Membership Comes With Privileges BACK

The Toronto Room at Verity is a versatile space.

Tired of the same-old, same-old meeting and event spaces? Think private clubs. Once the domain of Cuban cigars, good scotch and old boys, today's member-only enclaves are modernizing the concept with coveted social scenes and cool venues that seamlessly blend luxe entertaining space with business-savvy amenities.

While a few private clubs open their doors to outside event business with member-sponsored approval, most restrict their use to card-carrying patrons only. Membership is an investment, but one that reaps business benefits especially for event pros. Along with privileged access to space with cachet, “meeting at the club” also brings with it a critically acclaimed kitchen and highly personalized service, making event planning a one-stop shopping breeze. Some facilities also carry reciprocal arrangements with other clubs, including private golf courses, and preferred pricing with local partners.

Rules do apply, however. When arranging a special event, advise guests of any dress codes and restrictions. For example, at one Toronto club, interior décor photos are forbidden and outside guests are asked not to wander out of the hosting area. At another, cell phone use is prohibited.

Here's a look at a few of Toronto's top exclusive addresses. All are wireless and equipped with business services:

The Spoke Club: The arts and entertainment communities feed the eclectic soul of this hot spot in the Portland-King Street neighbourhood. Three floors of windowed space house several nouveau-edge lounges, a reading room and a screening room. The 50-seat dining area hums till the wee hours of the morn, while a smaller room lets 12 sup or meet in private. The Gallery, with its revolving art exhibits, is a pristine 1,200-sq.-ft. canvas for private functions of up to 150 people. Head to the rooftop and panoramic city views. Here The Glass House, an inviting year-round space with bar and lounge, is flanked by a stunning outdoor patio garden and a smaller, more private area, perfect for al fresco receptions. Member use only.

The pre-reno site of The Dominion Club's grand main members' lounge and dining area.

Dominion Club: Opening late fall, this private social and business club is rising from the historic shell of the Dominion Bank at the corner of King and Yonge Streets. An architectural gem, the building's showpiece is the block-long grand banking hall where members can relax and dine in the luxurious main lounge with its 45-ft. gold-embossed ceiling, soaring arched windows and ornate brass, marble and wood embellishments. On the mezzanine level at either end of the lounge are glassed-in banquet rooms for receptions of 110 each. Members have access to 13 other richly appointed meeting rooms, including the impressive walnut-wooded Chairman's Lounge on the 12th floor of the adjacent Dominion Club condo-hotel. The club's most unique event spaces, however, are the old subterranean bank vaults hidden behind a 50-tonne steel door where up to 70 can dine and meet. Members and condo-hotel use only.

Granite Club: A mention of private clubs wouldn't be complete without this granddaddy. With its 1875 start as a gentlemen's curling club, this bastion of Toronto's upper echelons has evolved beautifully into a family social and athletic facility. Exquisite space inside and out, the club just reopened the doors to its freshly renovated Grand Ballroom (500 seated). Gorgeous chandeliers hang from the 22-ft. high ceiling where a sophisticated lighting system can be programmed for multi-hued effects throughout an event. Seven private dining-meeting rooms supplement larger dining areas. There's also a choice of three lovely pre-reception areas, and several terraces invite outdoor schmoozing. Active groups must check out the sports facilities. Available for member-sponsored use.