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The Bishop & the Belcher
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 11 pm
Thu-Fri 11:30 am - 1 am
Sat 11 am - 1 am
Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
20 reviews for The Bishop & the Belcher
20 reviews in English
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Review from Kimberley H.
Toronto, ON
4/17/2012
The Bishop and Belcher has been a regular stop for me since it was located on Queen Street many moons ago.
They serve your quintessential British pub grub. It's not healthy, but it sure is tasty. The drinks are well mixed, and there is a large number of dishes on the menu to chose from. The party platters (ie The Big Belch) are fun to order because they offer an assortment of appetizers, but only if you have at least 3 VERY hungry people. The platters are quite large. I think my only complaint about the B & B would be that I'm not crazy about their coffee.
It's often very busy after work because of the business crowd, but it doesn't seem to affect the service, which I've found to be consistent and attentive. I've also never had to wait for a table.
One nice thing about the B & B is that they have Trivial Pursuit cards on the tables which are fun to go through. There are other games available as well, although I've never played them. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2012
Ah, the Bishop and The Belcher... you and I my friend(s) go back to those days where you use to laid back chillin' on Queen St. just west of John Street. You were a bit of a dive back then, don't get me wrong, you still are. You have just grew up a little, you know, after setting yourself rather comfortably inside an office building.
Heck, I could walk by you and not even notice a pub existed there if it wasn't for your summer patio. Also, your demographic is a bit different now, thanks to that office building.
To be honest, The B&B looks like your regular British pub. Not much different then, well, all of them. The one thing setting them apart is their respectable collection of board and card games which are free for the pickings. The drinks are reasonably priced and my event members have mentioned the food to be 'fine.'
So more often than not, you will find people hanging out, having a few drinks and playing Jenga (a la Snake N' Lattes) and that gives the place a more friendly and approachable vibe than say, a Fox and Fiddle.
Personally, over the years, I have hosted a number of events here and I have had no major complains or hiccups. Well, except for that one time someone (likely from the staff) stole my 'Stephen King: On Writing' book from the bar, had it for a few weeks, read it and finally returned it along a note!* ( http://alas.bz/z )
Well, I guess since it was finally returned and the knowledge was shared, then I deemed it no long term foul. :P
Anyway, I have gone back many times since then and if you are in the area, you might want to give the place a try specially for the narrow yet nice patio. Specially if you live in the hood.
Although IF you live in the hood, then you know your other real option in the same category is Spirits, across the street, which is also a great place but that's for another review.
-------------O--------------
* The ACTUAL note I found inside the book after it was returned:
'To the owner of this book,
I would like to offer my sincerest apologies for taking your book home. It sat in the back for a few days and the book had pigeon(ed) my interest, so I figured I would take it, read it, and bring it back. I meant no harm and I am sorry. Enjoy it Sir, for it is rightfully yours to enjoy.
From,
The Book Thief'Listed in: My Reviews
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Review from Christine R.
Scarborough, ON
2/8/2012 5 photos
Came in here after work one night for dinner.
It was a Wednesday night but the place was pretty full.
Upon entry there is an array of board games that you can feel free to take to back to your seat and enjoy.
The hostess told us to sit wherever we liked and she'd be over.
Our small dark wood table was located in a cozy corner backing a window.
The table had a box of trivial pursuit cards from the 60's perhaps? We couldn't answer any of the questions though.
After sometime our friendly waiter finally greeted us, took drink orders and left us with the menus. The menu consists of typical pub fare plus a whole section of Indian & Asian fare plus they have nightly specials.
Roast Beef Dip + kettle chips - Shaved oven roasted sirloin beef on a kaiser with aus jus dip
The bun was really nice with ample sesame seeds and did not fall apart or get soggy but the beef was super dry. A little too dry but at least the au jus helped rescue the sandwich. The real winner of the entree was the kettle chips! Definitely get them as a side, warm, golden, crunchy, and super addictive.
Butter Chicken Tali - Served with curried veggies, salad, raita, mango chutney, vegetable samosa & jasmin rice.
