London, Ontario and Area

[cratez]

Hey everyone. Below is a list of beer destinations in the London Metropolitan Area, which includes the City of London and surrounding communities such as Middlesex Centre (Ilderton), St. Thomas, and Central Elgin (Port Stanley). I’ve loosely incorporated the Beer Advocate Beer Guide format. Feel free to add/mention any places that aren’t listed.

Beer Bars & Beer-Focused Restaurants

Milos' Craft Beer Emporium - 420 Talbot Street, London, ON, N6A 2S2 | BA: 86 RB: 91 CS: 89 | Website: http://pubmilos.com/

Chaucer’s Pub - 122 Carling Street, London, ON, N6A 1H6, (519) 679-9940 | BA: 81 RB: 87 CS: 84 | Website: http://www.marienbad.ca/

The King Edward Restaurant & Pub - 13239 Ilderton Road, Ilderton, ON, N0M 2A0, (519) 666-1991 | BA: 80 RB: 80 CS: 80 | Website: http://www.thekingedward.com/

The Morrissey House - 359-361 Dundas Street, London, ON, N6B 1V5, (519) 204-9220 | BA: 72 RB: 73 CS: 73 | Website: http://themorrisseyhouse.wordpress.com/

Beertown Public House London - 109 Fanshawe Park Road East, London, ON, N5X 3W1, Phone Number TBA | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: http://www.beertown.ca/

The Root Cellar Organic Cafe & Bakery - 623 Dundas Street, London, ON, N5W 2Z1, (519) 719-7675 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: http://rootcellarorganic.ca/

Craft Farmacy - 449 Wharncliffe Road South, London, ON, N6J 2M8, (519) 914-2699 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: https://www.facebook.com/craftfarmacy/

BackRoads London - 1295 Riverbend Road, London, ON, N6K 0G2, (519) 636-8420 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: https://www.backroadslondon.com/

Breweries & Brewpubs

Anderson Craft Ales - 1030 Elias Street, London, ON, N5W 3P6 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: http://andersoncraftales.ca/

Beer Lab London (contract brewery) - Available on tap at Milos' Craft Beer Emporium - Beers brewed at Forked River Brewing Company (see below) | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: https://www.facebook.com/Beer-Lab-Londo ... 812268247/

CEEPS Barney’s - 671 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 3G7, (519) 680-0164 | BA: 51 RB: 52 CS: 52 | Website: http://ceeps.com/

Forked River Brewing Company - 45 Pacific Court, Unit 16/17, London, ON, N5V 3N4, (519) 630-4756 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: http://forkedriverbrewing.com/

London Brewing Co-op - 521 Burbrook Place, London, ON, N5W 4B5, (226) 667-6363 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: http://londonbrewing.ca/

Railway City Brewing Company - 168 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 4M3, (519) 631-1881 | BA: 68 RB: 67 CS: 68 | Website: http://www.railwaycitybrewing.com/

Storm Stayed Brewing Company - 169 Wharncliffe Road South, London, ON, N6J 2K7 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: https://www.stormstayed.com/

Toboggan Brewing - 585 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 3G2, (519) 433-2337 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: http://www.tobogganbrewing.com/

(Macro) Labatt Brewing Company Ltd. - 150 Simcoe Street, London, ON, N6A 4M3, (519) 850-8687 | BA: 52 RB: N/A | Website: http://labatt.com/

Homebrew Shops & Brew On Premises

Brewhaven - 820 Wharncliffe Road South, Unit 24, London, ON, N6J 2N4, (519) 432-5855 | BA: 86 RB: 78 CS: 82 | Website: http://www.brewhaven.on.ca/

Danny’s Wine and Beer - 127 Hamilton Road, London, ON, N6B 1N2, (519) 432-5855 | BA: 82 RB: 73 CS: 78 | Website: http://www.dannyswineandbeer.com/

Richmond Winery North - 1570 Hyde Park Road, London, ON, N6H 5L9, (519) 471-1665 | BA: N/A RB: N/A CS: N/A | Website: http://richmondwinery.ca/

Beer Stores

LCBO Wellington & Bradley - 1073 Wellington Road, London, ON, N6E 1W4, (519) 681-4242 | BA: 75 RB: 70 CS: 73 | Website: http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/jsp/storei ... ?STORE=575

LCBO Masonville - 109 Fanshawe Park Road, London, ON, N5X3W1, (519) 660-1366 | BA: N/A RB: 63 | Website: http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/jsp/storei ... ?STORE=393

The Beer Store Huron & Adelaide – 1080 Adelaide Street North, London, ON, N5Y 2N1, (519) 432-5405 | BA: N/A RB: 62 | Website: http://www.thebeerstore.ca/locations/huronadelaide

