London's Best
PLACES TO GO
John Labatt Centre
99 Dundas St (@ Talbot), 519-681-0800
www.johnlabattcentre.com
Home of the OHL London Knights, the JLC is always packed with sold out shows and events happening year round. Check out their website for upcoming shows. The JLC has hosted some huge acts; so take advantage of this venue while you're in town!
Cineplex Odeon Westmount & VIP Cinemas
755 Wonderland Rd South
www.cineplex.com
A fantastic way to experience the movies — VIP style! This brand new 39,000 square foot cinema boasts eight traditional theatres and three exclusive VIP theatres fitted with reclining leather chairs and stadium-style seating. VIP services include: a private licensed lounge with separate concession, an appetizer and dessert menu, reserved seating and servers to take your popcorn and drink orders right at your seat.
Victoria Park
Central Ave @ Richmond St
www.victoria-park.com
A fantastic way to experience the movies — VIP style! This brand new 39,000 square foot cinema boasts eight traditional theatres and three exclusive VIP theatres fitted with reclining leather chairs and stadium-style seating. VIP services include: a private licensed lounge with separate concession, an appetizer and dessert menu, reserved seating and servers to take your popcorn and drink orders right at your seat.
Rainbow Cinemas
355 Wellington St, 519-434-3073 (24hr Movie Info)
www.rainbowcinemas.ca
A popular movie house for students looking for affordable entertainment, Rainbow Cinemas offers seven theatres with discounted ticket prices for Matinees ($4.20), Students ($6.50) and Cheap Tuesdays ($4.00). Rainbow Theatres is also one of the few places in London where movie-lovers can catch Art and Alternative features not released in larger theatres.
Yuk Yuk's
340 Wellington Rd @ York, 519-936-2309
www.yukyuks.com
As “Canada's National Stand-Up Comedy Club,” Yuk Yuk's offers up a guaranteed night of laughter. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights offer both an early and late show of live comedy. Shows are $18.00 and you must be 19 or over to attend.
Outer Mongolia Martini Bar
645 Richmond St above the Mongolian Grill, 519-645-6400
www.mongoliangrill.com
A great place to meet friends for drinks before hitting the clubs, the Martini Bar features over 25 Martini flavours including yummy selections like Twisted Creamsicle and Cotton Candy, as well as more traditional versions.
Palasad North
777 Adelaide St @ Oxford St, 519-645-7164
www.palasad.com
Bowling, billiards, arcades games and great food are all served up at London's Palasad. It offers PG fun in a place that does not feel like a dirty old bowling alley! The Palasad is sleek, modern and the alleys are gorgeous! Private Party rooms are available for class parties and birthdays as well.
The Grand Theatre
471 Richmond St, 519-672-8800
www.grandtheatre.com
This heritage theatre is over 100 years old and features large scale, professional productions year-round. The space is gorgeous and the talent is incomparable. Shows this year include The Wizard of Oz, Pride and Prejudice and Grease! Check out their website for show times and schedules.
Laser Quest
149 Carling St, 519-660-6000
www.laserquest.com
Suit up folks! If you've never played Laser Tag before, get ready for a ridiculously good time. Grab a group of friends and head downtown for some seriously competitive action. Described as a fast-paced, high-tech combination of tag and hide and seek, this is guaranteed fun. Laser Quest is open Tuesday to Sunday and the cost is $8 per game.
Boler Mountain
689 Griffith St, 519-657-8822
www.bolermountain.com
Boler Mountain offers rugged terrain suitable for mountain biking, skiing, tubing and snowboarding right here in London. Bring your own equipment or rent onsite. Their brand new tubing conveyor lifts you 10 stories high! Snowboarders and skiers can enjoy the new half pipe and magic carpet lift as well. Safety helmets are mandatory and are provided for no additional cost.
FABULOUS SHOPPING
Backstage
Masonville Place, 1680 Richmond St, 519-679-4505
This clothing store features hard-to-find band paraphernalia, posters and clothing as well as cute, funky T-shirts.
Heroes
179 Dundas St, 519-439-4955
Guaranteed to satisfy the fan boy in all of us; Heroes is loaded with comic merchandise, T-shirts and rare retro items from your favourite Saturday morning cartoons.
Grooves
353 Clarence St, 519-640-6714
www.groovesrecordstore.com
This tiny record shop holds more than you'd think. Bursting with new and used CDs, rare independent releases and tons of vinyl; it's a music geek's fantasy!
Frilly Lizard
362 Talbot St, 519-439-1270
www.frillylizard.ca
Tired of the mall? Treat yourself to something new from London's Frilly Lizard; beautiful tops, skirts and dresses from unique designers.
