What’s better than a heritage house converted into a warm café just outside the centre of Kensington? With large shop front windows filtering the warmth of the Calgary sun, the Heartland Café welcomes a constant stream of locals into its abode.

I found the coffee a bit average – I’ve definitely had better elsewhere although they make up for it with a broader selection of pastries, cakes and muffins. At least on this Sunday past, they had a small selection of other meals like a quiche and panini. Other cafes offer a much more extensive menu. I decided to indulge in a hearty Ham and Egg Breakfast panini, made up of thick whole grain bread and even as tasty as it was, deceptively is not really a true panini.

Offering magazines and papers for sale, the Heartland offers a nice spot to catch up with a small number of friends – their tables not quite comfortable for groups above five. On great weather days it’s even worthwhile sitting on their benches outside indulging in what sun you can catch.