I went to The Maple Leaf Pub for Canada Day with some Canadian friends, and honestly, this has now become a yearly tradition. There’s a real sense of community—it’s always absolutely packed, buzzing with energy, and they blast the kind of music that makes you want to raise a pint and belt out the lyrics. The street outside the pub is now closed off, so crowds naturally spill out, creating a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere.
This year was the busiest I’ve ever seen it—even though we arrived super early. Inside was wall-to-wall people, and to be honest, the ventilation isn’t the best. It was pushing close to 40°C, and that heat in a tightly packed pub can feel intense. But once you’ve fought your way to the bar and grabbed your drink, the outdoor space is a total blessing. We could hang out comfortably, socialise, and enjoy the summer air.
Yes, the wait at the bar on Canada Day was around 40 minutes (not surprising), but on any regular day, it’s a much more chilled experience. And let’s talk about the drinks. This is one of the very few places in London where you can get a proper Caesar—spicy, tangy, savoury perfection in a glass. As a Canadian, it’s easily my favourite drink, and The Maple Leaf gets it spot on.
Food-wise, I’ve only tried the poutine, and while it didn’t wow me, the pub isn’t really about gourmet dining—it’s about the vibes. That said, I appreciated the friendly service, clean bathrooms (always a win), and the little touches like Canadian sports jerseys, flags, and memorabilia all over the walls.
Pro tip: if you need a bite mid-pint, Franca Manca next door is ideal. We grabbed a pizza between rounds, and it hit the spot.
The Maple Leaf is more than just a themed pub—it’s a hub for Canadians living in or visiting London. It’s easy to get to, full of character, and guaranteed to be lively on special days like July 1st. I’ll definitely be back next Canada Day. Happy Canada Day, eh? 🍁
See more restaurant reviews on Insta...
Read moreI recently visited the Maple Leaf Bar in London with the hopes of enjoying a late-night drink, specifically a Caesar, a Canadian favourite. Unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing.
I arrived at the bar around 10:45 PM on a Saturday, well ahead of their advertised closing time of midnight. However, to my dismay, I was met with a less-than-welcoming response from the staff. The front man rudely informed me that the doors had closed over an hour earlier, contrary to the information provided online which stated that they close at 12 AM on Saturdays. This discrepancy between the advertised hours and the actual operating hours left a sour taste in my mouth before I even had the chance to order a drink.
The rudeness of the staff only compounded the frustration of the situation. A simple, polite explanation about the change in hours would have sufficed, but the dismissive attitude made the experience worse. To add to the frustration, when I asked to speak with the manager, he did not address me directly. Instead, he simply ushered at a band around his arm which I could not see clearly, forcing me to ask more than once for him to speak to me directly.
As someone who works in hospitality for over 3 years, I know this level of service does not fly. It was very unfortunate that we did not get to try this place, as we were genuinely looking forward to experiencing what the Maple Leaf Bar had to offer. In conclusion, while I was eager to experience the Maple Leaf Bar and enjoy a Caesar, the poor customer service and misleading information about operating hours were significant letdowns. I would caution others to double-check their plans before heading to this bar, as my experience suggests they might not adhere to their advertised closing times. Based on this visit, I cannot recommend the...
Read moreI recently dined at Maple Leaf, and it was a delightful experience that exceeded my expectations. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its charming décor and comfortable seating, making it a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
The menu features a diverse selection of dishes, showcasing a blend of classic favorites and innovative creations. The quality of the food was impressive, with each dish beautifully presented and full of flavor. The standout for me was the [specific dish], which was expertly prepared and absolutely delicious. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were well-balanced, reflecting the chef’s attention to detail.
The service at Maple Leaf was top-notch. The staff were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. Despite the restaurant being busy, the service was prompt, and our needs were well attended to.
In addition to the great food and service, the ambiance of Maple Leaf contributed to a pleasant dining experience. The environment is relaxed and inviting, making it easy to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family.
In summary, Maple Leaf offers a fantastic dining experience with its excellent food, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a restaurant I would happily recommend to anyone looking for a...
Read more