5 New Montreal Venues for Spring 2020 Meetings and Events

Péché opened in Plateau Mont-Royal in February. Guests can enter this 2,000-square-foot coffee bar in two ways: through the street-facing red storefront and via an interior door that connects to Espace Thomas, the boutique gym and spa next door. Thoughtful design elements like dark walls, sleek seating, and artistic light fixtures create an upscale-speakeasy vibe, and ample power outlets make it easy for patrons to charge laptops and mobile devices while enjoying Locomotive Torrefaction coffee and fresh pastries. In total, the venue can accommodate as many as 65 seated guests or 150 for cocktail-style receptions.

The Farsides opened its doors in Old Montreal in December. The funky space feels like a tiki bar crossed with a 1990s Brooklyn hip-hop scene, with live greenery, graffitied brick walls, fire escapes, and even a basketball court. The “Thaiwaiian” menu blends Thai and Hawaiian cuisine, with options like black cod tempura tacos, poke bowls, drunken lobster pad thai, and shrimp fried rice served in a pineapple. Fun options to choose from on the cocktail menu include the LL Cool Juice (vodka with mangosteen galangal syrup and lime), the Funky Cold Mojito (rum with tamarind syrup, lime, chili, and mint), and the Thaiwaiian Gin Tonic (gin with tonic water, cucumber, papaya, passion fruit, lime, and Thai peppercorn). With an interior that spans 3,000 square feet, the restaurant can fit as many as 160 seated guests or 300 for cocktail receptions. Events that also utilize the 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio can accommodate as many as 240 and 400, respectively.

STILLIFE opened in Old Montreal in November. The 2,800-square-foot cocktail bar is simple and chic, with an open layout that allows for 165 guests for buyouts. A 1,100-square-foot private event room is large enough for cocktail parties for as many as 75 guests. The bar program aims to bring new life to familiar ingredients, with menu sections devoted to flavors like pear, tomato, strawberry, and pineapple. While the venue includes a small kitchen, planners are welcome to bring in outside catering.

A new boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Montreal, Hôtel St-Thomas opened this month. The 22-room property offers several options for private events: the 1,500-square-foot Salon Thomas seats 75 and accommodates 200 for cocktail parties; the 860-square-foot Panoramic rooftop terrace has space for 120 guests for cocktail events; and the 180-square-foot Le Cellier is ideal for wine tastings for as many as 12 guests. A sound system, projector, and microphone are included with all event reservations. Overnight guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, and bike rentals, as well as in-room smart TVs, bamboo fiber bedding, and an iPad through which they can connect with hotel staff, order in-room dining, request services, and check out.

Le Germain Hôtel Montreal completed a renovation in October, unveiling changes to the lobby, restaurant, meeting space, and guest rooms. With details like nostalgic wallpaper, Ruby Brown vegan bath products, and in-room Chromecast technology, the new design pays homage to the circa-1967 building’s roots while also incorporating a modern sensibility. In addition to the upgrades, six new floors were added to the top of the building, bringing the total number of guest rooms to 136, including five suites. Four spaces are available for events: the 1,300-square-foot Pavillion room seats 90 in rounds, 60 classroom style, and accommodates 110 for cocktail parties; the 839-square-foot Foyer seats 40 in rounds or fits 50 for cocktail parties; the 400-square-foot Expo room accommodates 20 for boardroom-style meetings and 25 for cocktail receptions; and the 400-square-foot 67 room fits 12 for cocktails.