Disappointed to hear that Volo will be closing its doors in September. Looks like they were forced out by the landlord, after 28 years at the Yonge St. location. I've had a lot of great beer adventures at Volo over the years, as have many of you on here, I'm sure. Looks like I'm going to have to travel for Zwanze Day this year!
Sad news indeed. Supped my first pint there in August 2004 when I moved from the UK, and it quickly became my local. Met and made a lot of friends, regularly took over the patio with the usual crowd during the warmer months, had a lot of great (and not so great) beers, went to every Cask Days session from 2005 to 2009, and shared many a laugh and tear. Would love to be there for the final countdown to closure. I do believe that the new place out in Little Italy only has seating for around 50 people, so not much bigger than Volo, if at all?
I wouldn't bet against Ralph and company opening another location at some point in addition to Little Italy. I'll miss Volo, but hopefully it means them finding a new space that can handle larger crowds.
I was there for the 2005-2009 cask days as well (though I missed 2006 in the process of moving to Toronto). I actually remember meeting Torontoblue there... he recognized me from my avatar! Although I left Toronto in 2010, I have many fond memories of Volo. I didn't have the best time while I was in Toronto, so having good beer with friends was a necessity. I'm glad I made it back a couple times last year and got too see Ralph as well. It'll be missed, though it kinda felt like they outgrew it a long time ago.
Won't miss it. Terrible location, and not a fan of the english styled service model, nor the affinity for cask beer. They did have a few things going for it, but there are enough pubs in the city center that have picked up the slack the last few years. Not having a spot in Toronto that hosts Zwanze Day is unforuntate, admittedly.
The family that owns Bar Volo has known for about 4 years the landlord wanted to tear down the building. As to Zwanze Day it will happen. Cantillon's importer will make it happen somewhere in Toronto if not it happens two places in Quebec. Rumour has it the Bar Volo group are really close to signing a lease on a new place that might be way cooler.
Probably not that far. I was in Barvolo yesterday and asked the bartender about Zwanze day and he said they were planning on holding it at their new location on College.
Nice to hear they are reopening nearby. http://www.momandhops.ca/bar-volo-reopen-torontos-church-street/
Surprising considering the new Little Italy spot is near opening. Good to see Zwanze is still in the city somewhere. And Little Italy is a much better spot than the old location (and other new spot).
