This closure signifies more than the end of a beloved bar; it marks the loss of a piece of Toronto’s history and a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Yonge and Dundas area.

The Legacy of the Imperial Pub

Origins and Early Years

In 1944, Jack Newman, then 30 years old, took over a hotel and beverage business, transforming it into what was first called the Imperial Hotel (ACO Toronto). At that time, Ontario’s liquor laws were more restrictive: establishments needed to maintain lodging to serve alcohol, and men and women were segregated in pubs (Enright Cattle Co.).

Upstairs, there were nine rooms for lodging; downstairs, the drinking area began its long life as a public house. As regulations changed, those upstairs rooms were phased out and converted into more traditional pub space (ACO Toronto).

A Quirky, Beloved Neighbourhood Bar

Through the decades, the Imperial retained a quirky, timeless atmosphere. Its downstairs bar featured a wraparound counter and, famously, a large aquarium (the “Aquarium Bar”) built in the 1970s as liquor laws relaxed (The Bridge News).

Upstairs, the “library” room evolved: leather chairs, bookshelves, a pool table, and cozy nooks. Students from Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan University) have long gravitated there, drawn by cheap pints and a space to hang out or study (Great Canadian Pubs).

The pub also functioned as a live music venue, book launch space, and gathering place (Exclaim). Founder Jack Newman passed away in 2008 at age 93, but the pub remained in family hands, carrying on through multiple generations (The Eyeopener).

The Imperial even survived a redevelopment threat in 1998 tied to Yonge-Dundas Square, thanks to public outcry and petitions (Great Canadian Pubs).

The Changing Face of Yonge & Dundas

The area around Yonge & Dundas has arguably seen some of Toronto’s most dramatic transformations.

Mid-20th Century: Local Shops & Theatres

In earlier decades, the Yonge corridor featured bookstores, clothing shops, diners, small theatres, and music venues. The Colonial Tavern, a jazz hotspot, once stood nearby. The strip was a cultural hub of live acts, cinema, and community.

The opening of the Eaton Centre in the 1970s reshaped retail, pulling in national chains and changing foot traffic. As Ryerson expanded, student life intensified around the Imperial.

Early 21st Century: Intensification and Redevelopment

Over time, many low-rise storefronts gave way to mixed-use towers. Small businesses struggled with rising costs, while newer residents brought demand for cafés, tech stores, and condos.

The Imperial Pub remained a rare holdout — a time capsule resisting gentrification in the middle of an ever-denser neighbourhood. But prime land draws developers, and the pub site is now slated for redevelopment.

The Development That Will Replace the Imperial

The pub’s property at 54–74 Dundas Street East has been sold, and City Council has approved a by-law amendment allowing for a 23-storey mixed-use tower with 336 residential units on the site (On The Record). Earlier versions of the plan described a 30-storey condo with 287 units, retail at grade, and shared amenity spaces (GTA Homes). The approved version scales this to 23 storeys, but still signals major change.

The new tower will likely bring modern retail and housing, though it will erase the quirky pub that once anchored the block. The developer behind the project is BAZIS Inc., known for other mixed-use condo projects in Toronto.

Additionally, nearby at 100 Bond Street, BAZIS is constructing another high-rise mixed-use development, just steps from Dundas Station and Ryerson University (Livabl), signalling significant change to this part of downtown Toronto.

Closing Time: November 15, 2025

The Imperial Pub will officially close on November 15, 2025. On its official website, the owners write:

“With great sadness, we must inform you that we will be closing the pub on November 15, 2025. It has been an honour and a delight to serve you.”

Reflection: Loss, Memory, and What Comes Next

The Imperial’s closing marks more than just another redevelopment. For students, locals, and music lovers, it was a meeting place, a hideaway, and a piece of Toronto history.

As glass and steel continue to rise around Yonge and Dundas, one of downtown’s quirkiest landmarks will soon be gone — remembered in stories, pints shared, and generations of nights out.

The post Farewell to a Toronto Institution: The Imperial Pub to Close After 81 Years appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Toronto Winter Village

The Distillery District Christmas extravaganza is a festive rite of passage for Torontonians. Yes, it is busy, but boy is she cosy. For Hallmark movie style feels, the Winter Village is a must. It is outdoors so bring your cutest toques and berets, and make the most of the beautiful lights and MASSIVE Dior decorated tree. Came for Santa, stayed for the drinks? Yeah, same. Just joking, I came for the drinks alone. Toronto Winter Village has upped its game with its offering of cocktails (hot and cold) and an assortment of whisky flights. Yeah, flights of whisky; it’s a thing! Non alcoholic mixed drinks and, of course, hot chocolate are also available at the drinks huts. This is one bar you can bring your kids to, if you really want to. Aunty over here really does like to give them a wide berth, though.

Please note, the Winter Village is ticketed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 4:00 pm. 

