In hospitality terms, it was light-years ago when Mandie Murphy and her husband Mark launched Left Field Brewery. The brand has been operating for 11 years, with its beloved Wagstaff Drive location, a small but mighty taproom in the east end, open for nine of those. But the cofounders always knew that expansion was on the horizon.
“We’ve long been searching for a space that allows us to expand our hospitality capability with the ultimate goal of serving more people directly,” says Mandie Murphy. Finally, in 2023, they hit the jackpot. After getting the keys to 40 Hanna Avenue in Liberty Village, the team spent several months turning the 11,000-square-foot space into a two-storey taproom, kitchen and retail space that feels completely on-brand for Left Field.
“Beer and baseball are synonymous. It’s a slow sport, very conducive to drinking some beers with friends and catching up with one another. That’s the vibe we wanted in the space.”
Unlike the original location, food is a big part of the offering. “It’s exactly what you might expect if you were to go to the ballgame, but the food is really good.” Think hotdogs, giant pretzels with dips for dunking, and sandwiches inspired by the Murphys’ travels to ballparks across the U.S.
The menu isn’t the only thing influenced by baseball. The decor at Left Field Liberty Village is a product of their love of the game, from walls adorned with ivy and padding to a collage of vintage trading cards, and even a classic scoreboard that the pair drove to Chicago to collect.
Murphy, an eastender, knows that she has much to learn about the Liberty Village neighbourhood. And while trivia and euchre nights, plus drag shows, will target the local community, Murphy admits that its location, right next to the Exhibition GO station, will naturally bring a whole new clientele.
“We’ve been made aware by those in the neighbourhood that we should be very afraid of Toronto FC game days,” she laughs. All jokes aside, Murphy is thrilled to immerse Left Field into life on the west end.
“The opportunity that it presents to us — to introduce our beer to so many new drinkers right from the source. We’re pretty excited about that.”
Left Field Brewery: Home brews on tap
There are 11 serving kegs, half of which you won’t find anywhere else. Long Shot is the first brew made in their new digs. “It fits, too, because it was always a longshot that we’d be able to open a second location.”
Left Field Brewery: Pints and pups on the patio
Unlike its east end location, Left Field Liberty Village will not permit pups inside since it serves food. However, their permanent 70-seat patio — opening in May — will provide a home for furry friends during the warmer months.
Left Field Brewery: In-field art
In addition to all the great installations, there’s a lovely nod to their east-end location. The beautiful mural, featuring jolly beer cans and more, was created by local artist Cam Miller, who painted the original mural at Wagstaff Drive.
