A well-known Victoria sports bar and café will serve its last drinks next month after 56 years in business.
The Tally-Ho Sports Bar and Grill as well as the Hideaway Café will close its doors in February, an exact date has yet to be announced.
The landmark has been around since 1961 and has gone through several changes over the years.
It was originally built and operated as the Tally-Ho Hotel by Archie McDonald before Jack Ross purchased the property.
It was changed to the Vacation Inn by its next operator, John Asfar.
The current owners bought the property out of receivership and after remodelling changed it back to the Tally-Ho Hotel, Tally-Ho Sports Bar & Grill and Hideaway Café.
It became one of the region’s largest sports bars, with more than 40 big screens, three projection screens, darts, billiards and live performances on the weekend.
“We have concluded that it is time to turn the page and focus on the planning and redevelopment process, working with the community, our neighbours and the city, to create land uses that better reflect the changes in the local area and the market demands,” one of the owners, Wayne Hopkins, said on Tuesday.
The hotel portion of the business shut down in October of last year.
Hopkins noted the building was old and didn’t make money in the winter.
Special events and performances will be held throughout February, starting with a Super Bowl party on Sunday.
A farewell event is also being organized.
“The property has hosted numerous generations of Victorian’s and visitors,” said owner Mark Eraut. “It will be an end of an era for many people, and we invite everyone to join us for one final visit, to lift one more glass and say good bye.”
Victoria area landmark, the Tally-Ho, calling last call at the end of February. See @CTVNewsVI pic.twitter.com/ItyA6Q8HYO
— Robert Buffam (@CTVNewsRob) January 31, 2017