Lovely Liberty

By Murtaza Adamjee

The Liberty Entertainment Group (LEG) is well-known throughout Toronto as one of the more successful and innovative companies in the entertainment venue industry. Leading the way for over 20 years, the LEG continues to redefine Toronto’s restaurant, nightlife, and event experience.

Its venues offer more than just the latest and greatest in design and architecture. Each space is designed to make guests feel a certain a way; a trait that is amplified through the décor and detail. Traditionally, the LEG is known to take historical venues and enhance what each building is about. As a venue’s components come together, the building as a whole becomes timeless.

Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Nadia Di Donato, Creative Director and mastermind behind the unique designs of the Liberty Group venues. Nadia received her formal education at Ryerson University in graphic design. Being with Liberty Group since 1986, Nadia continues to develop new concepts, taking them from their original inception to their detailed execution.

As creative director, Nadia draws her inspiration from several different sources. She has traveled the world (Russia, Prague, Istanbul, and Portugal to name a few), taking traveled the world (Russia, Prague, Istanbul, and Portugal to name a few), taking pictures and jotting ideas – many of which have led to the spectacular venues found throughout Toronto. As Nadia puts it, she continues to stay in tune with niche markets to provide venues that collaborate with what’s going on in the scene globally.

An example of Nadia’s genius is Spice Route – one of the first venues of its kind in Toronto. Although popular throughout Asia, the existence of an Asian lounge built with a rustic approach was scarcely found in Canada. The Asian décor consists of actual historical pieces: some are antiques, and others have been imported, but all serve to provide a unique, authentic experience.

Similarly, while in Prague, Czech Republic, Nadia discovered that many of the rustic eateries that had been transformed into modern day restaurants were in fact built in caverns, providing guests with an ancient appeal. The design has since been implemented in the authentic basement of Ciao Wine Bar. Using brick layers and stone walls, the mezzanine floor has been transformed to provide a rustic, ancient environment.

Regardless of theme, each venue is designed using original characteristics and a sense of style. All venues are built to be sophisticatedly rustic, targeting a wide range of demographics. Then upon completion, venues are distinguished using classical finishes according to their inherent theme.

By nature, some of the venues often host a-list celebrities, talent, and industry leaders. Ciao Wine Bar in Yorkville often hosts the pretentious scene. And although the venues aren’t necessarily designed nor catered to that particular scene, Nadia notes that if you build things right (and with a certain degree of quality), clientele of notoriety will just come.

What often dictates demographics though is the day of the week. Sunday to Wednesday tends to host a more regular clientele; weekends tend to bring in guests from outside of the city. LEG’s venues not only offer beautiful design and architecture, but have the ability to resonate an experience to all walks of life.

Currently, Liberty Group is working on its first venture in the US: A historic, out of city property, 40, 000 square feet in size. The property will be transformed into a first-of-its-kind country club offering both athletic and fitness facilities. The club will offer a wider range of recreational space, and is already operational with the opening of the Liberty Group Café. Liberty Group is also looking at some of its current locations to expand. For more information the Liberty Group and its venues, visit libertygroup.com.