After an entire decade taking up residence in Kensington Market, Cold Tea -- the most well-known speakeasy of Toronto -- has just announced its official closure.
Located inside a nondescript mini-mall off Kensington Avenue, the bar housed many booze-infused nights in its 10-year run. A favourite local haunt and a definite must-visit for any Toronto newcomer, the departure of Cold Tea is yet another small business to feel the devastating effects of the ongoing pandemic.
The bar posted a tearful goodbye on their Instagram feed yesterday, stating that after fighting with their landlord on renewing their lease (set to expire at the end of 2020), they could not reason with the landlord.
The owners, Oliver and Stacey, reminisced on all the memories, the late nights and the many travellers that visited Toronto's "best-kept secret." Most importantly, Oliver and Stacey thank Toronto and the community of people who have made Cold Tea such a unique and special place.
Cold Tea's Queen Street location at 1186 Queen St W remains open as a flexible landlord has made it possible for owners to continue operations.
