Old Mill Toronto Inn & Restaurant

The Old Mill Toronto began as a tea garden and restaurant on August 4th, 1914. That’s the same day as the start of World War I. Its founder, Home Smith, touted it as a little bit of England far from England and it quickly became a de facto community centre for residents to gather.

“It was a place where everyone would come to exchange information and find out about the war,” says Natalie Bauer, the director of marketing, communications and events at Old Mill Toronto. “There was big band music so they would come and dance. It was a place for the community, and it’s always been there for that. That’s been the underlying premise behind the Old Mill.”

For more than 100 years Old Mill Toronto has been synonymous with celebrations, anniversaries and special occasions that bring people together.  It has evolved from being a tea garden, restaurant and dance hall, now offering banquet rooms, a patio bar and a hotel with 57 unique luxury rooms and suites.

“I guess our longevity is due to us changing with the times but still keeping that historical originality and purpose behind the Old Mill,” Natalie suggests. “We’ve just evolved with the times.”