London Ale House

[WilliamEstevan]

I didn't start this thread in "Good Pub Reviews" because, well, it isn't. Don't bother, their "over 14" taps (15, total) offer nothing more exotic than London Pride and nothing decent, locally, other than Mill St "ale" and "stout" with some Okanagan for you adventurous types.

The Cobblestone (one has to be in the secret club to learn the name of the Mill St. stout) is a bit cheaper than Chancey's faux-pint – it's 20oz, not 16oz, for $5. But I'm going to say that I'm more willing to get 20% less beer for my money and get a way better selection.

But... there's nothing wrong with a 20oz pint. Since, you know, that's what a pint is.

*sigh* I suppose we don't live in a perfect world. But my small contribution to making it better is to say you should walk a block further East and spend your money at the Morrissey if you're thinking about venturing in to this fancy new bar. WAY better service at the Mo', too.

[LondonBeer]

Thanks for taking one for the team. You would think with a name like ale house they might go for a little adventure. Along the same lines we went to the fake pub where the alex p keaton used to be before a show once and all they had was inbev shit. You would think if you were going to open a new fake pub you would try to do something to set yourself apart from the millions of other fake pubs out there.

[SteelbackGuy]

I was there opening night, but didn't bother posting anything here.
There were a few interesting bottles on the list, however, they weren't available as they didn't actually have them.
I've been back once to try some food which was ok, but I won't go back for the beer.

[cratez]

Went here tonight and I strongly disagree with the OP. I guess it comes down to whether you're a "glass half full" or "half empty" type of person.

For me, I immediately noticed 20 good and/or craft beers in bottles and on tap. From what I recall they have Wellington Dark, Fuller's London Porter & Pride, Chimay White Cap, Heritage Maple Bush, Steelback Honey Brown, Nickel Brook Green Apple, KLB Raspberry Wheat, Sam Adams, Pilsner Urquell, Waterloo Wheat, Creemore Springs, Mill Street Tankhouse & Cobblestone, Steam Whistle, Okanagan 1516 & Extra Pale Ale, Old Speckled Hen, and Stiegl on the menu. None of these beers are mind-blowing, but the selection is more than respectable, especially for a place that's roughly 4 months old. Just think of where it could be 2 years from now if people continue to support the craft, regional, and import brands that are currently available.

As someone who regularly frequents Chancey's (which has most of these beers and much more), I have little reason to revisit the Ale House. However, considering this place is located on the edge of downtown and is clearly appealing to the Dundas/East End crowd, I think it's off to a great start. In addition to the decent beer menu, the food is good, it stays open late (2am every night), and they simultaneously attract the beer curious and those who could care less what they're drinking. Personally, I won't be so quick to knock a bar that's offering a lot more than the majority of establishments in this city.

[SteelbackGuy]

I don't mind the ale house. The food is good and fresh. I was happy drinking Steamwhistle or Tankhouse on draught at 10 AM for a lot of world cup games. And their signs are hilarious!