Ever wonder what a haunted mansion tastes like? Here at The Keg, history meets hospitality. It offers a unique dining experience. The Keg Mansion, as it’s known, wasn’t always a restaurant. Once, this building at 515 Jarvis Street was a private home called Euclid Hall. It stood as a symbol of Victorian-era Toronto.
Arthur McMaster, nephew of William McMaster, built the house in 1867. Jarvis Street was the place to be back then. Mansions lined the street, each grander than the last. The Keg Mansion boasted 26 rooms and 17 fireplaces. Imagine the parties they must have had.
In 1882, Hart Massey and his wife bought the home. They added a turret, verandah and greenhouse. The Massey family became prominent. Hart even helped fund buildings at the University of Toronto. His daughter Lillian took over after his death. She renamed the home Euclid Hall. Her grandsons Vincent and Raymond also achieved fame.
But the mansion holds more than just happy memories. Tragedy struck. After Lillian’s death in 1915, a devoted maid reportedly hanged herself. A young boy fell down the stairs and died. Some say their spirits still linger. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences. The sounds of children playing have been heard near the stairs. The maid is said to appear in the room where she died. Even Lillian herself is sometimes seen.
Before becoming The Keg, the mansion served many purposes. It was a veteran’s hospital, an art gallery and a radio station. In the 1970s, it was Julie’s Mansion restaurant. In 1976, The Keg transformed it into the Keg Mansion. Today, The Keg is a Canadian-owned chain. George Tidball founded the first location in 1971. It was originally called The Keg and Cleaver. By 2018, The Keg had 160 locations. Cara Operations purchased the chain that year. It is now known as Recipe Unlimited.
The Keg is known for its steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood. Classics like The Keg Caesar and Billy Miner Pie are popular. The brand is also known for good times. The famous phrase “See You Tonight” was coined here. The Keg focuses on hospitality. The Keg Spirit Foundation supports youth programs.
Now, as you enjoy your meal at The Keg, remember its history. Feel the echoes of the past. You might even experience something paranormal. But don’t worry. The ghosts are friendly, or so they say. The Keg offers more than just a meal. It offers an experience. It’s a taste of Toronto’s history with a side of the supernatural. It’s a place where good food and good times meet the echoes of yesterday.