Blog Archives | Westminster Venue Collection

Event Success at Westminster at the 2024 Showcase

Posted on 21st October 202421st October 2024 by patchmarketing_info

We were delighted to recently host our Westminster Venue Collection annual showcase event for 2024.

Over 100 event professionals joined us for ‘Meet me in Westminster’ – an exclusive evening of networking, decadent catering and unique entertainment – held at the magnificent RSA House. And of course, a rare opportunity for event planners from a range of industries to discover more about 54 leading Central London venues, all in one unforgettable night.

Since 2023, our prestigious portfolio of member venues has more than doubled. From fashionable townhouses, private members’ clubs and luxury hotels to iconic attractions and historic institutes, the Collection represents Westminster’s rich heritage, diversity and versatility as a world-class destination for events.

Every year, the showcase highlights the extensive choice Westminster has to offer for corporate and private events, including weddings, conferences, meetings, gala dinners, Christmas parties, team building, filming, launches and exhibitions. Guests can explore hidden gems, cultural icons, architectural marvels and blank-canvases – with every venue offering something truly unique for hosting incredible events.

Read on to find out more about what happened on the night and what our guests had to say about the experience.

“The event was excellent and saves so much time getting to know the venues and the people who can help with different types of events.”

Meeting the best venues in London

This year, we welcomed event planners from companies including Pfizer, Goldman Sachs, University College London, Government Office for Science, Ove Arup & Partners Ltd and Shard Financial Media. RSA House was buzzing as guests immersed themselves in all that the Collection, and Westminster, has to offer for corporate and private events, and discussed their bespoke requirements.

For our newest members, the Emmanuel Centre, 1 Wimpole Street and Six Park Place (at the Royal Over-Seas League), this year was their first opportunity to learn why our showcase has become a not-to-be-missed annual event!

Courtesy of RSA House’s on-site caterers, Company of Cooks, guests enjoyed a delicious selection of canapés and bowl food, with menu highlights including Braised beef chimichurri and Potato gnocchi ‘Arrabiata’.

Roving entertainment, provided by Judge The Poet, invited guests to choose any three words at random, to be performed as a spontaneous, rhyming poem. No matter how obscure the word choice, Judge met the challenge every time, with hilarious results!

“Thank you to you and the rest of the team for last night’s event – there were an excellent array of venues that I really enjoyed speaking to.”

Excellent prizes won

The evening also included a raffle of prizes generously donated by our members. Lucky guests were thrilled to receive an array of fantastic prizes:

Bottle of sparkling wine from Asia House – won by Malcolm, Events Focus
Afternoon Tea for Two within the iconic Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground – won by Helen, Goldman Sachs
£40 bar voucher for The Thirsty Scholar at ISH Venues – won by Hannah, Afion Media
Searcys gin and a selection of tonics from IET London: Savoy Place – won by Julie, Ark Venue Finder
One night’s stay and breakfast for two in a King room at the Great Scotland Yard – won by Rachel, CVC Capital
Four ticket vouchers for Vue Cinema – won by Sarah, Eton College
A Zen Corporate Wellness Gift Hamper from Church House – won by Ann, Pfizer
Bottle of champagne from Broadway House – won by Alisha, Federation of Cocoa Commerce
Chocolates from the Houses of Parliament – won by Sandra, PBC
Two tickets to a Candlelight Concert at Central Hall Westminster – won by Abbie, Langham Hall
Dinner for two at the Wild Honey St James Bistro at Sofitel St James – won by Lisa, CLA
£50 bar tab at the new RSA bar – won by Vicky, European Bank
Two tickets to the Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers exhibition and afternoon tea at Ochre Restaurant, National Gallery – won by Stephanie, Pladis Global
Afternoon tea for two at Six Park Place – won by Jay, Atlassian
Family of four tickets to a screening of The Snowman and The Snow Dog with live orchestral soundtrack performed by the Sinfonia Smith Square – won by Pav, Premier Property
Glass of Searcys Champagne and nibbles at Searcys Bar and Brasserie opening at Surveyors House – – won by Lyndsey, Park Lane Events
Bottle of wine from the Emmanuel Centre – won by Minnie, LM Globalink

“I really enjoyed myself, made some fantastic connections and gathered so much useful information about the different venue spaces.”

A special thanks to our event suppliers

RSA House – a historic Georgian townhouse that seamlessly combines original period architecture with contemporary design and technology. With 12 rooms available to hire, all offering varying capacities and configurations, RSA House is a versatile and stunning choice of venue for weddings, corporate and private events.

