The story of Upper Canada was written in its taverns.
Everything that mattered in life was conducted within the walls
of local hostelries: postal offices, political meetings,
even school lessons and church services.
The traditional tavern was a place to gather and exchange news, to catch up with neighbours and meet travellers, to enjoy an honest meal and quench an outdoor thirst. And it was a place to plot revolutions.
A gathering of farmers and firebrands at Montgomery’s Tavern in 1837 marched into history as the Upper Canada Rebellion. Virtually unarmed, bearing only hunting rifles, staves, and pitchforks, nearly 1000 men marched south on Yonge street. Seriously outnumbered, the rebels faced British forces in several battles on Yonge street between Eglinton and Bloor.
Our hangman logo commemorates the men who were unjustly hanged and gave their lives for the Rebellion. The Rebel House is named in honour of the spirit and independence of these pioneer fighters.
Like the taverns of old, The Rebel House offers its patrons a place to meet neighbours and newcomers
in a casual and relaxed setting.
While based on honest farmhouse cooking of the past, the menu also acknowledges today’s tastes. We’ve reinterpreted traditional recipes from historical sources to appeal to the modern palate while continuing to use local home-grown foods.
But it is perhaps on the liquid side that The Rebel House has lived up to its name. As a point of some pride, we serve only Ontario micro-breweries on tap (with one exception). And our house wines are V.Q.A., meaning that the grapes are grown here at home.
We look forward to serving our local favourites to our favourite locals for many years to come.