Stolen painting returned to Winnipeg pub

A painting is back in its rightful place after being stolen by a couple of patrons. The Toad in the Hole Pub noticed the artwork went missing two weeks ago.

After not getting any leads regarding the artwork’s whereabouts, the pub decided to turn to social media for help.

Painting that was stolen from The Toad in the Hole Pub. (Photo Credit: Edward Djan, CityNews)

“It was closing time and we noticed something was missing, so we checked the camera and sure enough something someone was taking it at 1:30 at night,” explained Billy Viveiros, general manager of The Toad in the Hole Pub.

The artwork sits as a reminder of one of the former pub owners, Michael Monk, who died in 2022.

Former pub owner, Michael Monk. (Photo Credit: Edward Gjan, CityNews)

“It has a lot of meaning, it’s not a stock photo, It’s really important to us,” Viveiros said. “Mick purchased it from a local artist. It’s a painting of our old pub.”

A woman who was an acquaintance of one of the alleged thieves, returned to the pub Monday to return the artwork.

Viveiros says it’s been great to see the outpouring of support from the community.

The Toad in the Hole Pub. (Photo Credit: Edward Djan, CityNews)

“It’s awesome. We were just blown away,” said Viveiros.

The bar plans on holding a ‘We got the painting back’ gathering Wednesday to celebrate getting the artwork back.