If Calgary had been a little warmer, the St. Clair and Bathurst area of Toronto would not have had the benefit of the chic Wychwood Pub. Owner Reza Ardekai settled in Calgary after working internationally as a chemical engineer intending to follow the same line of work in the prairies. “It was simply too cold,” he laughs. “I could not imagine raising my children there, so I made the decision to come to Toronto.”
Toronto is short of chemical plants, so Reza had to think again about what to do. “When I was a student in the UK, I supported myself in the restaurant trade. I was a chef, a bartender and a waiter. One thing led to another and I had the chance to take over the pub so I grabbed it.”
That was in 1999 and one renovation and a menu upgrade later, Reza and the Wychwood Pub are thriving with clientele both new and old dropping by several times a week.
This is MY neighbourhood pub, without the dorky...
This is MY neighbourhood pub, without the dorky British Pub theming.
Food is unpretentious, delicious, and predictable. I would hope for the occasional flare of originality, but otherwise, perfect pub fare. Great wings, burgers, coleslaw, and extra large pints of beer.
Service is almost perfect. Staff are not exactly restaurant experts, but personable and caring.
Atmosphere is odd but good. Everyone from upper middle class to street rovers mingle without reserve. Multiple TVs offer most sporting games.
I'm happy to call this my local pub. Only thing I would possibly add would be a daily special and a hint of originality in the kitchen.
