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Good ’Hood: Wortley Village

For that small Ontario town feeling in a big city, head for the heart of London’s Old South. Dozens of independent businesses radiate from Wortley Road, and a walk through the area make for a pleasant way to spend a morning, afternoon or evening, especially for your belly.

EAT

Village Harvest Bakery

An old recipe from the owner’s great grandmother produces this bakery’s best selling bread, Adelaide’s Nova Scotia Brown. Grab a loaf hot out of the oven, sit out front on one of the benches and tear off pieces as fellow shoppers gaze hungrily at your bakery booty.
http://www.villageharvestbakery.com

The Big Scoop

Do not leave London without trying this retro parlour’s best seller: vanilla ice cream blended with thick shards of chocolate and mini-chocolate peanut butter cups, and topped with the shop’s signature “crispers” (cinnamon and sugar coated crushed wafers). Moose Tracks never tasted so good! Open from May to September.

SHOP

The Village Idiot

This is the local Mecca for vinyl aficionados, with thousands upon thousands of records of everything from old school rock to reggae. They also carry CDs, and you can purchase concert tickets to the smaller venues in town here.

Quarter Master Natural Foods

This 30-year-old, family-run health food shop is the oldest in the city—and in the village. The maze of rooms will feel like you’re stepping into a new store every time you pass through a doorway, and you’ll find everything from Echinacea to local turkey products to high quality face cream. Don’t miss the deli counter near the back, where you can sneak home delicious vegetarian entrees and pretend you made them!
http://www.quartermasterfoods.com

EAT + DRINK

Black Walnut Bakery Cafe

Sit inside or out, or join the post-work rush grabbing take-out meals and feel good about it—containers from Black Walnut are 95 per cent biodegradable. Take home some of their exclusive eponymous blend ($7 per half pound), or get a fresh cup to go.