Brunswick House (Toronto)
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The Brunswick House, known colloquially as The Brunny and sometimes advertised as Ye Olde Brunswick House, was a well known pub in Toronto neighbourhood The Annex.
Commonly referred to as the Brunois, the Brunswick House stands as one of the oldest such establishments still in operation in Toronto, as it was founded in 1876. Located at Bloor Street and Brunswick the Brunny has served different clientele over the years. Originally the neighbourhood was a working class home to many new immigrants, and these were the main patrons. By the 1970s the Brunny, then owned by Jack Beume and managed by Anthony Cipparone, had become mainly a student bar, with the University of Toronto being just a few blocks east, and the area known as the "student ghetto" surrounding the bar.
The Brunny became widely known as one of Toronto's most famous and also most dubious drinking establishments. The front area consisted of pool tables and other games. The much larger back area had consisted of concrete floors with benches next to long wooden tables, which the bouncers would walk on top of to quickly reach the many fights. At the end of this hall was a low stage for dancing. The Brunny was known for its cheap beer. The only food served was $1.00 burritos sold by a short man in a sombrero who would travel through the hall selling them. One of the best known fixtures was "Rockin' Irene", an elderly woman who would perform old bar songs and raunchy tunes much to the delight of the drunk patrons. According to Eye Weekly in 1998-1999 alone there were 155 police visits to the location, and the Brunny was frequently penalized for being over capacity and selling drinks to minors. Between 2011-2012, Toronto Police Service disclosed that the Brunswick House was cited in 185 police visited. In late 2013, city officials released a statement concerning the frequency of violence and theft taking place inside and around the Brunswick stating that the Brunswick House or "Brunny" will be under serious police investigation.
In 2004, however, the bar was brought under new management, and its interior and exterior were completely refurbished. The Brunny remains student-focused venue, though, and Varsity Blues banners hang throughout the space. The new Brunny hired a chef, and presents a full menu, including many items containing gravy. With the addition of their all-you-can-eat gravy bar, It now attracts such celebrities like the Fan 590's Sid Seixeiro and Ryan Hains of The Sportsnet Television Network. Seixeiro's influence has brought 16 types of poutine to the menu & a late-night sampler called the Rob Ford "Crack of Dawn Munchy Madness."
The Brunswick House closed at the end of March 2016, after 140 years in business.
References
- Eye - The Brunny Grows Up
- "Ye nightly grind: The Brunswick House is dark, sticky and frattish." Lauren Mechling. National Post. Don Mills, Jan 20, 2001. pg. F.1.FRO