London's Best Beaches and Bars
Being stuck in the classroom is no way to spend the summer, so it's time to grab the sunscreen and head to the beach. London may be land locked, but it has plenty of beaches within driving range.
Now that we have your days covered we need to concentrate on your nights. London's best and brightest have now opened their patio doors to thirsty patrons citywide. Whether you're taking a break to kick back a cold one or looking to spend a night out on the town. London's countless different different venues are bound to help you find what you're looking for.
PATIOS
GT'S
333 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-679-6949
www.gtslondon.ca
Representing Richmond and York is one of the cities staples of the downtown patio scene. Having recently renovated their patio in the last couple years to accommodate the summer's influx of people, GT's combines the intimacy of a small pub with a large patio and dance floor that will no doubt fit you and your friends. With daily promotions, weekly events and a steadily growing online community, GT's shows creativity in ability to remain fresh in a booming downtown scene. GT'S hours of operation are Monday 7 pm — 2 am, Tuesday to Sunday 9 pm- 2 am
Barney's/ Ceeps
671 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-432-1232
www.ceeps.com
What else can be said about the self-proclaimed “best patio in London” that you don't already know? It's the biggest place in London to enjoy a drink outdoors, with a decent food menu and home-brew to boot. Barney's is the spot students often flock to after class (sometimes during), with its open and lively design drawing in passers-by unfortunate enough to be on the other side of the fence. Watch out for the after-work crowd sneaking in a drink or two, as the patio fills up quickly by 5pm on the summer's most trying days. With Mr. and Mrs. Barney competitions coming in July and many more events and promotions to come, Barney's looks to secure its title of “King of the Patio.”
Jim Bob Ray's
595 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-663-5665
www.jimbobrays.com
London's own taste of the cottage; JBR's is a popular place amongst first year students who are looking to get their groove on. Feeling more like a house party than a bar, look to socialize to your hearts content at this place. With live DJ's spinning the biggest hits of today, and an impressive second floor patio with its own accompanying bar, it's no wonder the lineup is always packed on weekends. Complete with patio lanterns, Jim Bob Ray's outdoor ambiance is always the centre of attention during the summer. Having recently renovated, prepare for Jim Bob's to experience a rebirth within the London bar scene. Jim Bob Ray's are open Wednesday to Sunday 9pm to 2:30am
The Out Back Shack
Student Union Building | Phone: 519.452.4109 ext. 6336
www.fsu.on.ca/content.asp?id=210
Also known as your home away from class, the Shack's patio may not be it's best feature, but it gives you the ability to enjoy cold drink on a hot day within steps from your next class. Located in the Student Union Building, Fanshawe's own pub is open until the end of July to serve summer students. Open for lunch from 10am to 3pm Monday until Thursday and 11am-2pm on Friday, The Shack serves up great grub at an even greater price.
Molly Bloom's Irish Pub
700 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-675-1212
www.mollyblooms.net
If big bars don't appeal to you, head for the classic pub devotee Molly Bloom's. Despite its small design, Molly's patio packs a wallop overlooking the heart of Richmond Row. With live entertainment seven nights a week, as well as the now legendary Sunday and Monday Karaoke nights, excuses are hard to come by. Boasting a quality food and drink menu, along with an inspiring 17 different pints on draft, Molly's successfully establishes itself as “the people's bar.” Hours of Operation are Monday to Friday 10:30am — 2am Saturday 12am — 2 am, and Sunday 5pm — 2am
TJ Baxter's Tap & Grill
660 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-642-2666
www.myspace.com/tjbaxters
Battling Barney's for outdoor supremacy is the always-classy TJ's. Across the street from the aforementioned patio, TJ's upstairs lounge easily tops the others on this list. Thanks to its quality menu and devotion to live music, how can one argue? Sitting high up on Richmond has its advantages, with an incredible view of Victoria Park adding to the experience. The entire design has been carefully crafted to appeal to the classiest of individuals who are looking for something more. With plenty of umbrellas and awnings to shield customers from the sun, as well as space heaters for the cool nights, TJ's seems to have taken all customer scenarios into account. Despite functioning mainly as a restaurant, weekends often bring out the larger crowds of those looking for an excellent time. The patio is open from 11am to 2am seven days a week in the summer.
