Some beautiful prose to mull over and reflect on as you take a whizz (artist unknown)

Ahhh, The Duke of Gloucester. The Duke. Or just simply, “That British pub on Yonge between Bloor Street and Wellesley that is upstairs and has the flags flying outside. Opposite The Church of Scientology. Along by the strip club. Yeah — that one.”

One of the best. Brit HQ for the short-lived World Cup 2014 campaign. Standing room only. Two brave Italians. The best of times … the worst of times.

From a Yelp review: “You come here to forget about a girl. A girl who you would have married when you were young, if pride hadn’t made you turn your back on your last chance at true love, a long, long time ago. I’ll be back, if only because I found the best place to stare wistfully into space over a cold pint.”

Yes. Yes indeed.

The Duke is not a bar. It’s a pub that’s been around a while. Like an old friend, it’s in need of a new lick of paint, some chair repair, a menu upgrade.

But you don’t go to the The Duke for foie gras. You go to meet friends, prop up the bar and chat about football. Or “Mayor” Ford. Or if you have no friends, then chat to the friendly staff. Always willing to share a laugh.

There’s a dartboard. A pool table. An excellent patio. A jukebox.

Like Toronto FC? The Duke is U-Sector’s HQ and they have turned the nook into a shrine that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

Who hasn’t stumbled down the steep stairs? Dropped a glass? Gagged on an Irish Car Bomb? Most Duke regulars have.

Free regulars’ Christmas dinner parties. St. Paddy’s Day celebrations. Live bands. Pub quiz night. Halloween events. Birthdays. Stag night stops.

The Duke has seen them all over the years. And we love it!

A Brits in Toronto 5/5 stars.