103 - Meet Minette 👋
When localist Minette Klazinga moved into "Toad Hall" in Wortley Village, she embraced her new London neighbourhood in more ways than one. She's become something of an ambassador for local London experiences, so we reached out earlier this week to get her recommendations on life in London.
By day, Minette supports mature learners and coordinates part-time programs at Fanshawe College. She's currently on sabbatical completing a Master of Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship degree at Queen's University.
Here's what she had to share.
Q: What’s one of London’s best-kept secrets?
🤫
A: One of the best kept secrets in London is that it is vegan destination for a city its size. A few of my favourites are: Plant Matter Kitchen, for an incredible, full-fledged vegan menu; Zen'za Pizzeria has the best pizza (and vegan ice-creamery) in town; The Shish, for delicious Middle Eastern including my personal favourite:a cauliflower sandwich; finally, for a sweet treat, Boom Box Bakeshop is always fun!
Q: What’s your favourite way to spend a Saturday in London? ❤️
A: I'm so fortunate to live in Wortley Village, where I can walk out my door and experience the best Saturday ever! 🤩 I love strolling down to one of our cafés and getting a coffee. The Black Walnut just began offering oat milk, which has taken my Saturday to a whole new level! After coffee, I love to pop by Landon Library to pick up books, then a bit of shopping - the beautiful Westland Gallery, Impressions 148, Curiosities gift shop, and Quarter Master for all my healthy food supplies.Then I'll grab a dinner-to-go from Plant Matter Kitchen to take home and relax in the backyard of our 1872 historic cottage "Toad Hall".
Q: Tell us about the last London thing you recommended to friends. 🗣️
A: The last thing I recommended is Yoga on the Green! Once a week (currently Tuesdays) in the summer, Dan Woodward hosts free karma yoga classes and invites attendees to donate to the London Food Bank as a positive energy exchange while attending the class. It is so magical to enjoy an evening class of movement underneath the beautiful old trees on the Wortley Village Green with other members of this gorgeous community.
Q: What are you looking forward to in London this year? 🤞
A: The thing I'm looking forward to most is taking time to enjoy and support many local businesses as well as getting outside to our amazing parks and trails to catch the show as the leaves change colours over the next couple of months.
Q: Who should Londoners be paying attention to? 👀
A: Now more than ever, we can see how important our local communities are in contributing to a thriving city. I hope Londoners will take time to continue to build community connections and participate in community initiatives as they're able to. There are so many cool things happening in neighbourhoods all around town!
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