Shucker Paddy turns his patio into skating rink

Shucker Paddy turns his patio into skating rink

The Ceili Cottage's Dinky Rink, home to nightly curling

Patrick McMurray is getting into the Olympic spirit by flooding the front patio of his Leslieville restaurant The Ceili Cottage and turning it into a miniature ice rink for neighbourhood kids to use in the afternoon.

The patch of ice has been dubbed the Dinky Rink, and Shucker Paddy has borrowed curling rocks from the Royal Canadian Curling Club for impromptu nightly matches and marshmallow roasts that begin at 7 p.m. Assuming temperatures stay below freezing, the rink is expected to be open until March 10, when it will be cleared away for St. Patrick’s week festivities.

Ever the concerned parent (not to mention proprietor), McMurray’s rules for the rink are no hockey, no loud noises after 11 p.m. and no smoking. Alcohol is permitted on the rink, but he suggests hoisting a pint after a skate.