Summer is here, and that means patio season is officially heating up. Side Launch Brewing Company has joined the local craft brewing crowd with a brand-new outdoor space, taking advantage of the summer.
On May 16, 2025, Side Launch Brewing Company opened its beer garden for its guests (and their dogs!) to enjoy. Nestled at 695 Sovereign Road in the city’s east end, the new patio has become the go-to weekend hangout spot, offering cold pints, live music and food truck bites.
“We’re all about creating experiences and that includes being dog-friendly! We've welcomed everything from casual dog meetups to full-on dog portrait sessions with local photographers. In London, we’ve built a similarly vibrant lineup: weekly live music, rotating DJs, and our ever-popular Music Bingo nights,” says Lauryn McLaren, marketing manager for Side Launch. “We're also expanding with trivia events, open mic comedy, and a Sunday Cornhole league (with drop-ins always welcome). And of course, we’ve got a rotation of food trucks to keep the good eats coming. For the full schedule, folks can follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @sidelaunchlondon.”
Opening night saw over 200 guests and more than a dozen pups come out to toast the new addition to London’s craft beer landscape. The brewery staff worked hard to keep drinks and water bowls full while a folk duo set the tone for a season-long celebration of local culture and community.
“Last year, we tested the waters with a pop-up patio at our brewery, a space where people could enjoy a cold beer, listen to live music, and spend time with friends and family. The response was incredible. We saw a real demand in London for relaxed, outdoor gathering spots, whether for a sunny Saturday hangout or a post-game pint with the team,” says McLaren. “That overwhelming support inspired us to transform the pop-up into a permanent Beer Garden.”
The new beer garden acts as more than a seasonal expansion - it’s a strategic step in cultivating a multi-location brand brewed in Ontario culture. The beer garden reflects a broader shift in the city’s social scene, where neighborhood breweries are becoming central hubs for connection, creativity, and conversation. With more people working remotely and seeking out accessible, outdoor venues to unwind, the timing is perfect.
“Side Launch has always been rooted in community. It’s one of our core brand pillars. With deep ties to London, opening a permanent Beer Garden here was a natural next step,” says McLaren. “It allows us to build a second home outside Collingwood and engage with the community in a meaningful way, whether that’s through supporting local musicians, collaborating with nearby businesses, or hosting inclusive events. The Beer Garden is more than just a patio; it’s a symbol of our long-term commitment to the city.”
Designed with comfort and community in mind, the patio features wooden accents and pavilion-style seating framed by string lights and greenery, creating a cozy atmosphere that balances cottage-country charm with an urban edge. Whether gathering for a casual after-work drink or settling in for trivia night, the vibe is unmistakably London – laid back, locally driven and full of flavour.
Offering a regular rotation of community events, guests can expect DJ trivia, live music sets, vinyl nights and special themed evenings to keep the calendar full. The brewery also partners with local food trucks that change weekly, offering everything from pulled pork sliders and jerk chicken to gluten-free and plant-based eats.
The rotating food trucks serve smoked meats, fresh tacos and vegan options, keeping the menu as varied as local brews. A recent Wednesday featured DJ trivia, while Field To Truck, a London-based mobile eatery, made their patio debut on July 4, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Events like these make the space more than a backdrop, giving it a real personality.
Side Launch has made a conscious effort to reflect the tastes of the local crowd. Designing events with inclusivity in mind - family-friendly hours, dog-friendly policies and plenty of non-alcoholic options - means there’s something for everyone.
“Our Pineapple Sour has been the standout hit of the summer: it’s juicy, tropical, and packed with real pineapple flavour. It’s also available as part of our Sour Pack, which includes the Pineapple Sour along with a Hibiscus, Margarita, and Creamsicle Sour (a personal favourite),” says McLaren. “We’re also releasing a small-batch Tropical IPA featuring a new hop variety called Krush. Lots of exciting brews on the way!”
What started as a seasonal add-on has quickly taken on a life of its own. With plans in the works to expand programming into the fall, including harvest-themed events and Oktoberfest-style weekends, the beer garden is positioning itself as more than a summer fling.
“We initially planned to open Thursday through Sunday, but quickly expanded to seven days a week based on demand,” says McLaren. “From Tuesday night cycling groups to Thursday post-game hangouts, the Beer Garden has become a hub, and there’s something for everyone.”
As London continues to grow its reputation in the food and beverage scene, Side Launch’s new patio proves that outdoor spaces can do more than serve drinks—they can shape culture. Thoughtfully designed and full of local energy, it’s a welcome addition to the city’s hospitality landscape.
“Our goal is to continue growing Side Launch into one of Ontario’s leading beverage brands. We’re incredibly proud of our roots in Collingwood, but our heart belongs to the entire province,” says McLaren. “Whether you’re in the city, the cottage, or anywhere in between, we want Side Launch to be part of your Ontario story. Over the next decade, we aim to deepen our local impact, expand our reach, and keep creating products that reflect the diverse tastes and communities across Ontario.”
