19th hole? New London bar with mini putt course has you covered
Golf club? More like golf nightclub.
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Golf club? More like golf nightclub.
The latest addition to the Richmond Row bar scene is mixing mini putt with a dance club atmosphere, part of a trend in entertainment venues to focus on experiences over traditional bar vibes.
“We felt like Richmond Row could use a new experience, something that isn’t just necessarily a bar or club,” said Jon Macdonald, regional general manager of MRG Group, the owners and operators of Par-Tee Putt.
Par-Tee Putt, which had a soft launch at the end of August, is at 545 Richmond St. in the space formerly occupied by Revolution nightclub and the London Tap House.
When Revolution closed in April, Toronto-based entertainment company MRG Group decided the longtime nightclub between Kent Street and Albert Street would be a perfect location for a mini golf bar.
“We immediately thought this would be the right fit for London,” said Macdonald, adding the president and chief executive of MRG Group went to Western University and operated Tap House years ago.
Par-Tee Putt has an 18-hole mini putt course, dance floor, arcade games and full-service bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The mini putt course, designed and built by a Toronto film set designer, is heavy on nostalgia and pop culture, Macdonald said.
“There’s a Happy Gilmore hole and a Caddyshack hole. There’s more modern stuff like Mario Kart, Tron and Pac-Man,” he said.
Players who want to imbibe can get drinks at the bar or from one of the servers making the rounds, MacDonald said. The facility is open to all ages until 8 p.m., when it becomes a 19-and-older venue.
An eatery specializing in Detroit-style pizza, including unusual toppings such as Korean fried chicken pizza, is in the works for the second floor of the London location, Macdonald said. MRG Group is in the process of getting equipment in place and is eyeing an October opening.
The indoor bar and mini golf combo has been a big success in at MRG Group’s other Par-Tee Putt locations in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa, Macdonald said, and reflects a broader trend in the bar scene to focus on more than just sitting around a table.
“At a lot of our businesses, specifically in hospitality, we have a huge emphasis on curating experiences. Most of our business types are bringing something to the table that’s more than just sitting and drinking with your friends,” Macdonald said.
London already is home to several other venues offering late-night drinks and recreation. The city’s two Palasad locations have bowling, billiards, arcade games and laser tag alongside full-service restaurants and bars.
The Rec Room at CF Masonville Place, which opened in 2018, has arcade games, axe throwing, a live entertainment space and full-service bar and restaurant all under one roof.
The Club House at 100 Kellogg Lane, which opened in 2021, blends a bar and restaurant atmosphere with mini put, golf and multi-sport simulators and bocce ball.
