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Picture it: the sun is shining warm on your smiling face. You’re with your people, laughing and catching up over apps, maybe with a local craft beer in hand. You’ve got nowhere else to be but here - no emails to answer, no draining Zoom meetings to attend. If the lockdown felt like it lasted forever, we have two glorious words for you: patio season.
This summer may be a little different, but with some guidance on where to go for good eats, signature drinks and aesthetic ambiance, you’ll be sure to have a blast. New to London? We’ve got you. If you’re a local, you may be familiar with some of these popular patios, but have you been to them all? Support one of your tried-and-trues or try something new!
What’s your favourite popular patio? Let us know by tagging us at @tourismlondon on Facebook and Instagram! Snap a pic of your idea of patio perfection and use #ExploreLdnOnt for the chance to be featured on our website. Stay tuned for future Patio Season blog installments!
Barney’s and The Ceeps is one of London’s oldest and most popular patios. Located in the downtown core, and in close proximity to Western University, it's a hit spot for a good time. Even celebrities like Ed Sheeran have stopped by! Favourite menu items include the Fat Guy Platter, nachos, spinach dip and Barney’s burger. The patio offers live music, and is a place where folks can reconnect over a variety of food and drink options in a laid-back, fun, exciting and lively atmosphere.
Located in the midst of the downtown’s action, Jack Astor’s Richmond Row is a lively location for folks looking to have some fun. Signature dishes like their Cluckin’ Fresh Chicken Fingers and Asiago Chicken Bow-Ties are sure to satisfy. On their rooftop and street-level patios, Jack Astor’s bartenders practice ‘flair’ while you get to cool down under a mister with a Big Astor Fishbowl in hand (well, probably both hands - they’re huge)!
Following in the British tradition of the gastro pub by specializing in locally sourced food done with gourmet flair, the Church Key Bistro Pub is your destination pub. Enjoy an impressive selection of craft beers or order off the exquisite Sunday brunch menus on their intimate outdoor courtyard. While away the afternoon watching little birds flit around their fountain - pure patio bliss.
Is the patio at Lone Star Texas Grill heated? Yes! Is it covered? Yes! Is it rooftop with killer views of Richmond Row? One guess… the answer is a resounding yes! Rain or shine, you can enjoy authentic, Texas-sized portions of dishes like wood fire grilled fajitas paired with mouth-watering margaritas. String lights and live music with London favourites like Rick McGhie complete the experience!
Just off the beaten path, the Marienbad Restaurant and Chaucer’s Pub patio is “A Taste of Europe” in the Forest City. With items such as schnitzel, goulash and 85 different types of beer, you'll enjoy a menu that reflects the mixture of history and culture that is Central Europe. Their location in a historic London building adds interest to the ambience of their comfortable, beautiful and distinctive patio. Beloved by locals since 1974, it’s one of the best places to grab a bite before an event at Budweiser Gardens.
Both Black Walnut Bakery Cafe locations are great spots in the middle of bustling neighbourhoods where you can enjoy a beverage and sweet and savoury treats, like their signature cruffin (think muffin-croissant hybrid filled with flavoured cream or custard and 100% deliciousness). Every baked good is made on site and every coffee bean is hand roasted. Their patios are the perfect places to people watch, catch up with loved ones and catch some rays while sipping on an in-house made cold brew!
Another hip spot by the unstoppable Wolfe Pack, Los Lobos serves up unique, modern Mexican cuisine and tequila-focused crafted cocktails. Located off the main strip, but still in the heart of downtown, their patio is fenced, private, partially covered and the perfect summer time destination. Their Forty Dollar Nachos are a literal crowd pleaser (trust us, you’ll need help clearing the platter) but don’t forget to save room for their churros with spiced chocolate.
With a wide variety of vendors featuring cuisine from all over the world, Covent Garden Market is the go-to lunch spot in the core. Their enormous, bright and sunny patio has a ton of picnic tables so you’re almost always guaranteed to get a seat. On Saturdays from 8 AM – 6 PM, their patio transforms into an outdoor farmers’ market that features fresh produce, meats and even craft beer from local producers!
Patio Season in London, Ontario: Hidden Gems
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