The Kensington Lodge- CLOSED
21 Kensington Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T2J8
The Kensington Lodge is a great example of Victorian architecture turned accessible. This cozy spot is located on the main floor of a historic semi and offers a fully stocked bar, with several taps and yummy selection of paninis, soups, pies, and charcuterie plates. Don’t be daunted by the many steps at the front entrance – there is a wooden ramp at the back of the building, where the patio is located.
There are several ways to get to Kensington Lodge’s concrete back patio. The first is via a laneway located between 25 and 29 Kensington Ave. Turn right until you hit a wooden fence (see photo). Unfortunately, this city-owned laneway was covered in rocky gravel. The back can also be accessed via Glenbaillie Place off Spadina, or via a laneway off St. Andrew Street beside St. Andrew Poultry. Unfortunately, these laneways are not paved either, but their dirt surface is smoother than the Kensington Ave. option. The owners also informed me that there is a spacious parking spot at the back of the patio, so someone getting a ride could get dropped off there to avoid the laneways.
There are two standard height picnic tables at the back of this concrete patio, but the head of either table has plenty of space for wheelchair users to pull up underneath. The back entrance is 36.5” wide – no automatic opener. The interior flooring is hardwood throughout. The spacious accessible washroom is located directly to the right of the back entrance and boasts the following features: 34.5” wide door, one grab bar, 31” underneath the sink, 17.5” toilet seat height, no automatic features.
There is a 33” wide doorway to get to the main seating area. Tables are standard height with removable chairs, and table service is available. There are plenty of two-seat tables and options for larger groups, making this an appropriate place for a date or drinks with friends.
This venue offers open mic nights on Thursdays and live music (small acoustic sets) at the small space located by the bay window at the front. The space can be rented out for book signings and other events.
Green P parking is located on 20 St. Andrew Street or on 35 Bellevue Street. The nearest accessible subway stations are Queen’s Park and Osgoode.
Other review:
