Phoenix & Firkin

If you’re know stranger to the pub scene in Toronto, then you are well aware of the Firkin franchise that has neighbourhood-​y British style pubs named specific to the neighbourhood they’ve set up in. In Bloor West Village near Swansea, it’s the «Swan and Firkin» (
). In the basement of the Flatiron Building, it’s the «Flatiron and Firkin». (
) I’m not exactly sure where we get the phoenix from in the «Phoenix and Firkin», unless Scarborough is to be considered the ashes.
With its decently-​sized patio that is somewhat secluded from traffic, the Phoenix fits the same mold as its sister pubs. There’s TV with sports on them, friendly and courteous staff, decent food, and a gaggle of folks from the ‘hood that frequent the bar, jabber with the bartender, and have some good times. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Phoenix, and you know what you’re getting as soon as you pull into the parking lot. Nothing challenging. Nothing bad. But also, nothing exceptional. Good decent middle of the road stuff but a nice little diamond in the rough if you’re stranded on Sheppard and looking for a place that’ll pull a pint.