Ever since the word got out that Victory Cafe changed ownership earlier this month, fans of the Mirvish Village stalwart have been a little jittery that impending changes would mean the end of their favourite pub. We even caught wind of a rumour on Twitter that the new owner planned to transform it into a sports bar. The reality isn’t quite so drastic – at least for now.
New owner Kole Ndreka says he plans to keep the Vic as it is, for the most part, with the exception of a few TVs added around the place. So yes, it will be a bit sportier, but the bar’s focus on locally crafted brew will stay the same.
“We’re going to try and improve the service and make sure it remains one of the best bars in the city,” Ndreka says. “We’re just going to build on what’s there already, no major changes.” That includes the staff, who have all been kept on board.
Ndreka took ownership of the bar from Blake Smith and Maz and Neil Brereton. He was previously owner and operator of the Danforth’s Noah’s Ark tavern.