By Randy Mar. Map by Chantel Richard. This article originally appeared in the June 2022 edition of the New Edinburgh News)
Patio season certainly arrived with a blast of heat and sunshine this spring!
The New Edinburgh News has put together a guide to help make choosing your patio easier. As you can see from the accompanying map and legend, at print time, there are at least 13 locations to choose from. You can head out your front door and walk or bike there in mere minutes.
New Edinburgh patios have you covered, whether you want to enjoy fantastic scenery, fall into deep loungers, absorb the urban streetscape, savour international cuisines, test in-store-baked goods, or sip your favourite beverage at a bistro-style table.
Our community’s patios have family-style picnic tables on which to spread out, are off the beaten path, can be either open air or have sheltered overhangs, or offer colourful umbrellas to provide much-needed shade.
Equally important is your choice of beverage, whether sipping tropical cocktails, tasting local craft beers, non-alcoholic refreshments, or simply a cold brewed or iced coffee.
The map legend also notes which patios are accessible (for those with mobility issues or strollers); serve alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, have public washrooms; offer kid-friendly menus; and provide shade.
Fun fact: the New Edinburgh Patio Pathway is 2.5 kilometres in length. It starts at Tavern on the Falls on Sussex Drive, weaving south to Union Street Kitchen Café, turning east at the Royal Oak, and continuing along Beechwood connecting Ministry of Coffee, Dhruvees, Starbucks, the Clocktower Brew Pub, and Mr. Luko, with a slight detour to Ola Cocina, then continuing to the Red Door, Bridgehead, and Bibi’s, before ending at Soca/Plantain Cartel.
Sadly, the patio at resident-favourite Fraser Café on Springfield Road is not able to open this summer for reasons beyond the owners Ross and Simon’s control. We will miss stopping by and enjoying their menu outdoors.
Let’s get outside and continue to support our neighbourhood businesses!
