Downtown Kingston, Ont.’s legendary Royal Tavern sells for $1.7M
Global News
The Royal Tavern in downtown Kingston recently sold for $1.7M. The purchaser wishes to remain anonymous and their plans for the former bar that dates back to the 1850's is unknown.
The future of one of the oldest pubs in the province remains a mystery as does the property’s purchaser.
The Royal Tavern, which dates back to before confederation, sold for $1.7M.
From the exterior, at least, the property has looked run-down for years, but in its heyday in the mid to late 1800s it was a heavily-frequented watering hole.
“I understand it was (a) popular stop for farmers as they were leaving the market on their way to the rural area — this was along their direct route,” said Ryan Leary, a senior planner in the municipality of Kingston’s heritage services.
According to the Kingston Historical Society and from documents that used to hang on the wall of the pub, the property was purchased from Sir John A. Macdonald by the Grimason family in 1856.
At the time it was called Grimason House and later renamed The Royal Hotel.
Rooms above the tavern were rented and it was known as the unofficial conservative party headquarters for the Kingston riding.
“There’s lots of stories that go along with it, just like all of our pubs,” said Leary.