London's Local Flavour Culinary Guide: Volume 6

I’ll Drink to That!
Craft Beer in London
Canadian beer — nay, London beer — was
synonymous with our national culture for the
better part of two centuries. The Canadian
identity was tied to the storied history of early London
brewmasters, notably Carling and Labatt, who
became Canadian icons. Today, an global brewing
renaissance has welcomed a new generation of
brewers devoted to making remarkable local craft
beer. Aficionados can find everything from signature
brews to seasonal flavours that pay tribute to the hard
work and wisdom of our local growers.
Toboggan Brewing Company is a high-tech,
brewed-on-premises, craft brewery and pub located
on Richmond Row. The concept is the inspiration
of restaurateur Mike Smith, owner/operator of the
landmark Joe Kool’s, Fellini Koolini’s and The Runt
Club. Enlisting the expertise of skilled brewing
masters, Smith launched a popular line of small-
Craft Beer Brewery
& Local Food Focus
TOBOGGAN BREWING CO.
With its state-of-the-art craft brewery in the basement, a chic
farm-to-table brew pub on the main level, and an inviting
seasonal patio upstairs, Toboggan Brewing Company
immediately made an indelible mark on London’s craft beer
and culinary scene. Ten Toboggan beers are regularly available,
in addition to seasonal small-batch specials, and two Gold
Medal-winning Toboggan ciders are also on tap. Enjoy a pint or
a tasting flight in house or take some home with you.
Craft Brewery &
Farm-to-Table Pub
585 Richmond St. (at Central)
MAPS A & B: 15 519-433-BEER (2337)
OPEN: SUN–THURS 12 NOON–11 PM
FRI & SAT 12 NOON–2 AM
STORE HOURS: Daily, 12 NOON–11 PM
LUNCH: $8– $15
THE SCENE
DINNER: $15 – $30
The basement houses
tobogganbrewingcompany.com
the the brewing
10 Different Toboggan Craft Beers
equipment, with
Brewed On Site, with Seasonal
sparkling stainless
Small-Batch Specials
steel brewing tanks
Two Toboggan Craft Ciders on Tap
decoratively lit on the
36 Drafts in Total on Tap
north side wall of the
Seasonal Farm-to-Table Menus
main level. A long bar
Vegetarian & Gluten-free Options
Gourmet sandwiches with house-smoked meats
— featuring a total
Beer & Gear Store Open Daily, including
of 36 different beers
Weekends & Holidays, for take-home
on tap — fl anks the opposite wall, with fl at screen TVs behind it, and a
beer & supplies
large moose head anchoring one end. The 519 Kitchen runs across the back
of the room, capped by the the curled end of the large woodwork evoking
a toboggan on the ceiling. The Beer & Gear Store near the exit offers a regular and rotating selection of Toboggan
beers to take home, and all the accessories you might need.
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
“We’re focused on as many foods as we can from the 519 area code,” says owner Mike Smith, describing the 519
Kitchen. The emphasis on local ingredients is in sync with the craft beer options. The open kitchen allows visitors
to see the staff in action with the blazing stone pizza oven and a large BBQ smoker. Chef Mike Smith (same name,
different person) cooks up Neapolitan Pizzas, from traditional
favourites like the Margherita, to modern choices like the
Cajun Chicken & Brie, or the Grilled Shrimp & Asparagus.
There are also plenty of vegetarian options, more than usually
found on a typical pub menu. Other recommendations include:
• House Smoked Meats, in a variety of gourmet sandwiches
or in the popular Street Tacos, served with fl our or glutenfree
soft corn tortillas;
• Small Plates Pub Fare, perfect for sharing, such as
Mussels or fresh-cut shoestring Frites served with roasted
garlic mayo, ketchup and sriracha aioli;
• Cheese & Charcuterie Boards, featuring local producers.
Assorted Tasting Flights Thin crust Neapolitan Pizzas
On-site State-of-the-Art Brewery
36 London’s Local Flavour www.eatdrink.ca
RESTAURANTS
RESTAURANTS
www.eatdrink.ca
London’s Local Flavour 37
See the Toboggan Brewing Co. profile on pages 36-37
batch craft beers to local acclaim. A variety of
flagship beers are available year round, with an
evolving selection of seasonal beers, one-offs and
ciders. tobogganbrewingcompany.com
The worker-owned London Brewing Cooperative
promises “great beers start with
superior ingredients,” and they walk the talk,
choosing the finest locally grown, organic malts
and hops available. Birthed in The Root Cellar
Organic Restaurant in Old East Village, the Co-op
recently moved into its own industrial-chic location
just a few blocks away. A commitment to the
neighbourhood and to quality beer are evident. LBC
flights are encouraged, with twelve beers on tap,
so you can try different styles and perhaps discover
your new favourite brew. londonbrewing.ca
Old East Village’s Anderson Craft Ales is a
family-owned, independent brewery focused on
crafting small-batch, handcrafted premium hopbased
ales. More taps have been added recently,
plus a dedicated nitro line installed to add creamy
complexity. An on-site bar sells beer by the glass
or flight. Take home growlers or cans. The
convivial atmosphere includes a second-floor
gathering spot overlooking the brewery, a new
patio for al fresco drinking, and frequent local
food truck visits, making this a community
gathering spot. The refurbished industrial
building is well structured for tours and social
events. andersoncraftales.ca
Forked River Brewing Company is known
for consistent and flavourful seasonal brews,
made with care in the traditional craftsman
manner, with all-natural, quality ingredients.
Three local award-winning home brewers —
all Western University grads — teamed up in
2012. Two flagship brews, Capital Blonde Ale
and Riptide Rye Pale Ale, and a rotating selection of
one-offs are on offer. A retail and tasting room sells
growlers and half-litre bottles. Free brewery tours
are offered on Saturdays. forkedriverbrewing.com
86
London’s Local Flavour www.eatdrink.ca CRAFT BEER