Merla-Mae Ice Cream · London, Ontario

Our Story — A Classic Ice Cream Stand Since 1951

Merla-Mae Ice Cream has been serving generations since 1951. What began as a simple neighbourhood ice cream stand quickly became a local tradition — a place where summer nights, first dates, and family memories all seemed to happen over soft-serve cones and sundaes.

  • 1080 Adelaide St. N, London, Ontario
  • Soft-serve cones & sundaes
  • Cakes, pies & shakes

What hasn’t changed

Still Made the Old-Fashioned Way

Over the decades, Merla-Mae has stayed true to what made it special from the beginning: real ingredients, handmade ice cream, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels just as familiar today as it did generations ago.

We’re proud to still serve ice cream the old-fashioned way — made fresh, enjoyed outdoors, and shared with the people who matter most.

Vintage night photo of the Merla-Mae Ice Cream stand in London, Ontario, lit up under its neon cone sign

Through the years

The Evolution of Merla-Mae

From our earliest storefront to today, Merla-Mae has grown alongside the community — evolving with the times while keeping the same spirit that made us a local favourite from the start.

  1. Black-and-white photo of customers lined up at the Merla-Mae Ice Cream stand under the banner Summer Tradition since 1951
    Since 1951Lining up at the stand after dark
  2. The Merla-Mae Ice Cream walk-up stand and its rooftop cone sign in London, Ontario, photographed in 1985
    1985The walk-up stand and its rooftop cone sign
  3. Merla-Mae Ice Cream storefront with its green awning and 438-CAKE sign in London, Ontario, in 2009
    2009A green awning and our 438-CAKE number
  4. Merla-Mae Ice Cream storefront with its red, white and blue striped awning at 1080 Adelaide St. N in London, Ontario
    TodayA striped awning that still reads “Famous since 1951”

Merla-Mae today

Keeping the Tradition & the Fun Alive

Years ago, live music started right here in our parking lot, and that simple tradition grew into National Ice Cream Day. Today that same lot becomes a full outdoor stage every July, where bands and solo artists perform and new acts join the lineup every year. Every performer even gets a custom Merla-Mae treat named in their honour.

Our events are free, family-friendly and open to everyone. Local businesses and community partners help make it all happen.

See All Our Events
National Ice Cream Day crowd filling the patio under the Merla-Mae Ice Cream sign and striped awning in London, Ontario
Want to be part of it? Perform on our stage Become a sponsor

In print, on stage & in the community

Featured in Media & Music

Merla-Mae has been featured in articles, music projects, and cultural coverage that celebrate its role beyond ice cream. From hosting free outdoor concerts to supporting local artists and musicians, the stand has long been a gathering place where community and creativity come together.

These moments — captured in print, on screen, and through music — reflect the spirit of Merla-Mae: open, welcoming, and deeply connected to the neighbourhood. The same tradition of live music and community events continues today, keeping the experience just as vibrant as ever.

Learn more about our community events
The Essentials, the a cappella group that got their start singing in the Merla-Mae Ice Cream parking lot, performing on stage

The Essentials: from our parking lot to the Toronto Top 40

The Essentials are a celebrated a cappella group that got their start singing in the Merla-Mae parking lot during community concerts. What began as local performances grew into national recognition, rooted in the same neighbourhood spirit that defines Merla-Mae.

Their album Nothing But Blue reached the Toronto Top 40 in September 2010 — a reminder that some of the best things start small, shared, and close to home.

Learn more about The Essentials
London Free Press clipping of two customers enjoying an ice cream break at Merla-Mae Ice Cream on Adelaide Street in London, Ontario

Fashion shoots at our counter

Merla-Mae in Style & Culture

Over the years, Merla-Mae has been featured in articles, local news stories, music spotlights, and community highlights. From supporting emerging artists to appearing in cultural features, our story continues to be shared in ways we never expected — and are always grateful for.

If you’ve come across Merla-Mae in print, online, or in a story worth sharing, we’d love to hear about it.

1990s clothing catalog photo taken at the pastel order counter of Merla-Mae Ice Cream in London, Ontario

Unnamed Clothing Catalog (1990s)

Print catalog

Model wearing an Illbury & Goose tank top at the menu-board counter of Merla-Mae Ice Cream in London, Ontario

Illbury & Goose

Visit the brand
Two models in pastel Elizabeth Noel dresses at the counter of Merla-Mae Ice Cream in London, Ontario

Elizabeth Noel Clothing

Visit the brand

Independent film & creative projects

Merla-Mae on Screen

Merla-Mae has also found its way onto the screen, appearing in independent films and creative projects that capture real moments in the neighbourhood.

These stories reflect what Merla-Mae has always been about — community, connection, and the simple joy of ice cream shared on a summer night.

Share a memory

Part of Your Story? We’d Love to See It

#MerlaMae has been part of so many memories — first jobs, first dates, summer traditions, and everything in between. If you have a photo, story, or memory tied to Merla-Mae, we’d love to hear it.

Whether it’s a throwback photo, a recent visit, or a moment you’ve never forgotten, your stories help keep our history alive.