The Wick (The Brunswick Hotel)
331 Talbot St | Phone: 519-432-1714
www.myspace.com/thewicklondon
Not all the patios on this list have to symbolize the squeaky clean crowds of London, as punk and metal fans have their own spot to experience a live and rugged night of booze and electric amplification. A hotspot for thriving local bands, the Wick easily provides the coolest venue to draw inspiration from. Always looking to expand its audience, the wick is constantly figuring out ways to draw in customers (from horror movie nights, to outdoor BBQ/music festivals on the patio). If you've ever gotten off the greyhound and wondered what that racket was, look no further. Representing the nitty-gritty, it's a shame more people don't know about this hidden gem.
BEACHES
Port Stanley: Lake Erie
Seen as a sleepy town in the winter, Port Stanley comes alive in the summer when flocks of Londoners descend upon the beach of this port town on the shores of Lake Erie, which is a convenient half-an-hour drive away.
You will feel right at home here, because GT's has set up shop right on the main beach. With the sandy patio, live entertainment and front row view of ongoing beach volleyball games, GT's Portside keeps the cold drinks flowing on hot days and even hotter nights.
Turkey Point/Long Point Bay: Lake Erie
With 40 km of unspoiled, provincially protected beach along Lake Eric, Long Point Bay's white sand beach and relatively clean Lake Erie waters is a beach-bum's dream come true.
For those who have access to a boat, Long Point also hosts a 40km sand bar in the middle of Lake Erie, where boaters gather for the annual Pottahawk. Also, nearby Turkey Point has an equally swim-worthy beach and is the only provincial park in Ontario with a golf course.
Port Dover
On Friday, June13 thousands of motorcycle riders make the traditional pilgrimage to Port Dover. But you don't have to have a bike to enjoy the ruckus, being in June, this Friday the 13 will bring warm weather and a massive crowd for beer tents, bands and a spectacle of bikes and bikers. Port Dover, also known as Ontario's south coast, also has a bust beach located in the busiest section of town, with access to kitschy-stores, restaurants and bars, which are always busy on weekends.
Grand Bend: Lake Huron
The water is warm, the sand is hot and this beach has more than enough scantily clad bodies to go around for every people watcher. Whether you pick up a volleyball match on the beach, tee-off for some golf or even try your hand at skydiving, Grand Bend is like a college-student's summer dream come true.
Grand Bend also has a great bar scene that attracts many vacationing students. Although the nightlife is busy all summer, bars like Coco's, located in the heart of the main strip, overflows with partiers on long-weekends.
The Pinery: Lake Huron
Just down the road from of Grand Bend with 10km of sandy beach, The Pinery Provincial Park is a great place to spend a quiet, nature filled day in the sun, or an entire weekend if you bring a tent along. Besides a great beach and camping, the park host's ten different hiking trails and a 14km bike trail.
Because facilities are within a provincial park, supplies, such as food and drink, are not readily available, but there is a park store that offers camping needs, groceries and a fast food concession. Look out on long weekends when the park enforces a strict alcohol bans, which can set you back $105 fine and expulsion from the campground.
Wasaga Beach: Georgian Bay
The longest freshwater beach in the world has an estimated two million visitors every summer, which makes this town a beach-tropolis from June to August. Stroll the long boardwalk, shop along the stores shacked up right off the beach or spend the day lounging on the sand. The nightlife offers some of the best in cottage country with The Dard (“Dardanella”) and Bananas.
Sauble Beach: Lake Huron
Labeled one of the top ten beaches in Canada by MacLean's magazine, Sauble Beach lives up to its prestigious title with 11 km of sandy shoreline. Aside from basking in the sun, water sports and swimming, Sauble is the only place in Canada that allows you to drive on the beach with your car.
