British pub and music venue The Old Laurel is closing up shop at 300 College Street after seven months.
Chef Davy Love has decided to part ways with owner Donnie Blais, who plans to rebrand the space and reopen as a student-oriented bar.
“I have enjoyed my partnership with Donnie immensely,” Love wrote in a Facebook post. “I’ve learned a lot from him and consider him a great man and great friend. We just have different ideas for the direction of the place, so we are parting on a very positive note. I wish him the absolute best with his new direction.”
Last August, Love left The Bristol at Queen and Dovercourt and transformed the two-floor space – home to the Mexican restaurant and live music club Rancho Relaxo for 18 years – into a British pub and soccer bar that doubled as a live music venue.
Its music programming focused on retro rock & roll, punk, ska, Trojan reggae, northern soul and Britpop. Events held there included tribute concerts to late music icons such as David Bowie and Joe Strummer of the Clash.
The Old Laurel’s last day at 300 College is Sunday, April 3. Love will reopen the business in a different location and said in his Facebook post to expect “new announcements in the coming months.”
kevinr@nowtoronto.com | @kevinritchie
