London breakdown: Your guide around the Forest City

Northeast London and Old East Village (OEV)

This part of London is where Fanshawe College’s main campus is located. Some of the notable places to visit are: Banting house (historical building), Kiwanis Park (skate park) and the Western Fair District. Grocery stores include Food Basics, Real Canadian Superstore, Thai Asia Grocery & Thai Foods and Darryll and Tracy’s No Frills.

This area is also home to the Old East Village (OEV), a historical neighborhood rich in local art. Check out musical acts at Aeolian Hall and Palace Theatre, explore unique thrift shops or enjoy a Japanese crepe at Wisdom Café. Feast on some local organic food at The Root Cellar restaurant, where you’ll find options such as the maple cinnamon French toast and grilled veg pizza. Other nearby restaurants include Nova Era Bakery, Mykonos Restaurant and True Taco.

Northwest London

Northwest London includes the Hyde Park neighbourhood and CF Masonville Place. Western University and Masonville shopping mall are the two most notable places in this area, along with the Fleetway bowling alley and Labatt Park. Masonville includes stores such as Forever 21, Zara and H&M. The mall also includes The Rec Room restaurant and arcade, as well as the SilverCity movie theatre. Get your groceries at Costco, Walmart, Sobeys and Farm Boy. Some restaurants in the area include Heart Sushi, Crabby Joe’s Bar & Grill and Under the Volcano.

Southeast London

Southeast London has a few useful places you may want to visit, including the Argyle Mall/Plaza. Argyle includes a Walmart, No Frills, LCBO, Winners, Canadian Tire and Sport Chek. When it comes to food options, the Southeast also has a QDOBA, East Side Mario’s and a Bulk Barn.

Southwest London and Wortley Village (Old South)

One of the main attractions in this area is White Oaks Mall. Some of the stores include Dollarama, Ardene, Urban Planet, Walmart and Sunrise Records. The mall also includes a food court with restaurants like Wikki Hut, Thai Express, YoYo’s Yogurt Cafe, New York Fries and A&W.

Also in Southwest London is Wortley Village. Voted as one of Canada’s “coolest neighbourhoods”, this historic London area features a plethora of hipster culture: coffee shops, live music and local arts. The Wortley Village Jazz and Blues Festival and Gathering on the Green are only some of the many local events that happen in this area. Try the saganaki at Sweet Onion Bistro and watch molten cheese get set on fire before your eyes.

Central/Downtown London and Richmond Row

Downtown London always has something going on. Plenty of events happen at several locations downtown, typically at Budweiser Gardens, London Music Hall and the Grand Theatre. Downtown has so much to offer in terms of food, including the Covent Garden Market, which offers fresh local food from many nationalities. Other restaurants downtown include Jewel of India, The Works, and Mythic Grill.

Downtown is also home to Richmond Row. Explore fashion, tattoos and ethnic foods throughout the day, then spend the rest of your afternoon/evening at Barney’s over a plate of nachos and a pitcher of beer. When the night is still young, have a few dances and drinks at The Ceeps, sing karaoke at Molly Bloom’s, or grab a late-night bite to eat at Burger Burger… or all of the above! Throughout the year, Richmond Row also hosts a variety of bar hops and paint nights that are perfect for anyone who gets bored watching Netflix at home.