The Embassy

Steve Spong · Post by **Steve Spong** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:30 pm

Just went to the new Embassy pub on Augusta at Baldwin tonight, and I quite enjoyed it. The prices were fair - $5.75 for a pint for the Ephemere Framboise and the St. Ambroise Stout. They also had (if memory serves) Headstrong Pale Ale, Wellington Dark Ale, De Koninck, McAuslan Cream, King Pils, and something else which escapes me. I don't know what they have by the bottle. The music was great, the vibe was cool without being condescending, and it was an altogether solid place. Highly recommended if you're in the area.

BeerMonger · Post by **BeerMonger** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:15 am

Does anyone remember the Embassy Lounge of many years ago? (on Bloor & Belair I think) They used to bring "name" acts in back in the 50's and 60's.

As a very young boy I was snuck in backstage during a Sunday Matinee performance to see my Uncle Jimmie sing (one of The Four Lads). Anyone other than me old enough to remember that place?

Steve Spong · Post by **Steve Spong** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:50 am

It's funny you should mention the Embassy lounge. Yesterday I finished reading Nicholas Pashley's Notes on a Beermat, a book that is worth reading and has been discussed on the forums before. It deals with many of the old Toronto beer haunts, among other subject matter. Incidentally, the author's favourite of the lot was the Embassy Lounge and talks at fairly great lengths about it. Seeing as how it was on sale for $5.99 at Indigo, you might enjoy picking it up and reading about it. Seeing as how I'm far too young to remember such places, it was an interesting and entertaining glimpse of Toronto's drinking past.

lagerale · Post by **lagerale** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 8:58 am

Steve Spong wrote:It's funny you should mention the Embassy lounge. Yesterday I finished reading Nicholas Pashley's Notes on a Beermat, a book that is worth reading .

I also just finished reading it the book and found it highly entertaining. I may even try the subway game! There were quite a few bars referred to that have either retired or passed away, but I'm encouraged by the rising tide of good beer served across the city. I'll have to add the Embassy to my list of bars to visit.

GregClow · Post by **GregClow** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:01 am

I just finished reading Notes as well. I guess hitting the remainder tables really helped the sales. Too bad Nicolas doesn't get any money from those sales, though.

We should all buy him a beer should our paths ever cross.

tupalev · Post by **tupalev** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:11 am

The subway game is exactly how I discovered many Toronto pubs, especially in the West end. Man I love that book, it has been a few years since I have read it, time to unpack it and try it again!

BeerMonger · Post by **BeerMonger** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:24 am

Thanks Steve, I will seek the book out and read it. The Embassy Lounge had a "lounge" licence as I remember...booze only, no food I think. It did seem to be a fancy spot to this young fella at the time, about 1963 I guess.

Sadly, Uncle Jimmie passed last year in his 70's...hope none of you minded my trip down memory lane.

lagerale · Post by **lagerale** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:26 am

GregClow wrote:Too bad Nicolas doesn't get any money from those sales, though. We should all buy him a beer should our paths ever cross.

Fully agree!

JWalter · Post by **JWalter** » Mon May 01, 2006 11:29 pm

Thanks for the recommendation guys, picked up a copy at Chapters this weekend, and it's great, really enjoying it!