WORDS & PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN
I think I’m in love. No – I know I’m in love. With a small area of London. An enclave, really. It’s called Wortley Village, and it’s the most wonderful amalgam of independently- owned boutiques and galleries and restaurants and pubs and coffee shops – all set against the backdrop of mature tree-lined streets and historic homes and impeccably-dressed flaneurs (many with matching canine pals) in London’s Old South neighbourhood.
On a Wednesday morning back in mid- September, my TOQUE partner Cai and I ventured from Guelph to London to spend the day (and night) in this most serene milieu. We were dead set on immersing ourselves into the neighbourhood ‘scene’. Our plan of attack: to enjoy ourselves at a handful of Wortley’s main attractions. Places like Mori – a lovely Japanese restaurant and bar with the tastiest tapas-style dishes and cutest covered patio. And Featherfields Bird and Garden – Forest City’s definitive wildbird boutique specializing in backyard and gardening essentials, home décor, and gifts. (Don’t sleep on Featherfields’ second floor, which features a magical children’s section.) And Old South Pub – a Wortley staple whose expansive front patio offers the perfect vantage point for dining (and drinking) el fresco – and people-watching. And Filthy Rebena, a sustainable clothing shop that offers an eclectic mix of new and vintage bangers. And more.
We also made sure to hit up Storm Stayed Brewing Co – a light and airy neighbourhood hang just steps from Wortley Village whose IPAs are as hazy as the space is bright. (You can’t go wrong with ‘Sunburst’, the brewery’s grapefruit-y New England pale ale.) And we ended this most pleasurable day at Idlewyld Inn & Spa – a stately historic Victorian mansion-turned-inn located just a couple blocks from the Village.
By the time Cai and I left Wortley Village for Guelph on Thursday morning (to-go americanos in hand from the quirky Sidetrack: A Wortley Café), we had fallen hard for this precious corner of London. So much so, in fact, that I caught Cai perusing realtor.ca for available two-storey abodes in the area. On our drive home, I was already imagining my next trip to Wortley. For new discoveries – beginning with sushi at Roll Roll (owned and operated by our new friend Jully of Mori) or vegetarian goodness at Plant Matter Kitchen. And for second visits, too. After all, I can already hear the ‘Ebi Mayo’ (prawn tempura with creamy mayo) at Mori calling my name.
And I’m never one to say ‘no’ to love.
12:17PM – We begin our sojourn in Wortley Village with lunch at Mori Japanese Bar, where owner Jully (who also owns Roll Roll – a sushi takeaway joint in the neighbourhood) treats us like royalty. We split orders of ‘Beef Yaki Gyoza’ (pan-fried dumplings), ‘Chicken Karaage’ (Japanese-style deep fried boneless chicken), and ‘Ebi Mayo’ (prawn tempura w/ creamy mayo), and wash the delicious food down with pints of Sapporo. Fun fact: The walls at Mori are covered with polaroids of first-time diners. Look out for TOQUE’s photo when you get here.
1:35PM – After lunch we pop our heads into a few of the cute boutiques along Wortley Rd – the Village’s main drag. Among our favourite stops: Filthy Rebena (for killer vintage, a slew of Baggu items, uncluttered jewellery, and more) and Featherfields (for everything birding – plus a wonderful second-floor kids section). A few other notable businesses: Westland Gallery (for fine art), Mackinlay Mercantile (for preserves and kitchen items), Lofthouse Living (a minimalist clothing, homeware, and accessories den), and A Village Tail (the cutest spot for pet supplies). Pro tip: Wortley Village is all about window shopping, so dress for the weather and be ready to stroll.
2:47PM – It’s time for some mid-afternoon sustenance. Our destination: Storm Stayed Brewing Co, a taproom with the cheeriest bearing. We settle in at one of the brewery’s large communal tables and order pints of ‘Sunburst’ NEPA and a half dozen deviled eggs. On the way out we grab a few cans for the road. We park the TOQUE Rav at the Idlewyld Inn & Spa (our stately digs for the night) and then stroll over to the Old South Village Pub, the neighbourhood local that features the most fantastic outdoor patio for people watching. Cai and I split a pound of wings and polish a pint each while we watch the dogwalkers mosey on by.
5:43PM – Our people watching done, Cai and I stroll along Wortley Rd towards Wolfe Pack Company Bar – our landing place for dinner. While the joint’s moody interior (all exposed bricks, wood, and leather) has us feeling right at home, we decide to settle at a relaxing spot on the small back patio. We enjoy our split order of ‘Fried Oysters’ (gunpowder, smoked yogurt, finger hot chili, cilantro) before our mains arrive: for Cai, the ‘Double Cheeseburger’ (iceberg, pickles, onion, sauce) and for me, a ‘Reuben’ (brisket, dressing, sauerkraut, gruyere).
8:13PM – After dinner, Cai and I explore more of the neighbourhood and eventually find ourselves back at the Idlewyld Inn & Spa. We chat for a while on the cloistered back patio, reviewing the day. The next morning, we grab buffet breakfast at the Inn before hitting up the bustling Sidetrack: A Wortley Café for americanos to-go. And, just like that, we hop into the TOQUE Rav and hit the pleasant country roads back to Guelph. Pro tip: At Sidetrack, order your drinks from the walk-up window – a quick and easy way to get what you want.