Beautiful presentation and great assortment! My sister asked for it to be extra hot and they definitely did kick up the heat. It didn't come with naan but we asked for a side ($1 more) but it turned out to be pita bread.
Dessert
Chocolate Fudge Brownie - A silky fudge brownie with chopped walnuts, topped with carmel and chocolate sauce served with vanilla ice crem.
So that was the description, and the brownie definitely looked yummy but taste wise it was very disappointing. The brownie was soo hard and cold not warm at all (stale?) and they dusted it with cinnamon, I have no clue why but it just tasted awful the whole thing had a funny tast.
I liked the tea bags though, they were Tetley but came with a drawstring, I've never seen this before!
Overall service here was not great at all, I understand that they were very busy but after asking twice for a drink refill and taking over 30 mins plus mediocore food was not what I expected. However if your coming for a pint and wings (the wings looked Huge!) I'd give it a go. -
Review from Fern H.
1/7/2012
Had lunch with the work peeps at the Bishop and Belcher, which is a very nice change from our usual haunt, The Spotted Dick.
We reserved a table for noon and our waitress encouraged us to get our orders in to get ahead of the lunch rush. I ordered the Tenderloin Caesar salad ($13.95) and food came pretty quickly considering we were a group of 8 and it was lunch hour. My tenderloin was cooked medium rare as requested but the salad itself was just a run of the mill Caesar. Others in our group ordered the burger, nachos, fish and chips, grilled cheese, etc. No complaints from anyone.
I was quite impressed with the way our waitress handled our group and the speed at which our food came. I'm always leery about group dining because sometimes the service can be lacking but not here. We were even presented separate bills without any commotion.
A decent lunch overall and I'm sure we'll be back for another.Listed in: Downtown Lunching
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Review from Amber B.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2012
I've been here a few times and have always enjoyed it. I have been here for both lunch and for dinner! (I definitely recommend the Shepherd's Pie at some point!) Food always came fast, and service has always been good. It's not INexpensive but it's delicious and seems very consistent. I love the British Pub decor- I would highly recommend it as a lunch spot.
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Review from Vivek S.
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stopped at the Bishop and the Belcher for a patio pint on one of the first warm days of the summer[*]. Armed with a Strongbow, it was the perfect antidote to the mid-week blahs. The south-facing patio gets a lot of sun and there is plenty of comfortable seating. I imagine it gets packed right after the work day (there are a lot of office towers nearby), so I'd make sure to head over early.
The inside is very pub-ly with red velvet carpeting and dark woods and I think I spotted a dart board. While I haven't tried the food yet, I'd give it a shot. I'm just that kind of a guy.
Obligatory Title Pun: Got a patio date? Why not MITRE here? (Meh.)
Menu Readability: Most un-publike. Sans serif and bright colours.
Need to mention: They have nightly specials, like humpday's three pounds of wings for $8.95. Score!
What this place teaches me about myself: Make my patio a southie.
_____
[*] Summer in Toronto must be asterisked by law.Listed in: Pubs in Toronto
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Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
4/15/2011
I have to give this place props for being a reliable lunch spot with really good food.
The menu is pretty varied and the food quality is WAY better than the other pub options in the neighborhood. Don't even get me started talking about crappy Jack Astor's. Just go early - before 12 noon on a weekday - to get a table for lunch.
The service is good, and the food is good.I have had Indian food, salads, burgers and Mexican dishes here, and liked them all.
In the summer, if you can grab a spot on the tiny side patio, that's great too! -
Review from Michael N.
Toronto, ON
4/9/2011
I have been pleasantly surprised by the Bishop each time I go there - it is a very good pub. The servers are good and occasionally fulla sass (always a plus) and definitely pros, not to mention patient.
During the week the vibe is rather corporate-like (given that it's right next to Church & Bloor, that's no surprise) but they still have a neighborhood feel which is definitely welcome - this comes out especially after the suit crowd wanders off around 8pm and the locals and regulars stick around.
The prices are really good, considering the location (jugs for approx. $17) and the selection is good as well. And while the beer is good, their food is fantastic - big menu, and it is definitely a step up from the usual pub fare. I mean, the menu looks like typical pub, but when it comes out ... well, like I said, I am still pleasantly surprised.
