These businesses from 373-375 1/2 Somerset Street are typical of the ‘mom and pop’ establishments that lined the busy street in 1960.
Colour is one thing that’s not missing along Somerset Street West. Striking red lamp posts with yellow banners line the busy, four-lane road.
Brightly painted store signs draw your eye – and tempt the tastebuds. Do you want sushi? Or Pho?
Somerset Street was named for the 12th Duke of Somerset. Despite the name’s British roots, Somerset is best known today as home to Ottawa’s Chinatown — from about Bronson Avenue in the east to Little Italy in the west.
But a wide variety of Asian food choices — including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese – are offered, and are just one of the many reasons to visit this vibrant community. Chinatown is also host to an eclectic mix of small shops. From books to groceries to trinkets and teapots, Chinatown’s business district has it all.
While Chinatown may be the most distinctive part of Somerset Street, it’s not the only interesting place to visit. Further east, Somerset narrows to just two lanes after Bank Street, where the neighbourhood is known as Somerset Village.
Somerset Village is characterized by a distinct change of pace. The narrower road, tall trees and old style lamp posts create a quaint and relaxed atmosphere between Bank and O’Connor streets.
Here, old homes give way to restaurants and retail shops. The stylish signage and attractive patios lend the street a sense of charm.
Somerset Street intersects with a number of other must-visit places in Ottawa. Preston, home to Little Italy, crosses Somerset to the west of Chinatown. Bank Street, an eclectic mix of coffee shops and stores, marks the entrance to Somerset Village. Then, at the eastern terminus of the street is the Rideau Canal and its new footbridge, which leads to the University of Ottawa and beyond to Sandy Hill’s Somerset Street East.
A plaque at xx Somerset Street West reminds of the time when the building was the home of William Lyon Mackenzie King, later prime minister of Canada.