Imperial Pub Closes After 81 Years, A Landmark in Toronto

The Imperial Pub has officially closed its doors after an impressive 81 years of service in Toronto. Located at the bustling intersection of Yonge and Dundas, the pub first opened during World War II and has been a cherished gathering spot for generations. The final closure occurred on a rainy Saturday, marking the end of an era for both its owners and loyal patrons.

Ricky Newman, whose great-grandfather purchased the building in 1944, shared the bittersweet news. He noted that the pub had operated every day except for Christmas throughout its history. “I think we were a lot of people’s best-kept secret,” Newman reflected as customers savored their last drinks in the historic establishment. The closure aligns with plans from Toronto Metropolitan University to develop the block into a new student housing and educational complex.

Newman expressed sadness over the closure but also 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 initially opened as a hotel beverage room in the 1940s, a time when Ontario’s liquor laws prohibited men and women from sitting together.

Over the years, Imperial Pub became known for its lively atmosphere, featuring live music, affordable beer, and a cozy library bar. As the pub wound down on its final night, former students and regulars congregated to relive memories and enjoy a comforting ambiance one last time. Evan Sandham, a patron since 2012, noted the significance of the occasion, mentioning how older customers reminisced about their experiences over the decades.

Britt Hamilton, a 1991 graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, fondly recalled her visits to the pub with friends. “It was just a really comfy, cozy place where we could walk to, get rid of the stress of school, and have a few cigarettes back then, and some beers,” she said with a laugh. Hamilton underscored the unique sense of community fostered at the pub, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere where patrons could engage with one another effortlessly.

As she reflected on the closure, Hamilton lamented the challenge of finding another venue that matched Imperial Pub’s charm. “I guess we’re gonna have to find somewhere new now,” she said. Many shared her sentiment, with some viewing the pub as one of the last cultural landmarks in the neighborhood.

Jade DeLuca-Ahoora, a recent graduate and local filmmaker, expressed her concern over the increasing loss of creative and historic spaces in Toronto. She noted that venues like Velvet Underground, a Queen Street West staple for alternative music, had also recently shut down. “Toronto is losing so much culture right now,” she said, articulating her disappointment that the building had not been designated as a heritage site.

Newman concluded with gratitude for the pub’s legacy, stating, “It’s been an unbelievable privilege to be here and to host the City of Toronto.” As the final pints were poured and memories shared, the closure of Imperial Pub marks not just the end of a beloved local establishment but also a significant moment in the evolving cultural landscape of Toronto.

This report was first published on November 15, 2025, by The Canadian Press.