The best thing about this place is that it is cool - not hip or anything, but definitely not pretentious, and everyone who works there knows they and their pub is good, and they don't need to show off. Maybe it has something to do with it being one of the most unapologetic pro-British pubs in Toronto - happy hour is called "Loyalist Hour". No joke. And even if you're not a fan of the Queen, you'll still like the place. Go! -
Review from Shannon B.
8/8/2008
This place has the best Fish and Chips I think I've ever had. The fiance and I found it while exploring Toronto on what could be called or first date. It is charming and has Trivial Pursuit cards on the table, score!
The entree consists of:
Battered Cod Fillets: Great Batter, golden brown and a little fluffy. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
French Fries: Great Fries!
Peas: I saw the plate come out and thought "eww," but they were tasty and really went with everything.
Tarter Sauce: Great, nice and tart.
Here is the breakdown:
* Wait staff: Great really nice, but hey aren't most Canadians?
* Drink Menu: Soda, Beer (great beer selection)
* Menu:Fish and Chips, Pub type Food
* Parking: Walk, I don't remember many lots and street parking looked sparse.
* Dress: CasualListed in: Fish and Chips
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Review from angela k.
Toronto, ON
2/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Bishop & Belcher is a great little find when you're in the village and want some cheaper than average pints and decent pub food. Their menu is HUGE and although I've only sampled a few of their vegetarian entrees, my dining companions have always enjoyed their food. Nothing out of this world, mind you, but decent food.
My favourite things about this place:
- really great wait staff, very attentive and always willing to recommend something (and it's normally spot on!)
- the only patio i have ever found anywhere remotely near the gay village that had seats at pride
- big, comfortable, roomy patio
- board games!
Least favourite things:
- the beer selection has become more run of the mill lately
- the after work crowd sometimes give me odd looks when my friends and I talk very loudly about things that wouldn't garner a second glance just a few blocks south of there. however, this part is also kind of fun.
The food isn't so great so as to earn a special trip but if you're in the 'hood anyways it's worth checking out.
(Please note: if their beer selection gets anymore boring I may have to downgrade my review to three stars). -
Review from Madison A.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2011
Why have I never been to this place until now? Went on a Thursday for wing night and was totally impressed. The price was great and the buffalo wings were tasty and crispy, without a lot of sauce. We also had the nacho fries which were so wrong and delicious. I liked all the neat different places to sit, but what really sold me was the selection of board games and the Trivial Pursuit cards on every table. The service was also friendly. This is a fun place to relax and unwind.
Listed in: Wing Nights
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Review from Dan P.
Toronto, ON
11/20/2009
I stumbled upon this place when I was dog sitting for my sister (she lives in the 'hood"). I remember it from back in the day when it was on Queen Street. However, I'd say that the new place is great. It's a good place to actually hang out with friends and just chat it up over a good selection of beers. It is NOT however, a good place to try to watch the game unless you want to sit at the bar.
Also the curries are AWESOME. -
Review from Leeor J.
4/25/2010
This place was great back in the day when they were on queen west. The new location blows. The queen location used to have all young people and trivial pursuit at all the tables. Good music, good times. and of course, the legendary big belch platter.. had to order that every time! It really was my favourite pub in toronto for a long time.
Unfortunately with the location change, came a totally different establishment. It seems more like the kind of place where corpo's would get a business lunch now than a good bar. And now the deep fried smell just bothers me. Maybe i've grown up a bit since then. boo-hoo -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/1/2008
The Bishop & the Belcher was a regular spot of mine, years ago when it was located on Queen West. Silver Snail to do a little toy gawking, and then gorging on burgers and wings afterward. I considered it my perfect pub spot in a sea of organic hipness on the strip.
Now, the Bishop has moved out to desolate Jarvis Street, leaving the old charm behind and feeling a bit more like a businessman's luncheon spot that's still trying to cling to its old ways, what with those tattered Trivial Pursuit cards and such.
