Chamberlains Pony Bar is the newest addition to the slew of bars and eateries in the fashion district, but it’s not your standard King street pub — the latter half of the name will give you a hint, but only partially.
Set to open at the corner of King and Portland by the end of September, Chamberlains is a British style pub with equestrian themes, and plot twist: a Tex-Mex menu accompanied by riffs on classic cocktails and a whole array of margaritas.
Conceptualized by a collective of local creatives and restaurateurs who felt King street was in need of a cozy British pub, the space is inspired by trips to England and Texas alike. The result is a well-lived interior characterized by dark wood, velvet patterned chairs and brass details and centered around an upscale but approachable drink menu consisting of twists on classic cocktails.
It’s intimate, seating 86, but it will soon be accompanied by an exterior side patio.
“It’s where old world sophistication compliments modern indulgence,” says brand and marketing director Camille Borody, adding that the project has been nearly a year in the making. “It’s been a labour of love, but it’s a really cozy space.”
As for food, guests can enjoy small savoury bites and Mexican hand-helds. Borody says that the team wants the food to feel like a little bit of a surprise, though a delicious and cravable one.
Steering the vision is bar manager Joey Lamarche, a Montreal-born chef who previously worked with bespoke Toronto cocktail bars Bar Prequel and Charlemagne, and chef Billy Nguyen, who has worked at a number of restaurants across Toronto including Centro and Canoe.
The pub will offer a daily happy hour, operate on a walk-in basis only and serve food until the 2 a.m. last call alongside the bar.
Keeping with the equestrian theme, guests can expect to see vintage horse racing on the TVs as well as some select sports games.
“There’s a few equestrian themes that help give context to the name, and once you see those touches and experience the space, it all comes together,” says Borody.
Chamberlains Pony Bar is located at 585 King St. W.
