'End of an era': Edmontonians say goodbye to Mercer Tavern
Edmonton’s locally owned gastropub known as Mercer Tavern is closing its doors at the end of the month.
After 10 years of being a staple feature in Edmonton’s core, Mercer Tavern announced in a social media post on Thursday that it would be closing Aug. 31.
The tavern, located on 10363 104 St., opened in 2012 and is housed in the Mercer Warehouse, a historic building built in 1911 to store liquor and cigars. The four-storey brick building now serves as an entrepreneurial hub for the city.
“This was an extremely hard personal decision by the owner and does not reflect whatsoever on the amazing job the management and staff have been doing. We appreciate them all so much,” read the post.
Sitting directly across from Rogers Place in the heart of the Ice District, the pub is known for its rustic-chic environment and live music. The tavern was part of Edmonton’s Downtown Live summer series featuring live performances at various venues across the city.
Devin Pope, owner of Mercer Tavern, said after successfully maneuvering the COVID-19 pandemic, it was time for the business to see a change.
Calgary’s Home and Away Bar is expected to take over Sept. 1, bringing an elevated sports-club focusing on good eats, local beers, and local music. The concept is similar to Mercer’s and therefore was a “no brainer” for Pope.
Embracing a new opportunity with Home and Away, Pope says the change will be very special for the Mercer Warehouse.
“It is going to be high-energy. We are going to have games, lots of good viewing for sports, and great music,” said Pete Emes, partner at Home and Away. “It is going to be the trifecta of music, sports, and friends that we adhere to at the Calgary location.”
“I think they are the right people to come in and really do some special things for downtown Edmonton. It is actually a very exciting thing,” Pope said.
Pete says the Mercer Warehouse is a perfect building for the new bar.
“It is such a great heritage space and that location in Edmonton has such a charm about it,” he said.
The closure of the tavern drew a heavy response from Edmontonians.
“It drew quite a bit of tears to my eyes yesterday. I didn’t really realize how many special memories people had over the years,” said the owner. “The amount of time I read “end of an era” was something really special to see for myself and also for my family -- to see what contribution we’ve had to the community.”
“It has been sad but it is also a really exciting new chapter,” he added.
Sarmad Rizvi, partner at Home and Away, says the establishment is expected to be open for the hockey season.
“We are huge fans of the Mercer so we are really honoured to be partnering with them. It is a heritage building, it is a historic space, so we are honoured to have it passed on to us,” said Rizvi.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.