'Unforgettable' Vancouver pub about to close forever after 45 years

The list of Vancouver restaurant closures unfortunately continues to grow, with popular Kitsilano staple Darby’s Pub announcing that it will soon close for good.

Located at 2001 Macdonald St. at the corner of West 4th Avenue, Darby’s is an independently owned and operated pub that opened in 1981.

It was revealed last fall that the popular drinking hole would be redeveloped into a mixed-use development with rental housing. The pub recently shared that its last day of operation is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1.

“After 45 unforgettable years, we’re closing a chapter — but not the book,” wrote Darby’s Pub on social media.

“On Nov. 1, 2025, Darby’s Pub will close its doors. Thank you for every laugh, story, and friendship. You made Darby’s more than a pub; you made it a community.”

The owners also clarified that Darby’s Liquor Store, along with its same-day delivery service, would remain in operation after the pub’s closure.

“We will continue to operate at our current location until our temporary store opens just down the block.

In late November 2025, you can find us at our temporary location: 2918 W 4th Ave, while our home at 2001 Macdonald gets a major upgrade. A much bigger and better Darby’s Liquor Store will return in late 2027.”

Local developer Hungerford Properties submitted a development permit application last fall to redevelop 2828 West 4th Ave., a lot located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Macdonald Street and West 4th Avenue.

The redevelopment, which includes the property that Darby’s Pub is located on, will create a new six-storey building with 68 secured purpose-built market rental homes within the upper levels.

The unit mix consists of 19 studios, 25 one-bedroom units, and 24 two-bedroom units with a flex space. Residents will have access to indoor and outdoor amenities on the building’s rooftop.

This redevelopment will also replace a handful of other adjacent businesses, including Chewie’s Biscuit Co. and Regiano’s Pizza.

Fans on social media shared their sadness over the closure and thanked Darby’s Pub for all of the memories over the past 45 years. The public house was home to many fundraisers, trivia nights, and karaoke parties throughout its history.

“My nickname is Darby & I fly to Van every year to have my birthday at the pub,” said one commenter. “Meant to get a shirt and I didn’t do it fast enough. Gonna miss y’all, it’s Darbys liquor store trips now.”

“Big loss,” added another person succinctly.

Darby’s thanked their fans for making the pub part of their lives for more than forty years.

“It’s bittersweet, but what stands out most is the gratitude we feel. From neighbourhood regulars to visitors from afar, you’ve made Darby’s more than a pub: you’ve made it a community.

“For 45 years, you’ve filled our room with laughter, stories, and friendship, and for that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

With files from Kenneth Chan