The Beer Store Hyland Centre – 1727 Richmond Street, London, ON, N5X 3Y2, (519) 850-9800 | BA: N/A RB: 60 | Website: http://www.thebeerstore.ca/locations/hyland-centre

Honourable Mention

The Church Key Bistro-Pub - 476 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 3E6, (519) 936-0960 | Website: http://www.thechurchkey.ca/

London Ale House - 288 Dundas Street, London, ON, N6B 1T6, (519) 204-2369‎ | Website: https://www.facebook.com/londonalehouse

The Grad Club at UWO - Middlesex College, University Of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, (519) 661-2111 x. 86386 | Website: http://www.uwo.ca/sogs/gradclub/

The Bungalo Neighbourhood Hub – 910 Waterloo Street, London, ON, N6A 3W9, (519) 434-8797 | Website: http://bungalowhub.ca/

Windermere’s Café - 200 Collip Circle, London, ON, N6G 4X8, (519) 858-1414 | Website: http://www.windermeremanor.com/

The Early Bird / Nite Owl - 355 Talbot Street, London, ON, N6A 2R5, (519) 439-6483 | Website: http://www.theearlybird.ca/

Rim Tavern @ The Spoke – University Community Centre (UCC), University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, (519) 661-3590 | Website: http://www.usc.uwo.ca/spoke/

The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro - 145 King Street, London, ON, N6A 1C3, (519) 601-5464 | Website: https://worksburger.com/locations/king-street/

[matt7215]

thats a hell of a first post!

if someone wanted to hit mutiple locations in one visit to London what would you suggest as the best pub crawl?

len the above question could easily have been addressed to you aswell.

[cratez]

if someone wanted to hit mutiple locations in one visit to London what would you suggest as the best pub crawl?

If you have a DD and are looking for the region's best, King Eddy, Morrissey, Chancey's, Railway City, and - according to Len - M.E. & Suzie's are all great spots. Coming from Cambridge, you would want to hit them in that order (North to South).

If you're just doing the city, Chancey's is the top dog (sort of like London's beerbistro), followed by Chaucer's, Morrissey, and Black Shire. I'd start with the latter since it has the smallest selection, and save the best for last. For some context to my recommendations, take a look at the BeerFly and RB reviews. Also, pay attention to the beers listed for each place. For instance, you'll notice that Chaucer's specializes in Belgian and European bottles, Morrissey has 8 craft taps and good Ontario/American bottles, Black Shire has some hard-to-find draught beers, and Chancey's has all of these things on a much larger scale plus excellent food. Hope that helps.

[SteelbackGuy]

Wow, nice first posts Mikey boy!

And yes, M.E and Suzie's is a great stop. Their taps are limited, but they do offer three beers that are made exclusively for them by Better Bitters. They also have a decent selection of bottles and offer great food. Each time I've been, the chef has come out see how we liked the food.


Edit- Ohh and I agree with everything that Mike said.


Except you really have to enter Chaucer's with bated breath. I went only a few days ago, and the only interesting beers were Mill Street. They don't even have the Brooklyn Lager on tap anymore.

With all that said, London is sort of becoming a great beer destination!

[matt7215]

Wow, nice first posts Mikey boy!

And yes, M.E and Suzie's is a great stop. Their taps are limited, but they do offer three beers that are made exclusively for them by Better Bitters. They also have a decent selection of bottles and offer great food. Each time I've been, the chef has come out see how we liked the food.


Edit- Ohh and I agree with everything that Mike said.


Except you really have to enter Chaucer's with bated breath. I went only a few days ago, and the only interesting beers were Mill Street. They don't even have the Brooklyn Lager on tap anymore.

With all that said, London is sort of becoming a great beer destination!

pm sent

[cratez]

You really have to enter Chaucer's with bated breath.

You're right Len. The beer selection has drastically declined ever since Milos left, and these days I find that Chaucer's is very 'off and on.' Every other visit I really enjoy myself, but on several recent occasions I've been severely disappointed. Still, last time I went they had Maredsous 6/8/10, Chimay Blue, Floreffe Dubbel, St. Bernardus 12/Tripel/Wit, Southern Tier Porter, Brooklyn Lager, and Railway City for bottles, with Palm Export, Hacker Pschorr Gold, Tankhouse, and Caledonian 80 on tap. That's not too shabby. Their big problem is they tend to run out of things (they didn't have Victory Prima when I ordered it) and the servers often do last call long before the bar's stated closing hours.

[wilco]

You really have to enter Chaucer's with bated breath.

You're right Len. The beer selection has drastically declined ever since Milos left, and these days I find that Chaucer's is very 'off and on.' Every other visit I really enjoy myself, but on several recent occasions I've been severely disappointed. Still, last time I went they had Maredsous 6/8/10, Chimay Blue, Floreffe Dubbel, St. Bernardus 12/Tripel/Wit, Southern Tier Porter, Brooklyn Lager, and Railway City for bottles, with Palm Export, Hacker Pschorr Gold, Tankhouse, and Caledonian 80 on tap. That's not too shabby. Their big problem is they tend to run out of things (they didn't have Victory Prima when I ordered it) and the servers often do last call long before the bar's stated closing hours.

