Leaven House has risen in Waterdown Village

Samantha Gardner moved from Toronto and took the chance to fulfil a dream of opening a bakery. It has become a local favourite since launching in January.

Leaven House opened in January this year, and immediately became a local favourite.

Owner Samantha Gardner says it has been a dream of hers to open a bakery and café for a long time.

“I had always been passionate about making yummy things for people. I'd say that food is my love language. I started doing cakes on the side for friends and family a few years ago. The opportunity presented itself in a time that was a bit transitional for me.”

Gardner and her family had just moved to Waterdown from Toronto. She says a career in human resources for a cosmetic company “had taken a positive turn, though I felt uncertain if it was what I wanted to do long-term. I saw a lease sign in the window of this perfect little house. From there things sort of just aligned perfectly and I took the jump.” 

Gardner says Waterdown is unique in that, while growing, it has managed to hold on to its small-town charm.

“And it's almost like living in a Hallmark movie. My family also has another business, Ridgeway Florist, here in town so we get to work close by and stay connected.” 

Leaven House is a true family business.

Gardner’s mother is an artist and her work is showcased and sold from the café’s walls. Her sister, who now operates the flower shop since their mother has semi-retired, provides beautiful arrangements that are also for sale. 

“We supply treats for delivery for Ridgeway during holidays and it's a wonderful symbiosis. My partner is in to help out on his days off, and our daughter is in on the weekends working her first job so it's a real family affair all around.” 

Gardner says her approach is to make everything from scratch and to do a few things and do them really well.

“I hope that is felt in what we do here, and what sets us apart.”

At the end of our conversation, Gardner, 36, adds that she is so grateful to the community popping in to share a little kindness and joy. 

My recommendations at Leaven House: try the hand-whisked chai latte made from microground chai, and the vegan cupcake. This cupcake made me do a double-take, as it was unlike any other vegan cake I’ve had before. There are sandwiches, too, on house-made focaccia. 

Leaven House, at 297 Dundas St. E., is open every day except Tuesdays. 
IG: @leaven_house