Not all parties are oversized. When hosting cocktail parties, editor luncheons, product launches, meetings, or business dinners, check out these new restaurants, hotels, bars, lounges, and private rooms.
Photo: Courtesy of the Art Gallery of Ontario
1. Presidential Suite at the Trump International Hotel and Tower
The Trump International Hotel and Tower, which opened in January, offers two floors of meeting and function space. The 3,744-square-foot grand ballroom has room for as many as 300 guests. The Presidential Hospitality suite on the 30th floor is better fit for intimate gatherings. The 4,000-square-foot suite includes one bedroom, a screening room, private dining room, living room, two powder rooms, and access to additional executive floor suites. The presidential suite has the capacity for 60 guests.
Rendering: Courtesy of Trump International Hotel and Tower
2. Weston Family Learning Centre at the Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario opened the Weston Family Learning Centre in October. Adjoined to the gallery, the 35,000-square-foot space includes a community gallery, hands-on learning centre, studio space, and three seminar rooms. The 1,000-square-foot Seminar Room 1 can seat up to 45 guests, boardroom style, and looks out over the gallery school.
Photo: Courtesy of the Art Gallery of Ontario
3. The Ritz Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton’s Urban Sanctuary spa, pictured, includes a little-known venue for smaller groups: the Relaxation Lounge. The 2,000-square-foot lounge is adjoined to the treatment rooms and can accommodate up to 60 guests. The space is filled with plush lounge furniture. Spa treatments can be arranged.
Photo: Christopher Cypert
4. The Extension Room
The Extension Room, a 4,000-square-foot dance studio that doubles as an event space, opened in late January near the Distillery District. Up to 30 guests can take a private dance lesson and arrange for a post-class cocktail party. The Extension Room can accommodate 100 guests seated and as many as 300 for a reception.
Photo: Courtesy of the Extension Room
5. Rupert Simpson House
Rupert Simpson House opened its doors in November after a massive restoration. The 3,000-square-foot main floor of the historic house offers two rooms for events. The drawing room can seat 50 guests, while the dining room can seat up to 30. The main floor is rented out as a unit.
Photo: BizBash
6. Winchester Kitchen and Bar
After a soft opening in March 2011, Winchester Kitchen and Bar had its grand opening in November. On the site of the former Winchester Hotel, the 1,500-square-foot heritage site is available for buyout. The restaurant can seat up to 60 or accommodate 140 for a reception.
Photo: Voltaire Ramos
7. Bloke & 4th
New lounge and restaurant Bloke & 4th has a semi-private dining area for up to 16 guests. The long harvest table can be curtained off from the main dining room with a red velvet drape. The space looks out on to King Street, and a custom-made chandelier hangs overhead.
Photo: Ted Chai Photography
8. DonDon Izakaya
DonDon Izakaya, a Japanese tapas restaurant and bar, opened in January. The space has a lively atmosphere and includes three private rooms, the largest of which seats up to 20. The largest private dining room is lined with bench seating and has one wall of exposed brick.
Photo: Courtesy of DonDon Izakaya
9. L'Ouvrier
L’Ouvrier opened in September and is available for buyout. The 1,500-square-foot restaurant can seat up to 55 guests and accommodate 125 for a reception. White walls, concrete floors, and industrial art give the space a modern, minimalist look.
Photo: Courtesy of L'ouvrier
10. The Wine Bar at Earth Bloor West
Restaurant and event space Earth Bloor West has a number of options for groups and can accommodate from 16 to 735 guests. The wine bar is perfect for smaller groups. Separated from the dining room, the wine bar can seat 40 or accommodate 120 for a reception. A large, sliding window opens onto Bloor.
Photo: BizBash
