August 2008
Cock of the Block
A congenial pub puts down stakes on West Queen West’s never-ending bar strip By Courtney Shea
Don’t let the cheeky moniker fool you: the Cock and Tail is more neighbourhood hang than smarmily named pickup joint. It only opened at the end of May, and already girlfriends and co-owners Trish Mutch and Helen Tweddle have managed to tap into that elusive “everybody knows your name” ethos. If you’d rather sip local microbrews (and join the occasional boutique hotel–bashing session) than indulge in the latest ’tini craze, pull up a stool.
Renée North, 29
Librarian
“I’ve been in here every night since it opened—I really like to drink. I saw the name and it drew me in. Cock and tail. Two of my favourite things.”
Librarian
“I’ve been in here every night since it opened—I really like to drink. I saw the name and it drew me in. Cock and tail. Two of my favourite things.”
Meher Steinberg, 39
Musician
“There’s no place like this around. It’s a pub. It’s strategically designed to keep the douchebags away.“
Musician
“There’s no place like this around. It’s a pub. It’s strategically designed to keep the douchebags away.“
Dee Brooks, 34
Writer
“I go out on Ossington a lot. This is like Sweaty Betty’s, only more refined. It’s great that they have a lot of local stuff. People don’t think about the carbon footprint of their beer.”
Writer
“I go out on Ossington a lot. This is like Sweaty Betty’s, only more refined. It’s great that they have a lot of local stuff. People don’t think about the carbon footprint of their beer.”
Emily Hoegg, 29
Student
“I’m drinking Devil’s Pale Ale. It’s obviously not pale—I guess it’s as pale as the devil gets. This is the new local. The Drake and the Beaconsfield are overrun with bangs and leggings.”
Student
“I’m drinking Devil’s Pale Ale. It’s obviously not pale—I guess it’s as pale as the devil gets. This is the new local. The Drake and the Beaconsfield are overrun with bangs and leggings.”
Sean Condon, 43
Writer
“I’m going low-rent tonight and drinking 50. I’m an announcer for the Toronto Roller Derby League and that’s what we all drink.”
Writer
“I’m going low-rent tonight and drinking 50. I’m an announcer for the Toronto Roller Derby League and that’s what we all drink.”
The Cock and Tail, 1168 Queen St. W., 647-349-8245. Monday to Sunday, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.
Photography by Jessica Eaton