Yeah, I noticed a steady decline at Chaucer's when I lived in London. I can understand being out of the special imports sometimes, but they often brought out completely different beers than what was ordered (when you were lucky enough to get service).

Chancey Smith's is definitely the place now. I'm really excited to have some drinks there while visiting friends Thursday. If any BTers are there, say hi (I'll be the young whippersnapper taking tasting notes).

[SteelbackGuy]

You really have to enter Chaucer's with bated breath.

You're right Len. The beer selection has drastically declined ever since Milos left, and these days I find that Chaucer's is very 'off and on.' Every other visit I really enjoy myself, but on several recent occasions I've been severely disappointed. Still, last time I went they had Maredsous 6/8/10, Chimay Blue, Floreffe Dubbel, St. Bernardus 12/Tripel/Wit, Southern Tier Porter, Brooklyn Lager, and Railway City for bottles, with Palm Export, Hacker Pschorr Gold, Tankhouse, and Caledonian 80 on tap. That's not too shabby. Their big problem is they tend to run out of things (they didn't have Victory Prima when I ordered it) and the servers often do last call long before the bar's stated closing hours.

Yeah, I noticed a steady decline at Chaucer's when I lived in London. I can understand being out of the special imports sometimes, but they often brought out completely different beers than what was ordered (when you were lucky enough to get service).

Chancey Smith's is definitely the place now. I'm really excited to have some drinks there while visiting friends Thursday. If any BTers are there, say hi (I'll be the young whippersnapper taking tasting notes).

When you showing up?

[Derek]

I think the food at Chaucer's/Marienbad is an excellent value... if you like that sort of thing (greast Schnitzel).

The Waltzing weasle is great value as well, but it's very British (food & beer).

I've spent more time at the Grad club than some places I've lived... the rest of London use to be such a beer-wasteland... glad it's coming around!

[matt7215]

You really have to enter Chaucer's with bated breath.

You're right Len. The beer selection has drastically declined ever since Milos left, and these days I find that Chaucer's is very 'off and on.' Every other visit I really enjoy myself, but on several recent occasions I've been severely disappointed. Still, last time I went they had Maredsous 6/8/10, Chimay Blue, Floreffe Dubbel, St. Bernardus 12/Tripel/Wit, Southern Tier Porter, Brooklyn Lager, and Railway City for bottles, with Palm Export, Hacker Pschorr Gold, Tankhouse, and Caledonian 80 on tap. That's not too shabby. Their big problem is they tend to run out of things (they didn't have Victory Prima when I ordered it) and the servers often do last call long before the bar's stated closing hours.

Yeah, I noticed a steady decline at Chaucer's when I lived in London. I can understand being out of the special imports sometimes, but they often brought out completely different beers than what was ordered (when you were lucky enough to get service).

Chancey Smith's is definitely the place now. I'm really excited to have some drinks there while visiting friends Thursday. If any BTers are there, say hi (I'll be the young whippersnapper taking tasting notes).

if you see a slutty lesbian thats len

[wilco]

Ah, so that's why you're so keen to send some sexts!

Probably be at Chancey's for 8:30 until my friends start complaining about having school/work the next day (or we have drunken arguments involving Dewey vs. Library of Congress. That's when you know it's time to shut it down)

[SteelbackGuy]

Ah, so that's why you're so keen to send some sexts!

Probably be at Chancey's for 8:30 until my friends start complaining about having school/work the next day (or we have drunken arguments involving Dewey vs. Library of Congress. That's when you know it's time to shut it down)

Well, I won't get involved in those topics.


But I will see you there. We've only met briefly once, so when you see the LCBO shirt dude, that is me. Come and say hi. I will buy you a quart of the coldest tasting beer. Perhaps Milos will put it in the freezer for us.

[cratez]

Some updates for London and area Towellers, and any beer geeks who will be visiting or passing through the city in the near future.

APK Live has been added to the Guide based on what I've heard from reliable sources regarding the tap and bottle lists. The bar will be opening this weekend for a 'sneak preview' concert before its official debut on September 23rd. The draught selection is Pabst Blue Ribbon, Unibroue Blanche de Chambly, Flying Monkeys Netherworld, Hoptical Illusion, and Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier, plus a micro bottle menu (Hopfen Weisse, Aventinus, Steam Whistle, etc). Bear in mind however that this place is intended to be a live concert and local art venue first and foremost, so if you're looking for a quiet sit-down bar with dozens of taps and bottles you'll want to head down King Street.

