Popular ByWard Market pub closing after 18 years

ByWard Market restaurants struggling As many restaurants get ready to reopen their patios, some in the ByWard Market are closing for good. CTV's Christina Succi has the details.

OTTAWA — As restaurant and bar patios prepare to reopen on Friday, a popular pub in the ByWard Market is closing its doors for good.

The Highlander Pub on Rideau Street has announced it is closing after 18 years.

“We would like to thank all of our patrons for all your support for nearly two decades,” said the Highlander Pub in a message on Twitter.

“We have made the very difficult decision to close the Highlander Pub on Rideau Street after 18 years. We have truly enjoyed every meeting, scotch tasting and story that you have shared with us."

The owners of the Highlander Pub says the COVID-19 pandemic and the construction this summer is the latest in a long line of issues they have had to overcome.

“It’s the result of what I would consider the perfect storm,” said Ken Goodhue, operating partner at the Highlander Pub, noting the Rideau Centre expansion, light rail transit construction and the Rideau Street sinkhole have impacted business over the past five years.

“We reopened in 2019 and the difference was night and day. All of a sudden the coronavirus came along.”

Goodhue says with the COVID-19 restrictions and the construction on Rideau Street and William Street this summer, “we took a look at it and went we can’t afford to maintain the premises for an extended period of time with limited or no income.”

“It was an easy decision to reach; it wasn’t particularly a happy one.”

Tucker’s Marketplace closing

CTV News Ottawa has learned Tucker’s Marketplace on York Street is also closing.

Councillor Mathieu Fleury confirms the popular buffet restaurant will remain closed as the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

On Tuesday, the SmoQue Shack on Clarence Street announced it’s closing after nearly nine years.

Part-owner Tyler Aldercotte told CTVNewsOttawa.ca they have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and had an opportunity to get out of their current lease on York Street.

Speaking on CTV Morning Live Thursday morning, Councillor Fleury said he has heard some restaurants and bars will not be reopening as the pandemic restrictions are relaxed.

“A few will be able to open on Friday, unfortunately under the current situation some won’t be,” said Fleury.

“As you know, the ByWard Market this time of year is flooded with locals but also with tourists. Although the locals will be here this summer, part of the clientele will be missing in 2020.”

In May, Stoneface Dolly’s announced the restaurants in Little Italy and Riverside South will be closing permanently.