The historic Maple Leaf Tavern across from Gerrard Square is about to be reborn as a gastropub. The tavern, built in 1910 and converted into a hotel in 1935, is one of the many lodgings long neglected on Toronto's east side. In the 1980s it changed hands multiple times and became a dive bar known locally as the "kick and stab" after a number of unsavoury incidents transpired within its walls. In recent times the building has been shuttered and has been spotted with a for lease sign.

But finally there is change coming to the tavern. Todd Morgan, owner of The Port restaurant in Pickering has gutted the space and will transform it into a gastropub with a menu not too dissimilar from his other spot. According to a spokesperson for the tavern, Morgan plans to recreate the feel of the era when the space was in its prime. The opening is targeted sometime this fall.

Photo by Dominic Bugatto in the theGentries Flickr pool