Like Grand Bend, Sauble has plenty of clothing stores, restaurants, water rentals and attraction to occupy your time.
Now that we have your days covered we need to concentrate on your nights. London's best and brightest have now opened their patio doors to thirsty patrons citywide. Whether you're taking a break to kick back a cold one or looking to spend a night out on the town. London's countless different different venues are bound to help you find what you're looking for.
PATIOS
GT'S
333 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-679-6949
www.gtslondon.ca
Representing Richmond and York is one of the cities staples of the downtown patio scene. Having recently renovated their patio in the last couple years to accommodate the summer's influx of people, GT's combines the intimacy of a small pub with a large patio and dance floor that will no doubt fit you and your friends. With daily promotions, weekly events and a steadily growing online community, GT's shows creativity in ability to remain fresh in a booming downtown scene. GT'S hours of operation are Monday 7 pm — 2 am, Tuesday to Sunday 9 pm- 2 am
Barney's/ Ceeps
671 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-432-1232
www.ceeps.com
What else can be said about the self-proclaimed “best patio in London” that you don't already know? It's the biggest place in London to enjoy a drink outdoors, with a decent food menu and home-brew to boot. Barney's is the spot students often flock to after class (sometimes during), with its open and lively design drawing in passers-by unfortunate enough to be on the other side of the fence. Watch out for the after-work crowd sneaking in a drink or two, as the patio fills up quickly by 5pm on the summer's most trying days. With Mr. and Mrs. Barney competitions coming in July and many more events and promotions to come, Barney's looks to secure its title of “King of the Patio.”
Jim Bob Ray's
595 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-663-5665
www.jimbobrays.com
London's own taste of the cottage; JBR's is a popular place amongst first year students who are looking to get their groove on. Feeling more like a house party than a bar, look to socialize to your hearts content at this place. With live DJ's spinning the biggest hits of today, and an impressive second floor patio with its own accompanying bar, it's no wonder the lineup is always packed on weekends. Complete with patio lanterns, Jim Bob Ray's outdoor ambiance is always the centre of attention during the summer. Having recently renovated, prepare for Jim Bob's to experience a rebirth within the London bar scene. Jim Bob Ray's are open Wednesday to Sunday 9pm to 2:30am
The Out Back Shack
Student Union Building | Phone: 519.452.4109 ext. 6336
www.fsu.on.ca/content.asp?id=210
Also known as your home away from class, the Shack's patio may not be it's best feature, but it gives you the ability to enjoy cold drink on a hot day within steps from your next class. Located in the Student Union Building, Fanshawe's own pub is open until the end of July to serve summer students. Open for lunch from 10am to 3pm Monday until Thursday and 11am-2pm on Friday, The Shack serves up great grub at an even greater price.
Molly Bloom's Irish Pub
700 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-675-1212
www.mollyblooms.net
If big bars don't appeal to you, head for the classic pub devotee Molly Bloom's. Despite its small design, Molly's patio packs a wallop overlooking the heart of Richmond Row. With live entertainment seven nights a week, as well as the now legendary Sunday and Monday Karaoke nights, excuses are hard to come by. Boasting a quality food and drink menu, along with an inspiring 17 different pints on draft, Molly's successfully establishes itself as “the people's bar.” Hours of Operation are Monday to Friday 10:30am — 2am Saturday 12am — 2 am, and Sunday 5pm — 2am
TJ Baxter's Tap & Grill
660 Richmond Street | Phone: 519-642-2666
www.myspace.com/tjbaxters
Battling Barney's for outdoor supremacy is the always-classy TJ's. Across the street from the aforementioned patio, TJ's upstairs lounge easily tops the others on this list. Thanks to its quality menu and devotion to live music, how can one argue? Sitting high up on Richmond has its advantages, with an incredible view of Victoria Park adding to the experience. The entire design has been carefully crafted to appeal to the classiest of individuals who are looking for something more. With plenty of umbrellas and awnings to shield customers from the sun, as well as space heaters for the cool nights, TJ's seems to have taken all customer scenarios into account. Despite functioning mainly as a restaurant, weekends often bring out the larger crowds of those looking for an excellent time. The patio is open from 11am to 2am seven days a week in the summer.