Commander Salamander
360 Talbot St, 519-434-8697
www.commandersalamander.ca
This shop is full of unique items that will take you in a time machine back to when you were a kid. Loaded with gifts, clothes, cards and trinkets, you can spend over an hour browsing this tiny shop and still find something new.
Lolita
533 Richmond St, 519-850-5100
www.lolitaonrichmond.com
The “baby sister” to clothing store Frilly Lizard, Lolita features designer items, handbags, shoes and accessories you won't find anywhere else. Located along London's popular Richmond Row.
City Lights
356 Richmond St, 519-679-8420
Touted as Canada's most unusual bookstore, City Lights has so much more than just books. The dusty, cozy shop is for the true book lover; this is not Chapters folks! City Lights buys and sells used books, movies and CDs as well.
Covent Garden Market
130 King St, 519-439-3921
www.coventmarket.com
London's downtown market is bursting with food and floral vendors looking to tantalize your senses. Loads of local produce and small family businesses are packed into this indoor venue. From May to November, local farmers are featured in an outdoor market while the winter months transform the space into a gorgeous outdoor skating rink.
Talize
1345 Huron St, 519-455-1112
www.talize.com
Talize invites you to “discover the power of thrift”. Part discount store, part second hand store, Talize offers bargain-hunters a bright, spacious, organized shopping experience where vintage, new and nearly new merchandise is priced to sell!
Elizabeth Noel
569 Richmond St, 519-434-3122
www.elizabethnoel.com
This gorgeous dress boutique on Richmond Row carries over 700 dress styles suitable for everything from casual Friday night dates to high-end holiday and prom wear. When you're a broke student, just trying on pretty dresses with your friends can be a blast!
YUMMY FOOD
Prince Albert's Diner
565 Richmond St, 519-432-2835
This classic London eatery has become a favourite after-hours hot spot. They stay open very late on weekends and serve up yummy diner food, perfect for settling your post-drinking belly. Stop by during the day for delicious milkshakes and the best perogies in town.
Caffé Demetre
660 Richmond St, 519-679-2222
www.waycoolcafe.com
Offering a menu that is almost exclusively dessert, this café carries the largest ice cream selection in town! Bring your appetite and take your time, the menu has so many options and add-ons you'll be deliciously dizzy. Their banana split is painfully filling, so bring a friend. Your eyes will be much bigger than your belly in this place.
Sweet Cakes
130 King St, 519-667-1751
www.sweetcakeslondon.com
Targeting your sweet tooth, this adorable counter at the Covent Garden Market offers a menu made up exclusively of cupcakes! Oh yes, you read that correctly! Featuring devil- ish offerings like Red Velvet, Chocolate Mint and Pina Colada, this place is irresistible!
Ben Thanh
57 York St, 519-438-4888
www.benthanhlondon.com
Authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, offered up in downtown London. Take your time, the menu is extensive and the portions are generous!
Spageddy Eddy's of London
428 Richmond St, 519-645-3002
Quirky Italian restaurant tucked away in Artisan's Alley downtown, this hidden gem offers huge portions for a fantastic price. You'll probably end up taking half your food home. The retro-ambience is casual enough to wear jeans, but nice enough to feel like you had a great night out.
Spageddy Eddy's of London
717 Richmond St. @ Piccadilly St, 519-435-1197
www.iloveunderthevolcano.com
Great Mexican food for breakfast, lunch or dinner in a fun atmosphere. Order deep-fried ice cream, enjoy Volcano Size margaritas and be sure to grab some homemade salsa and chips to bring home!
Delmar Restaurant
1677 Dundas St., 519-451-6120
A casual diner experience offering good breakfast and free coffee refills. Regular diner staples like milkshakes, open-faced sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner. What more could you ask for?
London's Shawarma
1472 Dundas St, 519-936-2447
Great Middle-Eastern cuisine, boasts the finest prepared Halal in town. London's Shawarma offers delivery too; giving you a great option over plain old pizza.
Fellini Koolini's
153 - 155 Albert St, 519-642-2300
www.fellinikoolini.com
Great food in a unique post-war Italian home on Albert St. just steps from Richmond Row. Their menu is overflowing with delicious selections, including their famous pasta dishes voted “best pasta in the city” by Business London.
Maggie's Supper and Jazz Club
478 Richmond St, 519-434-5545
www.maggiesoflondon.com
This cozy lounge offers ambience, entertainment and fantastic food in one place! It's a bit pricey, so save this for a special night or when your girlfriends are in town. Try going for the Tuesday Special; $25 for a delicious three-course meal.
