New restaurant and venue opening in a historic old hotel in Toronto
Published October 8, 2025 at 2:48 pm
A historic old hotel in Toronto just got a brand new restaurant and venue where everything old is new again.
This month, the appropriately named Cassette will be taking over the space inside the historic Gladstone Hotel where Melody Bar used to be.
The name hints at the way the space will double as not only a nostalgic-inspired restaurant, but also a venue where local artists and performers will be showcased with a raised stage in the space.
The history of Gladstone House stretches all the way back to 1889, and still retains many of its beautiful original historical features like hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. The hotel is now fully modernized with contemporary updates.
The new Cassette space is intended to bring the retro vibes while feeling stylish and energetic, and the restaurant and venue is accented by layers of lighting, intimate booths, communal seating and all kinds of sweet romantic touches.
The menu is supposed to be as traditional and timeless as the rest of Cassette, with items like pigs in a blanket, burgers and pan-fried trout. They’re an iconic match with a solid standard drink list of classic cocktails that features what Cassette claims is the dirtiest martini in town. Wines and other cocktails reinvent all kinds of old favourites to create pairings that feel familiar but still surprising and unexpected.
Live happenings at Cassette could include everything from karaoke, drag and burlesque to concerts, themed nights and other special events. There will even be a monthly Dinner & Drag Show residency with local icon Tynomi Banks. The Cassette space should also play host to more low-key events like chess nights.
“This represents an exciting evolution for Archive Hospitality and Dream’s hotel portfolio. It reaffirms our commitment to creating culture-forward, community-centered spaces,” says Krystal Koo, Head of Sales and Marketing for Dream Unlimited Corp.
“We wanted to create a space where you feel immediately welcome, whether you’re popping in for a casual martini, a celebratory dinner or sticking around for a dance party,” says Alicia Too, Regional General Manager of Gladstone House & The Broadview Hotel.
“We want Cassette to be a home base for creative expression,” adds Shivani Lakhanpal, Chief Operating Officer, Archive Hospitality Group. “You can come for dinner and stay for the show, or stumble onto something totally unexpected just by showing up.”
Cassette at 1214 Queen Street W. is set to open on Oct. 25.