Five exclusive Toronto spots ideal for landing a top-notch client

1. Soho House

Just getting inside this new private members’ club is sure to impress the person on the other end of your handshake. A corner table is the ideal spot for clandestine negotiations over a couple of Soho Mules ($12), made with vodka, lime juice, ginger syrup and soda. 192 Adelaide St. W., 416-599-7646.

2. Thompson Rooftop

The wallet-busting drinks, awesome panoramic view and key-card-only access make the cushy rooftop lounge the perfect place to get your Gordon Gekko on. A $500 bottle of Chivas 18 will intimidate the crap out of the competition. 550 Wellington St. W., 416-640-7778.

3. The Gabardine

This homey modern British pub is decidedly less fratty than most Financial District drinking dens. It’s a great spot to broker deals over a stiff old-fashioned or a bottle of shiraz that doesn’t cost more than your suit—the wine list features eight bottles under $45. 372 Bay St., 647-352-3211.

4. Library Bar

The Royal York’s libation spot was doing drawing-room chic long before it was a design trend. The dusty books are real, the bartenders are 100 years old and martini glasses are the size of bird baths—after two ($14.50), you’ll probably be willing to shake on anything. 100 Front St. W., 416-368-2511.

5. The Drake Hotel

Scriptwriters pitch CBC producers in the retro lounge-lizard room. A giant patio and half-price after-work drinks are among the Drake’s many charms, as are the sips themselves—the Cucumber Smash ($13) is like a Pimm’s Cup with a vodka punch. 1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042.