London is full of great pubs, many more notable than the Maple Leaf Sports Bar and Grill to be honest. But for Canadians, The Maple Leaf is a slice of home in England if you’re missing a Molson or craving a Caesar, or just looking to haggle over a little hockey.
Located at 41 Maiden Lane, just around the corner from Covent Garden, the pub has been “a small piece of Canada in the heart of London” since 1986, suitably emblazoned with Canadian flags and décor (hockey memorabilia, moose head, Mountie uniform, etc.), while serving beers like Molson Canadian, Sleeman, Moosehead, and Frothy Beaver, not to mention genuine clamato-based Bloody Caesars.
Food choices include poutine, smoked meat, Atlantic Salmon and dishes dubbed Great White North burger, Maple Leaf meatloaf and Rocky Mountain mixed grill.
If the timing is right, guests might catch an NHL or NFL game on one of the many TVs, but it should be noted that, at least during my recent visit, the music skewed towards Green Day rather than Great Big Sea.
Of course, the place attracts its fair share of Canadian visitors and ex-pats, but also a significant share of locals. “You have to respect what they did in D-Day,” I overheard one appreciative young Brit observe of his Canadian cousins upon entry.
Sentiment aside, it’s the loud and lively atmosphere that attracts most patrons, though a quiet pint is possible out in front on the street in that enlightened British way.
Either way, the Maple Leaf offers a familiar feel to those on furlough, and for that alone, it clearly rates an eh-plus!
“Pub Crawl,” is an ongoing series in which we reveal some of our favourite public houses, both at home and abroad – and, in the spirit of the establishment, invite you to share with us yours. Send suggestions to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com. Cheers!
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