TIFF STYLE 2014: Hotspot Round-Up

Sharp September 9, 2014

The Toronto International Film Festival is still in full swing and as much as you’ve been telling everyone you really want to watch the big-name films, we know you just really want to catch a glimpse of the big-name stars. To help you achieve that (and maybe a picture or two) we’ve compiled a list of the city’s best locations for you to spot a celebrity in their (almost) natural habitat. And if you’re still maintaining that you’re here for the films, we also have a list of the 10 films to see and what to know about them.

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Store

Holt Renfrew

50 Bloor Street West

Indulge in some personal shopping and nab a photo with Olivia Wilde while you’re at it. Canada’s most high-end department store isn’t just a place where celebrities like to browse for their favourite brands, the store also hosts a TIFF Variety Studio where actors stop by before and after their films premiere. You can thank us with a little something from Holts. Past celebrities include: Jennifer Aniston, Keira Knightley & Cara Delevigne.

Theatres

It’s our opinion that any theatre showing a TIFF film will be a good bet to spot someone but as with anything else, we have our favourites.

The Princess of Wales Theatre

300 King Street West

Playing: St Vincent, Foxcatcher & The Imitation Game.

Scotiabank Theatre

259 Richmond Street West

Playing: Adult Beginners, Bang Bang Baby & Before We Go.

Roy Thomson Hall

60 Simcoe Street

Playing: Maps to the Stars, Pawn Sacrifice & The Forger.

TIFF Bell Lightbox

350 King Street West

Playing: Cake, Mommy & Whiplash.

Pictured: Roy Thomson Hall

Restaurants

Terroni

720 Queen Street West

The quiet Italian joint is far enough away from the hub of TIFF that celebrities can relax and enjoy their Penne alla Puttanesca on the private back patio. Past celebrities include: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner & Matt Damon

Brassaii

461 King Street West

Stop by for lunch or dinner and you might just come across Hollywood Reporter journalists conducting actor interviews. Past celebrities include: Jason Bateman, Jude Law & Colin Firth

Sassafraz

100 Cumberland Street

Sassafraz is almost as well Known for its Cornish hen dish as it is for its high-profile clientele. They may even ask you to pull up a seat! Past celebrities include: Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro & Susan Sarandon.

Sotto Sotto

116 Avenue Road

You’ll be hard pressed to get into this place without a reservation but trust us it’s worth the wait. Past celebrities include: Oprah, Jake Gyllenhaal, Eva Mendes

One

116 Yorkville Avenue

Despite being attached to the Hazelton Hotel, One isn’t just a favourite dining spot because of convenience. Anyone even near the Yorkville area makes a point to stop by. Past celebrities include: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie & Jude Law

Pictured: Terroni

Bars

West Bar

510 King Street West

Having already played host to TIFF after parties, West Bar is the newbie among TIFF hotspots but we expect it to flourish. Past celebrities include: Kevin Costner & Jason Priestley.

The Drake Hotel

1150 Queen Street West

The Drake Hotel has a little bit of everything to entice the red carpet elite year after year. In addition to a prime location, the spot has a Sky Lounge, restaurant, bar and rooms to accommodate any need. Past celebrities include: Adrian Grenier, Kristin Stewart & Sting.

Soho House

192 Adelaide Street West

A go-to venue for A-list celebrities, the three-floor restaurant, club, and lounge hosts parties and is a popular spot for autograph-signing fatigue. Past celebrities include: Aaron Paul & Jennifer Lawrence.

La Société

131 Bloor Street West

This French restaurant is often a popular choice for celebrity-hosted parties. Past celebrities include: Amy Adams, Bill Murray & Gary Oldman.

Pictured: The Drake Hotel

Hotels

Thompson Hotel

550 Wellington Street West

The Thompson Hotel boasts some of the best rooftop views in the city and all the better to host parties on. Get comfortable at the 24-hour diner and wait. Past celebrities include: Bradley Cooper, Kate Hudson & Marion Cotillard.

Trump International Hotel

325 Bay Street

With the addition of a new club called ‘America’, Trump brings in some huge celebrity names. Past celebrities include: Emma Watson, Johnny Depp & Dustin Hoffman.

Ritz Carlton Hotel

181 Wellington Street West

A first choice for many celebrities, the Ritz has hosted the festival’s opening party in the past. Just take a look at the throngs of fans waiting outside. Past celebrities include: George Clooney. Enough said.

Windsor Arms Hotel

18 St Thomas Street

This spot plays host to the Instyle and Hollywood Foreign Press Association party. Not to mention, it’s one of the swankiest hotels in the city. Past celebrities include: Keanu Reeves, Mark Wahlberg and Naomi Watts.

Pictured: The Windsor Arms Hotel

Gifting Lounges

Gifting lounges aren’t as easily identifiable as the rest of the hotspots on this list but make no mistake: they’re a hot bed for celebrity activity. Finagle yourself an invite any way you can (trust us, it won’t be easy) and you’ll open yourself up to amazing swag, live performances, fun experiences and more celebrities than you’ll be able to take pictures of. Keep your ears to the ground for any mention of lounges put on by NKPR, EGPR and RockIt Promo.

Photos of Jena Malone, Josh Charles and Nick Kroll courtesy of NKPR