In a city celebrated for its farmers’ markets, culinary artisans and craft brewery culture, it’s no surprise that food innovators and visionaries abound in London.
When you explore London, Ontario's food scene, it's easy to discover independent businesses and producers creating small-batch, made-in-London foods every single day. Check out a few of our favourites.
To Market, To Market: London's Farmers Markets
The Market at Western Fair District
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On Saturdays and Sundays, the The Market at Western Fair District is a must-visit. This food-focused hub features two floors and 85+ permanent vendors. Discover fresh food on the lower level, then travel upstairs for gifts and crafts from local artisans.
It's easy to fill a basket up with delicious items for your dining table. Take home crusty loaves from Artisan Bakery, artisan cheeses from All 'Bout Cheese, freshly harvested produce from Common Ground Farm and meat from The Butcher's Wife to create the locally-sourced charcuterie board of your dreams.
Covent Garden Market
Meanwhile, over at Covent Garden Market, you can find even more local market goodies in the heart of downtown London.
Hot Oven is one of many beloved vendors. They have attracted a loyal clientele who sing the praises of Zoran Sehovac and his culinary team. Their Balkan-inspired bureks are hand-rolled into a flaky spiral of phyllo, loaded with spinach and cheese or meat and served hot from the oven (naturally!)
Local Food Trends: London's plant-based Food innovators
Nuts for Cheese
Margaret Coons, founder of Nuts for Cheese is a prime example of a London-grown pioneer! Her visionary company produces dairy and gluten-free vegan cheeses, handcrafted from cultured organic cashews (if you can believe it). These tasty cheeses can now be purchased online or at a variety of quality retailers, and we're nuts about it.
Odd Burger
Odd Burger takes the plant-based food trend to a whole new level with a cutting-edge vegan menu – featuring tacos, faux pulled pork, BLTs made with soy-based “tempeh bacon” and a vegan burger made with chickpea patties. Droolworthy dinners with no animal products!
Plant Matter Kitchen
A plant-based restaurant and juice bar, Plant Matter Kitchen serves organically delicious vegan meals. From revamped favourites to global flavours and everything in between, Plant Matter Kitchen creates whole food meals with no artificial ingredients, additives, chemicals and nothing processed. Their location in Wortley is a cozy gem.
Baked Expectations: London's Brilliant Bakeries
Sweet Spots in the City
London's local bakeries serve up delicious creations daily! For craveable cruffins filled with flavoured custards, check out Black Walnut Bakery Café. Another unique find is Buttercreme, who have made a name for themselves with a unique gluten-free cookie recipe resulting in the fluffiest flavours.
London is also home to a thriving collection of donut shops, all crafting creative circular treats. There are too many to mention here, so why not check out our donut-dedicated blog!
Just Down The Road
If you feel like an afternoon cruise, nothing beats the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pies. Just down the road from London, Spicer’s Bakery in Lambeth, Aylmer and St. Thomas is dedicated to from-scratch baking excellence. Their pies use hand-rolled pastry and delectable fillings for all the flaky goodness. Check out a daily rotating selection of seasonal pies, cream pies, pot pies, tarts, tourtière and quiches available fresh baked or frozen.
This is just a sample of the handmade goodies that London has to offer! Explore the city's culinary scene for yourself and tag @TourismLondon and #ExploreLdnOnt for the chance to be featured.