Order: 

• Raspberry Gin White Hot Chocolate 
• Ontario-spiced apple cider and a sprinkle of cinnamon (Spirit-Free)

Thirsty Elf at the Fairmont Royal York

Back again for another year, the Thirsty Elf is always a smash hit, sell-out success. Reservations MUST be made in advance as this spot is super tiny. If Christmas threw up on a small-scale British pub, it would be something akin to the Thirsty Elf in the absolute most glorious way. Glassware is seasonally joyful and the cocktail menu, curated by the Fairmont’s director of mixology Rus Yessenov, is well balanced and delightful. Have you ever wanted to sip a drink from a Christmas ornament? Of course you have. The Thirsty Elf has you covered. Plus you get to venture into the stunning Fairmont property, replete with a beautifully lit tree and an underground Gingerbread walkway. 

Order: 

• The Naughty List
• Be Good For Goodness Sake (Spirit-Free)

Java Jingle at Little Sister 

Now across both Little Sister locations in Toronto, the Java Jingle brings the magic of yuletide to the two popular Dutch-Indonesian eateries. The pop-up cocktail bars have decked the halls with boughs of glitter and there is an extensive cocktail list with a lightly tiki skew. Playfully named drinks (e.g “Hot Girl Winter” and “Getting Blitzen”) will have you trolololing with your friends. The best news is that the food here is AMAZING. If you want to fill your bellies with snacks as well as laughter, Little Sister is serving Christmas at the beach vibes. 

Order: 

• Grinch Please
• Sumatra Spiced Beef Croquettes

Project Giggle Water 

One of the city’s best cocktail bars dials up the festive cheer each year by wrapping the whole place in christmas paper and filling the space with light-up, blow-up bears. The light show doesn’t stop at the decor either; a number of drinks on the menu come sporting disco ice cubes. The early 00s called to say hi, and we were here to receive it! Bringing pure merriment to Dundas West, Project Giggle Water is nestled in one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods and is the perfect spot for post-dinner holiday drinks! While there isn’t a child in sight, the bar is donating $1 from every drink sold to Toys for Tots Canada

Order: 

• St Nick’s Secret Spritz
• Smash Burger

Miracle on Bloor St

OKAY WOWZA. This seasonal pop-up graces the city but once a year, however it is categorically the most magical place ON EARTH let alone in Toronto. Pioneered the team behind Civil Liberties, recently voted the Best Bar in Canada by World’s 50 Best Bars, excellent mixology is as high a focus as the flawless decor. There are so many iconic moments to be had in this floor-to-ceiling immersive Christmas space including a rather handsy bear, cocktails served in dinosaurs and fabulous Christmas drag performances. This year, Miracle have also teamed up with Glade candles on a series of festive scents, which means the whole place smells amazing too. Can I live here? Seriously, though. 

Order: 

• Grandma Got Run Over By A T-Rex
• Hot Buttered Rum

A very merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night drinking (responsibly, obvs).

 

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Keeping the beloved Bobs Coffee Bar in place, in the day you can still grab some quality java but now you can also enjoy a new resident pub from the brains behind Frankie’s and Annabelle.

So, what’s up? The main draw here for me was the cocktails. The self-titled Davenport Classic matches the maturity of the deep forest green décor. Vanilla-infused bourbon, Dillon’s ginger bitters and hickory chip make this a smoky but accessible “real” drink, but for those who want something longer, the Davenport Punch adds a softer edge. My favourite cocktail on the menu has to be the whimsically named Jaundice Joplin. Dillons gin, saffron, melon puree, lemon and simple syrup makes for a most refreshing gurgle! You will also be pleased to hear there is a good selection of beers on tap and a nice little wine list.

Although the kitchen is super small, The Davenport makes the most of the space and offers delicious snacks and heartier dishes from 12pm. If you are in the mood for a multi-meat feast then the Bang Bang Burger is the much-discussed signature feature, placing buttermilk chicken on a short rib cheese burger. My bestie was all about it, but I have to say it was a little intimidating for me! Instead I happily gobbled down a delicious leek and goat cheese flatbread made fresh in a teeny little flatbread oven. Yum. It was the perfect pairing with my Joplin. Cheers!

Also worth a taste is the black kale salad with creamy Caesar dressing, but the real evening highlight was the boquerones, served with melt in the mouth ricotta. I have been thinking about them ever since my visit…swoon!

The menu is inclusive with something for everyone. Confit chicken wings with a local craft beer? Absolutely. Vegan crispy cauliflower sandwich or a warm chickpea salad and a glass of Niagara wine? Sure! I sampled a little taste of how great the crispy cauliflower can be with a cheeky made to order portion of cauliflower bites…although they aren’t officially on the menu.

The Davenport has happy hour specials 7 days a week and runs the risk of becoming your new favourite local. Cheers to that! Another cocktail? Sure, why not!

The Davenport is open 7 days a week 8am (for coffee!) until late. Located at 440 Christie St. at Davenport.

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