#FOOD: MOSSOP’S SOCIAL HOUSE LAUNCHES IN TORONTO

Spanning the first floor of the historic Hotel Victoria at Yonge and Wellington Streets, comes Toronto’s newest social eatery that inspires guests to relax, refuel, and revel. Mossop’s Social House (Mossop’s), named after the original proprietor of Hotel Victoria, is slated to be the new go-to social hub with its café vibe and Levantine-inspired menu designed by Executive Chef Tomer Markovitz.

Led by General Manager Jordan Gravelle and Food and Beverage Manager Jhovaine Brown, Mossop’s is a bright and welcoming café, eatery, and bar built to accommodate any type of social gathering. The vibrant space is rooted in history with early 20th-century decor including living-room-inspired seating areas, wrap-around bar, harvest tables, and cozy nooks perfect for a productive working session—- or sipping cocktails while taking in the sounds of a live band.

“We’re centrally located in the heart of downtown and close to many of Toronto’s various attractions including the Hockey Hall of Fame and St. Lawrence Market, making us the perfect destination for whatever your plans are in the city,” said Gravelle. “There’s been a lot of thought put into this space to ensure that every visit is an experience, where guests can soak in the history of Hotel Victoria and the diversity of the city, through our menus, design, and welcoming team. We also believe that our food and drink offerings will set us apart.”

Designed by beloved Toronto-based Chef Tomer Markovitz (Romi’s Bakery), the Mossop’s menu features delectable bites for every meal occasion. The lineup includes classic and unique dishes, like Avocado Toast, Nutella French Toast, Omelettes, and Shakshuka (breakfast); Pitas, Za’atar Fries, Salads, and Hummus Bowls (lunch); and Steak, Chicken or Cauliflower Skewers, Kebabs, and Branzino (dinner). Mossop’s is also an all-day café that proudly serves Detour Coffee and a wide variety of teas. The cocktails are showstoppers and are crafted with the flavours of the Levant region, including pomegranate, arak, za’atar, and molasses. There are twists on the classics like the Arak Mojito, Za’atar Paloma, and Absolutely Fireproof Caesar, and signature cocktails including Victoria Ghost (inspired by the history of the hotel), the Queen Victoria High Tea (named for the hotel’s namesake), and the Punch Me Up – Brown’s take on the Espresso Martini. There are also a number of zero-proof mocktails available.

“Toronto’s food scene is vibrant and always welcoming of fresh takes and fusion,” says Markovitz. “I wanted to showcase the flavours of my childhood through a fresh perspective, inviting people to find joy and excitement in discovering those flavours in new ways.”

“The hotel is steeped in rich history with 125 years of stories inside these walls,” said Gravelle. “When you visit with us, you will find various nods to the time when Hotel Mossop first opened in 1909, including the check-in sign above the bar, the tasselled lamps that adorn the bar, and the glass-blown bowls that are filled with Double Bubble. We’ve also left pieces intact that pay homage, including to those who have come through the building, which is reflected in the floral wallpaper, the beautiful coral room that was previously used as the Ladies’ separate entrance to the hotel, and the incredible stained-glass archways that bear the 1909 crest of the original Hotel Mossop, later to become the Hotel Victoria.”

Perhaps Mossop’s most unique feature is its Mosaic Room, a large multi-use space that is named for the mosaic tile flooring uncovered during Hotel Victoria’s 2023 renovation. Gravelle will use the space to host Mossop’s planned programming which will include chocolate workshops and coffee tastings, and can also be rented out for special events. The Mosaic Room also serves as a gallery for local artists. Through a partnership with Toronto’s Open Studio, the first exhibition, ”Making an Impression”, has begun in the space showcasing local talent until March 3rd.

There is no question that Mossop’s will deliver a fresh new experience and a place to relax, refuel, and revel.

Mossop’s is located at 56 Yonge St. and is open 7 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. It is a first come, first served restaurant where no reservations are required. Mossop’s is steps away from King St. Subway Station and Union Station.