Staple Toronto pub closing after over a decade as owner opens new restaurant
A Toronto pub that's been a longstanding home base for scores of U of T students will soon pour its last pint as it prepares to close permanently next month.
When it comes to go-to watering holes, Toronto's student population is really taking a lot of hits lately. For TMU students, it was the loss of the iconic Imperial Pub to area development in November 2025.
Now, it's U of T students (and residents of the surrounding area) who are about to lose a local favourite.
Though it's only been around for 12 years, Prenup Pub, which stands on the outskirts of the University of Toronto campus, is a local stalwart in every sense of the word.
Owned and operated by Atef Girgis, the man behind OCAD's answer to Prenup, The Village Idiot, as well as a handful of other spots, the pub was at once a cozy spot to down a pint (or three) and a restaurant that served up a comprehensive suite of pub staples, Belgian classics and Mediterranean fare.
Alas, for as impactful as the pub was for its many fans, the end is near for Prenup Pub, as Girgis takes to the pub's Instagram account to announce its impending closure. There's a divorce joke to be made in here somewhere, I'm sure of it.
"We are saddened to announce that Prenup Pub will be closing its doors on February 8, 2026," the Instagram post simply reads.
Upon the announcement, fans of the pub were quick to flood the comment section with messages of love and heartbreak.
"Is this what it feels like to watch a loved one die? Tragic," one person comments.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," writes another. "Prenup was literally the best part of my defence. Thank you for making grad school tolerable."
One person simply writes, "unbelievable. what is happening to this city?"
It's not all bad news, though, as the post goes on to explain that, while Prenup is closing, a new venture is filling the shoes it left behind.
"But as every ending brings a new beginning, we are happy to share that all your events and celebrations can now find a new home at Blessing in Disguise, our newest sister location," the post goes on to read.
Located at 150 John St., Blessing in Disguise promises 45 European draught beers on tap, a menu of Mediterranean cuisine with South American and Italian touches and "the same cozy pub vibes" people loved about Prenup.
"We hope to be the good on a bad day," Blessing In Disguise's website reads. "Either way you put it — we hope your visit and experience brings a Blessing In Disguise."
Prenup Pub is located at 191 College St.
@prenuppubtoronto/Instagram
