Questions & Answers about Hugh’s Room
We have the answers to most questions below (we hope!) You can also call 647-347-4769 on show days or email [email protected].
Are you coming to a show at Hugh’s Room?
If so, then you have made a wise decision.
Maybe you were a regular at the old Hugh’s Room or maybe this is your first visit. Either way, we’re sure you have some questions and we’d pleased to answer them.
The first question you likely have is: “Where are you?“
Answer: 296 Broadview Avenue. We are located at on the south-west corner of Broadview and Mountstephen Avenue, one block south of Gerrard Street East in the heart of East Chinatown and Riverdale neighbourhoods.
You can’t miss us we are a big white building that looks like a church because that is what was built here by renowned Toronto architect E.J. Lennox in 1894. As you can see – it has our name prominently displayed on it.
How Do I Get There? Is there Parking?
There are a number of great transit options. From Broadview Subway Station you can catch the 504 King or 505 Dundas streetcar that bring you down Broadview to the Mountstephen Street stop in about 8 minutes. Coming from downtown, both the 504 King and 505 Dundas streetcars come up Broadivew and stop at Mountstephen Street, just across from our door. We are also served by the 506 Carlton streetcar on Gerrard just a block to the north.
If you are driving, street parking on Broadview Avenue is free after 6pm and all day Sundays. Due the popularity of some local brunch places parking can be tricky during the day on weekends. There are two municipal “Green P” lots on the south side of Gerrard, just east and west of Broadview. We advise to not park on the side streets, both out of respect for our neighbours but also as most of the sidestreets have one-hour parking and permit restrictions.
Seating & Accessibility
We are currently working on a General Admission seating system. We have approximately 160 seats on our main floor and 40 in our balcony. Seating is first-come-first-served. If you have been to a show at our new home you will know that there are no bad seats and the sound is excellent throughout the room. We advise coming a bit early (30m) if you are concerned about where you may sit. If you have mobility issues please contact us at 647-347-4769 or at [email protected] and we will do our best to accomodate and assist you.
296 Broadview is not currently fully accessible. There are steps into the venue and a small staircase from the lobby into the main hall. The staircases are wide and with railings. The washrooms are a full flight of stairs to the lower level. Making our new home fully accessible is a key priority for us. We are currently working with consultants and contractors to install a full access elevator. This is a major project and we are actively fundraising for in addition to pursuing grants from all levels of governments. Updates will be posted here on the website and other platforms.
Hospitality and Payment
We operate as a cashless and tip-less venue. Tickets are available at the door for most shows with payment by card only. We do not currenlty serve food of any kind. We do have a bar serving beer, wine and pre-mixed cocktails. It is also cashless and we adhere to a fair wage/no tip policy. We offer a range of local craft beers such as Wellington County Breweries, wine on tap from Peller Estates and pre-mixed cocktails. We also have non-alcoholic options and in time hope to have rotating featured local beers and ciders on offer.
The bar is open one hour prior to performance or when doors open and during the performance including the intermission for two set shows. Most performances feature two sets and for an evening performances the show is usually over by 10:30. Most artists offer merchandise for sale. Sometime they can accept cash directly or if Hugh’s Room is selling on their behalf we can accept exact change and all cards as above. Hugh’s Room does not “take a cut” of artists’ merchandise revenues. All proceeds go directly to the artists – so please i f you can support them by taking home some of their music!
Where do you suggest we eat?
There are a number of options in the immediate neighbourhood. Being East Chinatown there are many Chinese and Viet options and many more on Queen East, just 10 or 15 minutes walk from Hugh’s Room.
For some of the best and most unique ramen in town try Oji Seichi. Nearby is also Sushi Bar, Wok & Roast, Saigon Pai on Gerrard and many other options. On Queen East we can recommend the Bistro at the Broadview Hotel or Prohibition. Many other options at the Riverside BIA website here.
