Sips & Sights
Sipping History — The T. Eaton at Woodside

Every now and then, you stumble on a drink that doesn’t just taste amazing — it tells a story. And that’s exactly what happened when I stopped by Woodside, the beautiful bar tucked inside Goods & Co. Market in the heart of downtown Thunder Bay.

Before I even get into the drink (and trust me, we will get to that), let’s set the scene. Goods & Co. isn’t just a trendy market — it’s a modern revival of one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Once the home of the historic Eaton’s department store, the space was transformed into a bustling hub of local vendors, food artisans, and independent businesses — but it still holds onto that nostalgic charm.

So, it’s only fitting that my drink of the day was the T. Eaton — a cocktail named in honour of Timothy Eaton, the legendary Canadian retailer behind the Eaton’s department store empire. The drink was created by the incredibly talented Tyala Lee, who also happened to be the one serving me that day (bonus!).

Let me paint the picture:
The T. Eaton is a visual masterpiece with a flavour profile to match. It starts with earl grey-infused gin, made in-house with loose leaf tea from the International House of Tea (yes — even the tea is local!). Then comes the Aperol, cranberry, fresh lemon juice, and their house-made butterfly pea tea, which gives the drink its dreamy pink hue. Shaken to perfection and topped with a house-marinated cherry that’s sweet, rich, and absolutely worth fishing out of the glass. And the best part? If you’re not sticking around, you can grab one from their cocktails-to-go fridge and enjoy this beauty at home. Yes, seriously. A work of art… to-go.

Of course, a good sip deserves a good snack, and Woodside delivered. I paired my cocktail with their house-made potato chips, made with local potatoes from B&B Farms. These weren’t your average chips. They were warm, crisp, and seasoned with just the right hit of salt — made even better with their rich, creamy house-made chip dip. Trust me: this is not a combo you share.

As I sat at the bar enjoying every bite and sip, I couldn’t help but people-watch. Shoppers wandered through from local vendors. Friends met up for conversations and (cocktails). Families grabbed a quick lunch. The energy was relaxed, vibrant, and uniquely Thunder Bay — a perfect blend of old and new, local and global, casual and elevated.

The T. Eaton isn’t just a cocktail — it’s a nod to the past, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a symbol of how Thunder Bay continues to reinvent itself while honouring its roots.

So whether you’re popping in for a quick market visit or planning a night out with friends, take a seat at the Woodside bar. Ask for the T. Eaton. Chat with the staff. Snack on those chips, and soak in the kind of local love that makes this city so special.

Until next time — 
Sip with story, savour with style, and always shop local. 


– Candi