Beckta and Beckta Ottawa: a profile
With its classic mansard roof, the Second Empire architectural style of Grant House on Elgin Street sits resolutely next to a modern 21-storey glass office tower asserting its 150-year history as a residence in Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood.
During interior renovations, workers carefully preserved the crown mouldings, refined millwork and the seven unique marble fireplaces that grace the heritage home’s many rooms. Serendipitously, as they gently eased away decades of old paint, the workers uncovered a swan design carved on staircase stringers that became the logo of Beckta Dining and Wine when it opened in the location in 2014.
Like the stately residence that was built for Canada’s first Surgeon-General, Dr. James Grant, which was also a popular steak house for nearly four decades, restaurateur Stephen Beckta is himself part of the neighbourhood just a few minutes southeast of Parliament Hill.
“I grew up on Elgin Street and went to Elgin Street Public School a few blocks away. I’ve always loved this area,” Beckta says. “My brother and I used to look at this restaurant called Friday’s Roast Beef House and think one day we could eat in a place so fancy.”
For more about Beckta and Beckta, visit Vine Routes magazine.
