Here's a closer look at Toronto's newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms and other spaces available for events this summer. The new and renovated Toronto venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings and more.
A note regarding COVID-19: Some of the venues listed here may not yet be available for hosting events due to COVID-19, or they may be operating at a lower capacity. As venues begin to slowly reopen across North America, we encourage event organizers to contact the venues to verify current capacity restrictions.
Toronto Beach Club
This Mediterranean restaurant, which offers serene lake views and sunsets from Woodbine Beach, opened in June. Combining upscale dining with the feeling of a relaxing summer home getaway, the open concept space includes a 4,200-square-foot beachside patio that can seat approximately 176, as well as a 3,600-square-foot indoor dining area that seats 136. The menu, which offers daily specials, focuses on savory sharable eats and seafood plates, including raw oysters, mussels escabeche and smoked eggplant. Toronto Beach Club was developed by Hanif Harji, CEO of ICONINK, which launched Toronto’s Patria, Shook, and Byblos. Venue operators intend to host live entertainment this summer. The venue also offers two dining rooms available for private bookings, which seat 72 and 56 guests respectively.
Photo: Courtesy of Toronto Beach Club
The Laneway
Hart Entertainment created this dynamic outdoor venue, The Laneway, which opened for bookings in the Castlefield Design District in June. The 7,000-square-foot alleyway is housed within murals designed by local artists. Guests can choose from several packages that include a wide range of games and activities, such as ping pong, pool, foosball, mini golf, rock climbing, casinos, mechanical bulls, VR experiences, photo booths and an extensive selection of retro arcade games. Options for venue set-ups include 1,250-square-foot tents that seat up to 60 people for meals, 155-inch Mobile TVs, dedicated Wi-Fi, luxury portable washrooms, outdoor lighting, a red carpet and a portable bar and barstools.
Photo: Courtesy of Hart Entertainment
Azhar Kitchen + Bar
This eatery opened its doors in the heart of Lower Ossington for takeout this winter. Initially operating as a marketplace, the 2,400-square-foot space now transforms into an indoor restaurant with a capacity for as many as 65 guests after 5 p.m., and it offers a CaféTO patio that seats as many as 20. A collaboration between Gusto 54 Restaurant Group CEO and owner Janet Zuccarini and former executive chef for Icon Legacy Group Stuart Cameron, Azhar Kitchen + Bar focuses on Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East-inspired cuisine, such as babaganoush, manti dumplings and lamb ribs—elevated by a traditional wood burning oven. The venue, which was conceived to host relaxing, intimate events, is currently taking private bookings in accordance with provincial gathering restrictions.
Photo: Courtesy of Azhar Kitchen + Bar
The Anndore House
The property reopened as Hyatt’s first Canadian hotel under its JDV brand in April. The venue features 113 staying rooms, Toronto-born traditional barber shop Crows Nest and European restaurant Constantine, and it will open a 1970s and 80s punk-inspired cafe, called Scarlet Door, later this summer. The second floor Next Level private event room features contemporary decor ideal for business or private functions. It fits 25 people for seated events, 80 for cocktail-style receptions, and includes an outdoor terrace overlooking the cityscape. The Anndore House provides custom catering options, packages to book 4 to 12 overnight suites for guests in the same social bubbles, as well as two deluxe private suites that connect directly to the event room.
Photo: Courtesy of The Anndore House
Lavender Menace
Named after a lesbian activist group dedicated to advocating for women’s rights, this cozy queer-owned cocktail bar launched in Leslieville this June. The Lavender Menace aims to create a welcoming, non-judgemental space welcoming all, while honoring the history of LGBTQ+ culture and civil right movements. In addition to private event bookings, Lavender Menace hosts regular weekend brunch specials, drag king- and queen-led trivia nights, queer dance parties, an 80s night and tea parties. With a bright array of 1960- and 70s-themed cocktails, menu selections pay tribute to some of Toronto’s best-known queer spaces including Hanlon’s Point beach on Toronto Island and The Beaver Cafe, which closed in 2020.
Photo: Courtesy of Lavender Menace