For standard pub grub, I think this is definitely one of the better ones out there, and I would go more often if it was darker, cozier, and back in a better neighbourhood. Since it's relocated, I've been there only once, and that was only because both my friend and I happened to be working in the same area. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2008 1 photo
You find that you hit the chain pubs when there's nothing else really around that tickles the fancy and you're just looking for the softer option. The Bishop & Belcher is a decent enough pub if you're in the area and are looking for the soft option.
As British as you can be while being built into an office building, the B&B provides your basics in British fare, a good run of taps, and friendly enough staff. The food quality is decent enough, neither offending nor exciting in equal measure. There are tons of other pubs that provide similar fare. There's TVs you can watch sports on if a particular game catches your fancy. It's adequate enough. No special trip necessary, but okay to go to if you're in the hood. -
Review from Keeley-Ann H.
Mississauga, ON
6/20/2011
This place is a religious friday habit at my previous job. Since we were a 2 second walk from this place and the food never let down. The lunch rushes are insanely busy which turns the servers into robots and the kitchen staff into head less chickens.
So the favourite around the house were the chicken fingers.....totally pub but the chicken finger here are just awesome...tossed in some wing sauce and your good to go. They always have daily specials (which run out quickly so if you get there past 1 ur screwed) that often sound delish but they mostly hit or miss. The taco salad is another one of my favourites. It comes in this big tortilla bowl with guac and salsa on the side to dip your tortilla in...wicked. Its just full of chicken and goodness lol. The wrap they have is another good one, and the wings you can not go wrong with.
for apps....KETTTTTTTLLLLLEEE CHIPS PLEASE!!! best best best kettle chips and you get a nice large portion with three sauce for diping, curry, chipotle, and dill...all are really god but my fave is chipotle! They also have extremly good large onion rings. The other thing that is my fav but very hard to find a well made one in toronto is FRENCH ONION SOUP! The do it really good here, the second best ive ever had (first best is at Cagney's in mississauga) and ive had alot lol.
The best part about this place is that they have games accessible to anyone, i mean like actual games, all located at the front of the place. Every table inside has trivial pursuit, but its like 5 different games cards all mixed together for variety. Often played by us at lunch or gatherings.
Downfalls: Ok so outside of the games and the good food and unforgettable typical pub decor there is a couple down falls. Some of the servers have been there for a very long time and as a result can be kinda rude since they are comfortable. But there are a few really nice ones and they make it worth going back. Another downfall is that if you go at lunch time be prepared to wait a while for you food. The owner needs to up the staff count cause the servers are all over the place and not very tentative at this time of the day and the kitchen cant keep up with the orders so food gets pumped out slowly. We have waited over an hour before for our food. Since its friday we dont care that much but it does suck when your starving.
Also, Ive gone on the weekend before and the food isnt made with as much love and you can tell. The portion isnt as grand and it just doesnt taste the same. I guess the head honcho cook isnt there to regulate cause hes slaving during the week for the business people.
Overall, The patio is wicked in the summer and its a feel good time when your with friends. There are special foods for the day and special prices for stuff throughout the week. The food is really good and i do enjoy this place. Will be going back for time to come! -
Review from Kim B.
ON
1/29/2009 4 photos
Sometimes you just want a place near your work that you can sneak out and drink at during lunch. This used to be my place to do that during the summer.
It's a basic pub, with a pretty steamy patio (during the summer, of course). The food is pub grub, but when you're drinking beer, what else would you have?
In terms of nachos-- the way I measure how good a pub is-- I'd give them a 6 out of 10, which ain't great, but good enough when you're desperate for cheese. -
Review from Guy D.
11/20/2008
It's exactly what you expect and and the British food is spot on.
Well done for doing pints of Orange Juice and Sprite too! -
Review from Bill C.
East York, ON
12/6/2011
Avoid the Singapore noodles; they were awful.
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Review from Lee J.
Toronto, ON
2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great spot! The Daily specials are a true deal... 3lb of wings for 8.95 is amazing! They don't sauce them up to much so ask for extra on the side. Service was slow on the particular night, but it was also very friendly and apologetic about the pace.
