It’s going to be one heck of a New Year’s party at the Harewood Arms Pub.
The pub, on the corner of Eighth Street and Bruce Avenue and operated by Bill Dempsey and Harry Beck since 1991, has been popular with neighbourhood residents as a spot to have a beer and a burger after work, hold a birthday party or have a get-together with friends to watch a hockey game, but those days of social gatherings are quickly coming to an end with the sale of the pub to new owners.
Dempsey said he can’t discuss details of the sale of the pub, but the property is under new ownership and there will be some redevelopment happening simultaneously when Quality Foods builds its new store on adjoining property, which was the former site of the Harewood Co-op. Quality Foods is not the new owner.
“We’ve been here a long time, but it’s time to retire,” Dempsey said. “My partner and I have been doing this a long time and we need a break. You know, you don’t have much time left in your life and you want to enjoy the last bit of it.”
The Harewood Arms will close its doors for good Dec. 31, which could make for an interesting New Year’s Eve event.
“You know, I should have started a rumour a year ago,” Dempsey said.