Neighbourhood staple pub in Toronto closes permanently after nearly 50 years

A Toronto pub that's been a neighbourhood stalwart since the 1970s has officially poured its last pint.

For those who've ventured north of the Yonge and Eglinton intersection at any point in the past five decades, the Duke of Kent pub has been a part of your story, whether you've actually dined and drank there or not.

Situated at the corner of Yonge St. and Roehampton Ave., the Duke of Kent was a true embodiment of the old-school English pub, serving up ice-cold pints and U.K.-style staples like bangers and mash, chicken pot pie and, of course, fish and chips.

Since opening its doors in 1977, it's served as the de facto headquarters for the Toronto Scottish Rugby Football Club, the designated viewing spot for major sports games and a favourite for family gatherings and celebrations both big and small. 

Though the pub has found considerable competition in its 60-year-old neighbour, the Rose and Crown, it's always managed to hold its own. Its boisterous, jovial air extends well past the pub's four walls, spilling out into the surrounding area.

After 49 years, however, the Duke of Kent's tenure of tending to the thirsty patrons of Yonge and Eglinton has officially come to an end, after the pub quietly closed its doors for good after service on Saturday, March 28.

The pub issued no official statement to confirm its closure, opting instead, evidently, to spread the news via word-of-mouth among regulars before closing down permanently.

Over the phone, an employee of the pub confirmed to blogTO that Duke of Kent is, indeed, closed for good, but when asked about the reasons behind the closure, they simply responded, "No clue."

blogTO reached out to Duke Pubs, the parent company of not only the Duke of Kent, but also Little Tokyo's Duke of Cornwall and Duke of York in the Annex, but has not received a response at the time of publication.

The Duke of Kent was formerly located at 2315 Yonge St.