out of thin air, Beau brings intelligence, soul, humour, and heart to everything he touches. We’re proud to call him a friend, former Night Kitchener, and longtime co-conspirator in the wonderfully strange creative culture that makes Peterborough what it is.
The Living Vine & Chris Wilton
Partners in wine, food, and good conversation.
A Long-Time Co-Conspirator
Long before natural wine became fashionable, Chris Wilton was introducing us to thoughtful producers, fascinating regions, and wines that were made with integrity.
Chris has been part of the Night Kitchen wine journey almost from the beginning. Over the years he has helped shape our wine program, challenged our assumptions, expanded our palates, and introduced us to countless bottles we might never have discovered on our own.
His passion for wine is matched only by his generosity in sharing it.
The Living Vine
As a representative of The Living Vine, Chris works with a portfolio of producers who value sustainable farming, minimal intervention, and wines that express a genuine sense of place.
Many of the natural, organic, and biodynamic wines that have found their way onto our tables over the years have arrived through Chris and The Living Vine.
Their philosophy aligns closely with our own: quality ingredients, thoughtful craftsmanship, and products that are meant to be enjoyed around a table with good food and good company.
A Teacher, Sommelier, and Friend
Chris is not only an exceptional wine professional, but also one of the finest educators we've had the pleasure of working with.
His knowledge is extensive, but what makes him special is his ability to make wine approachable. Whether speaking with seasoned collectors or someone ordering their very first glass of wine, Chris has a gift for making people feel welcome and curious.
Over the years he has hosted numerous wine events at Night Kitchen, helping our guests discover new wines, new producers, and occasionally a new favourite bottle.
Every event is part education, part storytelling, and part celebration.
Why We Value The Relationship
Restaurants are built on relationships.
The best suppliers become partners. The best partners become friends.
Chris has been both.
His guidance, enthusiasm, and support have helped shape the wine culture at Night Kitchen for many years, and we're grateful to have him as part of our extended family.
Learn More
Interested in exploring the world of natural, organic, and biodynamic wine?
Visit The Living Vine to learn more about their producers and philosophy.