The Wick (The Brunswick Hotel)
331 Talbot St | Phone: 519-432-1714
www.myspace.com/thewicklondon
Not all the patios on this list have to symbolize the squeaky clean crowds of London, as punk and metal fans have their own spot to experience a live and rugged night of booze and electric amplification. A hotspot for thriving local bands, the Wick easily provides the coolest venue to draw inspiration from. Always looking to expand its audience, the wick is constantly figuring out ways to draw in customers (from horror movie nights, to outdoor BBQ/music festivals on the patio). If you've ever gotten off the greyhound and wondered what that racket was, look no further. Representing the nitty-gritty, it's a shame more people don't know about this hidden gem.
BEACHES
Port Stanley: Lake Erie
Seen as a sleepy town in the winter, Port Stanley comes alive in the summer when flocks of Londoners descend upon the beach of this port town on the shores of Lake Erie, which is a convenient half-an-hour drive away.
You will feel right at home here, because GT's has set up shop right on the main beach. With the sandy patio, live entertainment and front row view of ongoing beach volleyball games, GT's Portside keeps the cold drinks flowing on hot days and even hotter nights.
Turkey Point/Long Point Bay: Lake Erie
With 40 km of unspoiled, provincially protected beach along Lake Eric, Long Point Bay's white sand beach and relatively clean Lake Erie waters is a beach-bum's dream come true.
For those who have access to a boat, Long Point also hosts a 40km sand bar in the middle of Lake Erie, where boaters gather for the annual Pottahawk. Also, nearby Turkey Point has an equally swim-worthy beach and is the only provincial park in Ontario with a golf course.
Port Dover
On Friday, June13 thousands of motorcycle riders make the traditional pilgrimage to Port Dover. But you don't have to have a bike to enjoy the ruckus, being in June, this Friday the 13 will bring warm weather and a massive crowd for beer tents, bands and a spectacle of bikes and bikers. Port Dover, also known as Ontario's south coast, also has a bust beach located in the busiest section of town, with access to kitschy-stores, restaurants and bars, which are always busy on weekends.
Grand Bend: Lake Huron
The water is warm, the sand is hot and this beach has more than enough scantily clad bodies to go around for every people watcher. Whether you pick up a volleyball match on the beach, tee-off for some golf or even try your hand at skydiving, Grand Bend is like a college-student's summer dream come true.
Grand Bend also has a great bar scene that attracts many vacationing students. Although the nightlife is busy all summer, bars like Coco's, located in the heart of the main strip, overflows with partiers on long-weekends.
The Pinery: Lake Huron
Just down the road from of Grand Bend with 10km of sandy beach, The Pinery Provincial Park is a great place to spend a quiet, nature filled day in the sun, or an entire weekend if you bring a tent along. Besides a great beach and camping, the park host's ten different hiking trails and a 14km bike trail.
Because facilities are within a provincial park, supplies, such as food and drink, are not readily available, but there is a park store that offers camping needs, groceries and a fast food concession. Look out on long weekends when the park enforces a strict alcohol bans, which can set you back $105 fine and expulsion from the campground.
Wasaga Beach: Georgian Bay
The longest freshwater beach in the world has an estimated two million visitors every summer, which makes this town a beach-tropolis from June to August. Stroll the long boardwalk, shop along the stores shacked up right off the beach or spend the day lounging on the sand. The nightlife offers some of the best in cottage country with The Dard (“Dardanella”) and Bananas.
Sauble Beach: Lake Huron
Labeled one of the top ten beaches in Canada by MacLean's magazine, Sauble Beach lives up to its prestigious title with 11 km of sandy shoreline. Aside from basking in the sun, water sports and swimming, Sauble is the only place in Canada that allows you to drive on the beach with your car.
Like Grand Bend, Sauble has plenty of clothing stores, restaurants, water rentals and attraction to occupy your time.