John Labatt Centre
99 Dundas St (@ Talbot), 519-681-0800
www.johnlabattcentre.com
Home of the OHL London Knights, the JLC is always packed with sold out shows and events happening year round. Check out their website for upcoming shows. The JLC has hosted some huge acts; so take advantage of this venue while you're in town!
Cineplex Odeon Westmount & VIP Cinemas
755 Wonderland Rd South
www.cineplex.com
A fantastic way to experience the movies — VIP style! This brand new 39,000 square foot cinema boasts eight traditional theatres and three exclusive VIP theatres fitted with reclining leather chairs and stadium-style seating. VIP services include: a private licensed lounge with separate concession, an appetizer and dessert menu, reserved seating and servers to take your popcorn and drink orders right at your seat.
Victoria Park
Central Ave @ Richmond St
www.victoria-park.com
A fantastic way to experience the movies — VIP style! This brand new 39,000 square foot cinema boasts eight traditional theatres and three exclusive VIP theatres fitted with reclining leather chairs and stadium-style seating. VIP services include: a private licensed lounge with separate concession, an appetizer and dessert menu, reserved seating and servers to take your popcorn and drink orders right at your seat.
Rainbow Cinemas
355 Wellington St, 519-434-3073 (24hr Movie Info)
www.rainbowcinemas.ca
A popular movie house for students looking for affordable entertainment, Rainbow Cinemas offers seven theatres with discounted ticket prices for Matinees ($4.20), Students ($6.50) and Cheap Tuesdays ($4.00). Rainbow Theatres is also one of the few places in London where movie-lovers can catch Art and Alternative features not released in larger theatres.
Yuk Yuk's
340 Wellington Rd @ York, 519-936-2309
www.yukyuks.com
As “Canada's National Stand-Up Comedy Club,” Yuk Yuk's offers up a guaranteed night of laughter. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights offer both an early and late show of live comedy. Shows are $18.00 and you must be 19 or over to attend.
Outer Mongolia Martini Bar
645 Richmond St above the Mongolian Grill, 519-645-6400
www.mongoliangrill.com
A great place to meet friends for drinks before hitting the clubs, the Martini Bar features over 25 Martini flavours including yummy selections like Twisted Creamsicle and Cotton Candy, as well as more traditional versions.
Palasad North
777 Adelaide St @ Oxford St, 519-645-7164
www.palasad.com
Bowling, billiards, arcades games and great food are all served up at London's Palasad. It offers PG fun in a place that does not feel like a dirty old bowling alley! The Palasad is sleek, modern and the alleys are gorgeous! Private Party rooms are available for class parties and birthdays as well.
The Grand Theatre
471 Richmond St, 519-672-8800
www.grandtheatre.com
This heritage theatre is over 100 years old and features large scale, professional productions year-round. The space is gorgeous and the talent is incomparable. Shows this year include The Wizard of Oz, Pride and Prejudice and Grease! Check out their website for show times and schedules.
Laser Quest
149 Carling St, 519-660-6000
www.laserquest.com
Suit up folks! If you've never played Laser Tag before, get ready for a ridiculously good time. Grab a group of friends and head downtown for some seriously competitive action. Described as a fast-paced, high-tech combination of tag and hide and seek, this is guaranteed fun. Laser Quest is open Tuesday to Sunday and the cost is $8 per game.
Boler Mountain
689 Griffith St, 519-657-8822
www.bolermountain.com
Boler Mountain offers rugged terrain suitable for mountain biking, skiing, tubing and snowboarding right here in London. Bring your own equipment or rent onsite. Their brand new tubing conveyor lifts you 10 stories high! Snowboarders and skiers can enjoy the new half pipe and magic carpet lift as well. Safety helmets are mandatory and are provided for no additional cost.
FABULOUS SHOPPING
Backstage
Masonville Place, 1680 Richmond St, 519-679-4505
This clothing store features hard-to-find band paraphernalia, posters and clothing as well as cute, funky T-shirts.
Heroes
179 Dundas St, 519-439-4955
Guaranteed to satisfy the fan boy in all of us; Heroes is loaded with comic merchandise, T-shirts and rare retro items from your favourite Saturday morning cartoons.
Grooves
353 Clarence St, 519-640-6714
www.groovesrecordstore.com
This tiny record shop holds more than you'd think. Bursting with new and used CDs, rare independent releases and tons of vinyl; it's a music geek's fantasy!
Frilly Lizard
362 Talbot St, 519-439-1270
www.frillylizard.ca
Tired of the mall? Treat yourself to something new from London's Frilly Lizard; beautiful tops, skirts and dresses from unique designers.
