Meet the members building a community at Soho House Toronto
In celebration of our 20th anniversary in North America, we meet some of our Canadian outpost’s best and brightest
Thursday 21 September 2023 By Soho House Photography by AJ Woomer
Eleven years ago, we expanded our North American footprint to Canada with the opening of Soho House Toronto. Following a successful first week amid the Toronto International Film Festival of 2012, our community grew quickly, with local and international members cementing it as the city’s creative hub – a reputation that still stands over a decade later.
Here, we sit down with creative director and fashion designer, Joey Gollish; photographer Neil-Anthony Watson; urban designer, Morvi Sarvghadi, and celebrity hair and makeup artist Nate Palacios to hear about what makes their Soho House Toronto community so special.
Top, from left: Philip Aglipay, Nate Palacios, Tatyana Singh, Joey Gollish, Neil-Anthony Watson
Above, from left: Nate Palacios and Joey Gollish; Joey Gollish
Joey Gollish
Founder of Mr. Saturday and creative director in residence at Roots
How long have you been a member?
‘Three years.’
Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your NA House unique?
‘As someone who is always on the move, whether globally or in my own city, it’s nice to have a safe haven like Soho House to come to. My favourite part of the Toronto House is all the hidden corners where you can sit and read or draw, or catch up with a friend. Plus, there’s nothing better than the rooftop for dinner on a summer’s evening.’
How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments?
‘For some reason I always end up DJing, even when I’m not supposed to. Most recently, the Roots 50th anniversary party stands out as a moment for the city. It felt like a time capsule, joining together a bunch of generations of creatives.’
Above, from left: Morvi Sarvghadi; Maha Gondal and Morvi Sarvghadi
Morvi Sarvghadi
Urban designer
How long have you been a member?
‘I’ve been a member since 2021.’
Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your NA House unique?
‘I’ve made some strong professional and personal bonds with other members globally, which is what’s great about being part of such a diverse club. But the most special quality of the Toronto House is the sense of community, which is almost nostalgic to the Greek Street values in the 1990s – somewhere to just be and feel as though your time is being spent wisely among others alike.’
How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments?
‘I spend my time in Soho House Toronto at all stages of the day, from client meetings to cocktail hour. My favourite pastime is grabbing a drink on the rooftop at sunset, in a corner tucked away behind the bar, in the presence of great company. I’ve been to a number of Houses worldwide, but being back at the Toronto one always feels like home.’
Above, from left: Philip Aglipay, Neil-Anthony Watson, Morvi Sarvghadi; Neil-Anthony Watson
Neil-Anthony WatsonArt director and fine-art photographer
How long have you been a member?
‘Since 2021.’
Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your NA House unique?
‘It’s brimming with possibilities. Toronto is a pretty small city in terms of creative talent, and it serves as a bit of a junction point for so many different paths in the creative world. Soho House Toronto understands that and underscores any possibility of leveraging the space to foster more interconnectivity between people.’
How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments?
‘Work, play and everything in between. Standouts are definitely summer and the rooftop, and the Library in winter. Honorable mention, the House chef Dru is one of the most talented in the city.’
Above, from left: Nate Palacios; Philip Aglipay and Nate Palacios
Nate Palacios
Celebrity hair and makeup artist
How long have you been a member?
‘Since the start of 2019.’
Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your NA House unique?
‘There is nowhere else in the city I’ve been able to find a stronger sense of community. I have had some incredible experiences and met some of the most influential people in my life during my time as a member. That makes the community hard to replicate, especially knowing that I can find solace in other cities’ Houses and always feel inspired by the lives of other members.’
How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments?
‘I love to bring my friends and family; the environment has always been so welcoming. And the events get more and more creative each year. I will always love ringing in the new year at the House.’
Explore and apply for membership at Soho House Toronto.