Iconic Imperial Pub Closes After 81 Years in Downtown Toronto

The historic Imperial Pub in downtown Toronto has closed its doors for good after an impressive 81 years of operation. Located at the bustling intersection of Yonge and Dundas, the pub opened during World War II and has remained a staple in the community since then. The final day of service coincided with a rainy Saturday, marking the end of an era for many patrons who gathered to share memories over their last drinks.

Ricky Newman, whose great-grandfather purchased the building in 1944, expressed mixed emotions about the closure. He noted that the pub has operated every day except Christmas throughout its history. “I think we were a lot of people’s best kept secret,” Newman shared, as guests savored their final pints in the cozy atmosphere of the well-loved tavern.

The closure comes in the wake of plans by Toronto Metropolitan University to redevelop the block into a new student housing and educational complex. While Newman and his family are saddened by the end of their long-standing business, he expressed optimism about the building’s future. “It’s heartbreaking that we won’t be here, but it’s wonderful to know that it’ll be part of the university because we always felt like we were,” he said.

The pub originally opened as a hotel beverage room in the 1940s, at a time when Ontario’s liquor laws prohibited men and women from sitting together. Over the decades, it evolved into a vibrant venue known for its live music, affordable beer, and friendly atmosphere. Former students and regulars flocked to the pub on its final day to reminisce, creating a warm and nostalgic environment.

Evan Sandham, a loyal patron of the pub since 2012, noted the significance of the venue for many. He overheard older customers sharing their own stories and memories from years gone by. Britt Hamilton, a 1991 graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, reminisced about the pub’s inviting charm. “It was just a really comfy, cozy place that we could walk to and just get rid of the stress of school,” she recalled, laughing at the memories of simpler times.

Hamilton emphasized the unique sense of community fostered at the Imperial Pub, stating, “You could sit and just talk to anybody who was here.” She even shared that she and her friends continue to visit annually for a Christmas reunion, highlighting the pub’s lasting impact on their lives.

The closure of the Imperial Pub has resonated with many who view it as one of the last cultural landmarks in the area. Jade DeLuca-Ahoora, a recent graduate and local filmmaker, expressed concern over the loss of such venues. She pointed out the recent closures of other beloved establishments, including the Velvet Underground, which had been a popular spot for alternative music lovers for three decades. “Toronto is losing so much culture right now,” she lamented, voicing her frustration that the building was not designated as a heritage site.

Reflecting on the pub’s legacy, Newman stated, “It’s been an unbelievable privilege to be here and to host the City of Toronto.” As the lights dimmed for the final time, the Imperial Pub’s closure serves as a poignant reminder of the changing landscape of downtown Toronto and the cultural heritage that is at risk of being lost.