Imperial Pub Closes After 81 Years, Leaving a Cultural Void in Toronto

The Imperial Pub in downtown Toronto has closed its doors permanently after 81 years of operation. Located at the corner of Yonge and Dundas, the establishment opened during World War II and has been a fixture in the community since then. The closure, which took place on a rainy Saturday, marks the end of an era for many who frequented the pub for its lively atmosphere and rich history.

Ricky Newman, whose great-grandfather purchased the building in 1944, expressed mixed emotions about the closure. The pub had remained open every day except Christmas, serving countless patrons over the decades. “I think we were a lot of people’s best kept secret,” Newman said as customers enjoyed their last drinks inside the cherished tavern.

Transformation of the Block

The closure coincides with plans by Toronto Metropolitan University to develop the block into a new student housing and education complex. Newman conveyed a sense of sadness about leaving but also a measure of comfort knowing the building would be repurposed for educational use. “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 stated.

Originally opened as a hotel beverage room in the 1940s, the pub has undergone significant changes over the years. At its inception, laws prohibited men and women from sitting together, but the establishment evolved into a celebrated venue known for live music, affordable beer, a library bar, and a pool table. As the final hours ticked away on Saturday, former students and regulars gathered to reminisce about their experiences.

Evan Sandham, who has been a regular since 2012, noted that older patrons shared fond memories from decades past. Britt Hamilton, a graduate of TMU from 1991, recalled visiting the pub with friends to unwind from the stresses of student life. “It was just a really comfy, cozy place that we could walk to,” she said, adding that it was a favorite spot for relaxation and socializing. “You could sit and just talk to anybody who was here.”

A Cultural Landmark Fades

The closure of the Imperial Pub has sparked concern among locals about the loss of cultural landmarks in Toronto. Jade DeLuca-Ahoora, a recent TMU graduate and local filmmaker, highlighted the alarming trend of creative and historic venues shutting down. Referring to other closures, such as Velvet Underground, a popular venue for alternative music, she lamented, “Toronto is losing so much culture right now.” DeLuca-Ahoora also expressed disappointment that the pub was not designated as a heritage site.

As the pub drew its last crowd, Newman reflected on the joy and privilege of running the establishment. “It’s been an unbelievable privilege to be here and to host the City of Toronto,” he remarked. The Imperial Pub may have closed, but its legacy and the memories it created will endure in the hearts of those who called it home.

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