Legoland Discovery Center Boston Rendering: Courtesy of Legoland Discovery Center Boston
Legoland Discovery Center BostonRendering: Courtesy of Legoland Discovery Center Boston

By Megan Johnson Posted January 30, 2014, 7:30 AM EST

BOSTON Here’s a look at the most anticipated Boston restaurants, hotels, party rooms, corporate event venues, conference centers, and private rooms to open this year. These new and renovated Boston venues can accommodate groups large or small for private and corporate events, meetings, business dinners, cocktail parties, conferences, weddings, and more.1. Tucked in the historic Boston suburb of Lexington, the Inn at Hastings Park is a renovated 22-room inn split into three unique buildings: two guest houses and a barn. Groups can book the entire inn, as well as Artistry on the Green, a 54-seat restaurant that is expected to be completed by February. A private dining room is also available.2. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Cape Cod is renovating the waterfront next to its Main Inn, adding a permanent tented structure as well as several terraces that offer views of Pleasant Bay. An expansive lawn will include lush gardens and outdoor furnishings, ideal for summer parties or meetings. The renovations are expected to be finished in April; capacity has not yet been determined.3. Located in the highly anticipated Somerville development Assembly Row, Legoland Discovery Center Boston will host private events and tours. The 44,000-square-foot space will open in May and include Lego-theme rides, 4-D cinema, and replicas of Boston landmarks made out of Lego bricks.

4. The long-awaited Fort Point restaurant Pastoral is opening in February. The artisanal pizza spot describes itself as “rustic and refined,” which translates to country-inspired cooking in the midst of Boston’s hottest industrial neighborhood. The 4,100-square-foot restaurant will seat 150 guests, along with 18 seats at the bar.

5. The historic Board of Trade building, formerly occupied by Kitty O’Shea’s, has a new occupant in the Bostonia Public House, an expansive venue complete with an exposed kitchen, two floors of bars, and private rooms. The casually upscale venue is expected to open sometime in February.

6. There will be five floors and 54,000 square feet of event space at the E-Lofts at Newmarket Creative Collective, an expansive spread in the industrial neighborhood of Lower Roxbury on the cusp of the trendy South End. The E-Lofts will have an LED-lit entrance, along with two floors of business and conference room space and audiovisual equipment. A 13,000-square-foot lot outside can be used for event parking or converted into an outdoor tented area for larger festivities. The venue is slated to open in the spring.

7. Michael Scelfo’s Alden & Harlow is one of the most highly anticipated restaurants to open this year. Scelfo, who previously helmed the Cambridge hotspot Russell House Tavern, is finally opening up his own 5,200-square-foot shop in Harvard Square. The space, which serves American food alongside a lengthy wine and beer list, will seat about 200. Expect the doors to open in February.

8. A February opening is scheduled for Artistry Kitchen, a Franklin restaurant, high-end grocery store, and specialized culinary event space. Half the location will be occupied by the restaurant AK Bistro, a casual eatery serving three meals a day. The other half will include a Food Bar and an area where diners can observe the chefs at work. The space will offer its own events, such as wine or craft beer tastings or cooking lessons, and will offers event planning and catering through a sister business. The entire space will be available for buyouts.

9. Formerly the Back Bay Hotel, the Loews Boston Hotel is wrapping up a $10 million renovation after taking over ownership last year. The hotel will offer six meeting rooms, including a new mini ballroom with vaulted ceilings and room for 100 guests. The spaces include perks like complimentary Wi-Fi, drop-down screens, ergonomic seating, and audiovisual equipment. The hotel’s bar, Cuffs, is also under construction and is expected to reopen in March.

10. The latest hot spot from Mistral owner Seth Greenberg and partner Cameron Grob,Bastille Kitchen is set to be a modern Parisian bistro that features locally sourced dishes. Exposed brick and beam decor complements the 200 seats, including in two private dining spaces spread over two floors, as well as the downstairs Chalet Bar and Lounge, which can be booked for private functions for 100 guests. Its Fort Point location means the bistro is a walkable distance from South Station and the financial district.