Introducing: Arcadian, the classic event space at The Bay, revamped by Oliver and Bonacini

Introducing: Arcadian, the classic event space at The Bay, revamped by Oliver and Bonacini

As part of its ongoing reinvention as a higher-end department store, The Bay has renovated and relaunched the historic Arcadian Court, now known simply as Arcadian, with its food service-providing partners Oliver and Bonacini Restaurants and Compass Group Canada. The reinvented space hints at the 83-year-old site’s art deco charm, but updates it with modern amenities, splitting the space into two distinct venues: the Arcadian Court and the Arcadian Loft, with a combined capacity of more than 800 seated, or 1,500 standing.

DeSignum Design has opened up the luxurious Court by reclaiming a five-foot perimeter and exposing eight of the 16 grand arches in the 7,924-square-foot mezzanine to offer a 360-degree view of the entire 8,086-square-foot room below. Seating up to 520 people, the room also boasts upgraded acoustics and chandeliers reconstructed from the original Lalique crystal versions. It’s already fully booked for Saturday weddings for the next two years. A green room and two bridal suites have also been added to this section. The Arcadian Loft, meanwhile, is a 6,773-square-foot space lined with exposed concrete beams, reclaimed grey brick walls, stainless-steel finishes and a 200-foot glass wall that offers a view of both old and new city halls. Formerly known as the City View Café and the Panoramic Room, it seats up to 312, and can be divided into as many as five rooms, depending on the function. A 2,220-square-foot foyer is fitted with tufted cream sofas with a trio of black chain-metal and smoke crystal chandeliers.

O&B’s corporate events chef Jamie Meireles and corporate executive chef Anthony Walsh head the kitchen brigade at Arcadian, which caters events with classics from the original menu such as the Arcadian Court chicken pot pie and roasted prime rib. There are also more inventive canapés and hors d’oeuvres like maple pork belly and kimchi in a steamed bun and mini beef and Yorkshire pudding sandwiches. The space has already hosted a few events and its first conference (Terroir), but we had a chance to visit it all dolled up with 2,400 guests rolling in for a preview night. Check it out in our slideshow below »

Arcadian, 401 Bay Street Simpson Tower, 8th Floor, 416-364-1211, arcadiancourt.ca