The Marquis of Granby pub is a warm and spacious bar and restaurant featuring slate floors and comfortable lounge seating in front of two real gas fireplaces. “We have a unique-looking venue,” says general manager Chris Karachalios. “Our space is actually made up of three semi-detached houses so it’s definitely a larger space than downtowners may be used to.”
The local hangout has grown increasingly versatile since first opening in the summer of 2013. The pub is named after 16th-century historical figure Lieutenant-General John Manners (also known as the Marquis of Granby) who has more pubs named after him that any other person. Situated at the corner of Church and Granby Streets, the venue draws a large crowd from the nearby Village neighbourhood and Ryerson University.
“We wanted to open up the demographics of our crowd with a focus on catering to students and the LGBTQ community nearby, but make the space welcome to neighbouring residents as well,” says Chris. "We aim for a rustic, public house atmosphere and to make the Marquis of Granby a fun space, suitable for a variety of different purposes."
This Church Street pub hosts its annual Movember Challenge Karaoke fundraiser on November 19. Not your average mumble-your-way-through-Sweet-Caroline event, “challenge karaoke” offers the opportunity to not only humiliate yourself, but all your friends too (for a great cause, obvs). The rules: for $5, sing a song of your choice. For $20, challenge a friend to sing a song of your choice. For $30, buy yourself out of said challenge (also known as the big ol’ chicken clause). $5O bucks buys you a track off the the "banned list," and a whopping $100, a selection by Celine Dion ;)