After a decade of hosting some of the city’s biggest parties, one of Toronto’s most beloved daytime and late-night bars, Cold Tea, will be permanently closing its doors this fall.
The eccentric, patio-clad venue, located at 1186 Queen St. W., announced Tuesday that it will cease operations at the end of the summer, stating that the “time has come” for the groundbreaking bar.
“Friends and family, the time has come…This will be Cold Tea’s last summer as we will be closing our doors come the fall,” the bar wrote on Instagram.
“Thank you to everyone for the support over the years — it’s really been everything.”
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, community-oriented spirit, local DJs and vibey Toronto sounds, the one-of-a-kind bar originally opened its doors in 2010, establishing itself in Kensington Market as a hotspot and faux speakeasy.
As the end of 2020 approached, the bar closed its Market doors, citing issues with lease renewal and its landlords.
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In 2019, Cold Tea opened its Queen St. W. location, where flexible landlords made it possible for the owners to continue operations. Since opening, the bar has become a cherished part of the west-end’s cultural fabric.
The Queen location quickly became a unique extension of Cold Tea’s creative community, offering anything from day parties and curated events to dim sum. As summer ends, the owners are reflecting on the connections made, inviting everyone who contributed to its legacy to come celebrate its final weeks.
“If you were ever part of it: our market day-ones, our last-call industry friends, old staff, new staff, familiar faces — please come through these last few weeks of summer and help us send it off right.”
The sudden announcement of the bar’s closure has sparked an outpouring of emotional reactions from both visiting tea-goers and regulars alike.
“You’ll be missed 🥺🥺,” one Instagram user said.
“The scream I scrumpt,” another user commented.
“This one really hitting the soul 😪❤️,” another user said.
“Fell to my knees in a shoppers 💔,” one user shared.
Others shared memories and well wishes for the iconic bar.
“Met my Wife at the market 🙌🏿” an Instagram user commented.
“An iconic run where strangers became family. Stay gold. ✨🏆,” an Instagram user added.
“Bless everyone involved in this beautiful space. Piece of Toronto history x2,” one user said.
But the owner says the closure is not the complete end of the bar’s long-standing, memorable era.
“This isn’t the end of the story. Just the end of a really great run. We hope to see you all soon.”
“Toronto, we love you 🫶🏼”