As noted elsewhere on this site, Chancey Smith's is hosting a Dieu du Ciel! Meet & Greet on September 16th as well as a beer dinner and tasting with James Watt of BrewDog on the 22nd. Tickets for the dinner are moving fast so make sure you get yours ASAP! Also, Grand River Kolsch is 'on deck' and a massive Southern Tier order consisting of Gemini, Oak Aged UnEarthly, Phin & Matt's, Back Burner, and 2XIPA will be arriving soon.

The Black Shire Pub is getting four new taps (Black Oak Chocolate Cherry Stout, Nickel Brook Maple Porter, Wellington Silver Wheat Ale, and Grand River Highballer Pumpkin) to coincide with its renovations, menu overhaul, and grand re-opening this month. Black Oak Nutcracker Porter, Nut Brown Ale, and Pale Ale, Grand River Galt Knife Lager and Plowman's Ale, and Wellington Arkell will be joining the bottle list. The bar has switched to a beer-themed food menu that includes mussels steamed in St. Ambroise Apricot Wheat Ale.

The Morrissey House is bringing in new draughts and bottles for the fall. Church Key Holy Smoke Scotch Ale is the first beer to grace the bar's second rotating Ontario tap line, with Trafalgar Hop Nouveau set to follow. London Ale House recently added 15 bottles to their beer menu. All of it is LCBO and TBS stuff, but the more interesting craft options include Anchor Steam Beer, Hoptical Illusion, and Muskoka Cream Ale. The Church Key, meanwhile, has brought in its first consignment order with Meantime Chocolate.

Other tidbits: the DDC! Brewery Feature Release has arrived at the Richmond & Fanshawe LCBO in the north end of the city. Railway City Brewing will be attending the debut of London's first smoke house, Smoke N Bones, on September 10th. The brewery will be giving away Iron Spike t-shirts and other prizes throughout the night, and their Copper Ale will be featured on tap.

Lastly, London and area beer spots are now on BeerMapping.com. Below you can find the 10, 25, and 50 mile maps and listings:

10-Mile Map: http://beermapping.com/a/11389
10-Mile Listings: http://beermapping.com/l/11389

25-Mile Map: http://beermapping.com/a/7216
25-Mile Listings: http://beermapping.com/l/7216

50-Mile Map: http://beermapping.com/a/11418
50-Mile Listings: http://beermapping.com/l/11418

If anyone has additional updates they'd like to share, feel free to post them in this thread! Cheers

[cratez]

Figure it's time for a 'Late Winter' update as it's been about six months since I last posted any news. A few of the upcoming happenings for March and after:

Gambrinus Bistro & Cafe is hosting a Meet & Greet with Beau's All Natural Brewing Company on Tuesday, March 1st from 7pm-10pm. Milos and Adil have promised "many kick ass beers" for the event, including the Winterbrewed coffee-infused amber ale, Treading Water, and Bog Water. The bar also just received its shipment of Les Trois Mousquetaires Porter Baltique and Impériale Weizen Grande Cuvée. Charlevoix Dominus Vobiscum Brut is on the way thanks to the generous folks at HMH Negotiants/barVolo, and Cheshire Valley Robust Porter will be tapped in the near future.

Len informs me that The Black Shire Pub is shaking things up again with their draught menu. Fresh kegs of McAuslan Cream Ale and Apricot Wheat are on tap right now with Grand River Curmudgeon IPA & 1913 Traditional Kolsch and Denison's Weissbier set to follow. Railway City Amber Ale is being dropped from the tap lineup, to be replaced by another Ontario red ale or amber lager.

Furthering Grand River's beefed up presence in London, APK Live will be featuring the Curmudgeon and Galt Knife Lager on draught and the Jubilation Winter Warmer in bottles. Last time I spoke to Marc, Flying Monkeys Smash Bomb IPA, Mill Street Cobblestone Stout, Unibroue Blanche de Chambly, and Delirium Tremens were flowing from the taps.

Church Key Great Gatsbeer (their Bière de Garde) is currently on draught at The Morrissey House and another surprise beer from the brewery is in the queue. The Bière de Garde, which was formerly retired, hasn't been rated on Beer Advocate and Rate Beer since 2006/2007.

Over at The King Edward Restaurant & Pub, Rich has procured a keg of Big Rock Gopher Lager (tapping soon) and Fuller's ESB will be gracing the handpump after the Bengal Lancer runs out. Railway City Chocolate Cherry Porter has replaced Coors Light for the time being.

Lastly, the Wellington & Bradley LCBO recently acquired some offerings that were previously unavailable in London outlets. Griffon Extra Pale Ale, Propeller ESB, Denison's Weissbier, and the Norrebro brewery feature (only slated for the Richmond location) were on the shelves as of last week. From the Spring Release, Ölvisholt Brugghús Skjalfti arrived today. Cheers!

[Belgian]

Wow dude that's like a 'London ON survival guide' right there. Thanks.