Commander Salamander
360 Talbot St, 519-434-8697
www.commandersalamander.ca
This shop is full of unique items that will take you in a time machine back to when you were a kid. Loaded with gifts, clothes, cards and trinkets, you can spend over an hour browsing this tiny shop and still find something new.
Lolita
533 Richmond St, 519-850-5100
www.lolitaonrichmond.com
The “baby sister” to clothing store Frilly Lizard, Lolita features designer items, handbags, shoes and accessories you won't find anywhere else. Located along London's popular Richmond Row.
City Lights
356 Richmond St, 519-679-8420
Touted as Canada's most unusual bookstore, City Lights has so much more than just books. The dusty, cozy shop is for the true book lover; this is not Chapters folks! City Lights buys and sells used books, movies and CDs as well.
Covent Garden Market
130 King St, 519-439-3921
www.coventmarket.com
London's downtown market is bursting with food and floral vendors looking to tantalize your senses. Loads of local produce and small family businesses are packed into this indoor venue. From May to November, local farmers are featured in an outdoor market while the winter months transform the space into a gorgeous outdoor skating rink.
Talize
1345 Huron St, 519-455-1112
www.talize.com
Talize invites you to “discover the power of thrift”. Part discount store, part second hand store, Talize offers bargain-hunters a bright, spacious, organized shopping experience where vintage, new and nearly new merchandise is priced to sell!
Elizabeth Noel
569 Richmond St, 519-434-3122
www.elizabethnoel.com
This gorgeous dress boutique on Richmond Row carries over 700 dress styles suitable for everything from casual Friday night dates to high-end holiday and prom wear. When you're a broke student, just trying on pretty dresses with your friends can be a blast!
YUMMY FOOD
Prince Albert's Diner
565 Richmond St, 519-432-2835
This classic London eatery has become a favourite after-hours hot spot. They stay open very late on weekends and serve up yummy diner food, perfect for settling your post-drinking belly. Stop by during the day for delicious milkshakes and the best perogies in town.
Caffé Demetre
660 Richmond St, 519-679-2222
www.waycoolcafe.com
Offering a menu that is almost exclusively dessert, this café carries the largest ice cream selection in town! Bring your appetite and take your time, the menu has so many options and add-ons you'll be deliciously dizzy. Their banana split is painfully filling, so bring a friend. Your eyes will be much bigger than your belly in this place.
Sweet Cakes
130 King St, 519-667-1751
www.sweetcakeslondon.com
Targeting your sweet tooth, this adorable counter at the Covent Garden Market offers a menu made up exclusively of cupcakes! Oh yes, you read that correctly! Featuring devil- ish offerings like Red Velvet, Chocolate Mint and Pina Colada, this place is irresistible!
Ben Thanh
57 York St, 519-438-4888
www.benthanhlondon.com
Authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, offered up in downtown London. Take your time, the menu is extensive and the portions are generous!
Spageddy Eddy's of London
428 Richmond St, 519-645-3002
Quirky Italian restaurant tucked away in Artisan's Alley downtown, this hidden gem offers huge portions for a fantastic price. You'll probably end up taking half your food home. The retro-ambience is casual enough to wear jeans, but nice enough to feel like you had a great night out.
Spageddy Eddy's of London
717 Richmond St. @ Piccadilly St, 519-435-1197
www.iloveunderthevolcano.com
Great Mexican food for breakfast, lunch or dinner in a fun atmosphere. Order deep-fried ice cream, enjoy Volcano Size margaritas and be sure to grab some homemade salsa and chips to bring home!
Delmar Restaurant
1677 Dundas St., 519-451-6120
A casual diner experience offering good breakfast and free coffee refills. Regular diner staples like milkshakes, open-faced sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner. What more could you ask for?
London's Shawarma
1472 Dundas St, 519-936-2447
Great Middle-Eastern cuisine, boasts the finest prepared Halal in town. London's Shawarma offers delivery too; giving you a great option over plain old pizza.
Fellini Koolini's
153 - 155 Albert St, 519-642-2300
www.fellinikoolini.com
Great food in a unique post-war Italian home on Albert St. just steps from Richmond Row. Their menu is overflowing with delicious selections, including their famous pasta dishes voted “best pasta in the city” by Business London.
Maggie's Supper and Jazz Club
478 Richmond St, 519-434-5545
www.maggiesoflondon.com
This cozy lounge offers ambience, entertainment and fantastic food in one place! It's a bit pricey, so save this for a special night or when your girlfriends are in town. Try going for the Tuesday Special; $25 for a delicious three-course meal.
