The Barmaid's Arms

Actual dates for the BMA are April 5th, 1971 to February 20th, 1998. Operated by restaurateurs Jimmy and Sophie Lioutas, it was the Embassy Bar and Grill before London Bobby coined the name "Barmaids Arms" and turned it into a neighbourhood pub performing musical improv, a kind of live music karaoke (before the word karaoke existed in Canada). Audience members were invited up to sing, play spoons, etc. accompanied on the piano by LB. London Bobby performed a few of the hits of the day plus a large repertoire of old English music hall songs, interspersed with comedy. This differentiated the entertainment from the mostly Irish trios working in other Toronto pubs and created more of a club-like atmosphere "where everybody knows your name".

PC advert: Wanted, bar person. We only have one outfit, must fit it. Amenable to sitting on piano person's lap. (Can't advertise for barmaid anymore. What a great pub that was, the Barperson's Arms).

End of an era. After 30 years of selling tea and crumpets in the afternoons and British entertainment in the evenings, the Blethering Place in Victoria BC closed on Jan 30, 2011. London Bobby was there in the 1990s and The Galloping Gourmet filmed two of his cooking shows there. My favourite dish there: Eggs Benedict Arnold. Photo: Tea for Two at The Blethering Place, Victoria.

Very sad news. Rest in peace John Day.