Company of Cooks – for over 25 years, Company of Cooks have been working as a trusted catering partner in many of the UK’s most cherished venues. In keeping with their values, of craft, creativity and community, they shape unique food and drink experiences and create lasting memories.

Andrew Lunn Photography – Andrew is a renowned commercial photographer based in central London. Specialising in live events, portraits and headshots; he helps businesses of all sizes harness the power of visual storytelling to bring their brands to life.

Judge The Poet – Judge is a truly unique entertainer, captivating audiences all over the world with his extraordinary spontaneous poetry. Here in the UK, he has performed at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Wembley Stadium and Glastonbury Festival, to name a few notable venues! For corporate and private events, he offers roving, cabaret show or workshop entertainment.

Generate Media Video – creative content experts, with decades of industry experience. Generate Media work with sustainable companies to elevate their brand and drive more business through curated film, photography and social media campaigns.

Peachy Productions – a trusted event production specialist working with a broad range of clients and venues across London, Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex. Peachy Productions offer an extensive inventory of furniture, as well as cutting-edge lighting, sound, video, rigging and staging equipment, to corporate and private events of every size or scale.

“Meeting so many venues under one roof in one night is invaluable. I left with a wealth of information about the latest developments, new event spaces, refurbishments and Christmas party availability within the Collection.”

Event profs networking at the 2024 Westminster Venue Collection Showcase Event

Enquire with the best event venues in London

Within Westminster Venue Collection, you’ll find your perfect central London venue for events. Our portfolio includes a diverse selection of modern and traditional exhibition spaces, museums, auditoria, conference rooms and banqueting halls. Whether you’re organising a conference, meeting, launch event, gala dinner, exhibition; or planning a wedding reception or other private celebration, our shortlisting and enquiry service couldn’t be easier.

Simply send your event brief to [email protected], or search on our website to create a shortlist of spaces that are best suited to your requirements. To save you time, only venues with availability that match your brief will be in touch.

Register your interest to attend our 2025 showcase event

To make sure you’re the first to hear about our 2025 showcase, please register your interest.

Top Christmas party venues and themes for a memorable celebration in Westminster

Posted on 13th June 202421st October 2024 by patchmarketing_info

The office Christmas party is a time to wrap up the year and say thank you to your staff and colleagues for all their hard work. It’s a time for your team to celebrate the festive season without the stress and hassle of hosting or family politics, so it’s important an organiser gets it right – and this starts with finding the perfect Christmas party venues.

Here at Westminster Venue Collection (WVC) we look after a group of exclusive spaces which comprise some of the finest the capital has to offer. Museums, galleries, historic buildings, luxury hotels, townhouses… our portfolio of Christmas event venues in London is varied and extensive. We’re confident that however you choose to celebrate this year, you’ll find the ideal space by searching our selective database.

During this feature, we’re going to take you through some of the different types of venues we have on our books, plus we’ll be offering you some advice on hosting the perfect festive gathering and sharing with you a handful of ideas on theming and décor.

Why choose Westminster for your Christmas party?

Christmas party planning always begins with the question of, where? We believe Westminster is the best place in the capital to hold events. The borough is a city within a city and draws in millions of visitors every year who come in their droves for the history, the sightseeing and the attractions. There’s a surprising amount of parks and outdoor spaces within the area (116 to be precise) – St James’ Park and Regents’ Park for example – which are stunning all year round, but when covered in snow are transformed into some of the most beautiful and atmospheric places in London.

Westminster is also brilliantly connected for local, national and international travel. All WVC venues are a short walk from at least one tube station and have quick and easy links to National Rail lines and London City Airport. The borough is also home to a huge array of hotel options with something for every budget from genuinely affordable choices through to world-class, luxury accommodation.

Top Christmas party venues in Westminster

Historic Christmas party venues

London is one of the most historically rich cities in the world and its buildings hold the stories of its past. These spaces provide a poignant, beautiful backdrop for traditional Christmas parties, they each have their own, distinct charm and elegance that they bring to the events they hold. Many of our buildings aren’t open to the general public, so inviting your valued members of staff into one of our exclusive traditional Christmas venues is the beginning of a truly memorable classic Christmas party.

Modern Christmas party venues

If you think your colleagues would prefer a more contemporary event space, our collection also contains some stunning, modern venues. Our modern venues in Westminster include spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and unrivalled views over the River Thames. Clever lighting and contemporary cuisine with a Christmas twist makes sure none of the magic is lost and that your party is as festive as can be.

Unconventional and unique venues in Westminster

If you’ve been organising the Christmas party for your team for a while now, you might have decided that this year you want to opt for something a little bit different. Choosing an unconventional Christmas venue, like an art gallery or a rooftop bar, is a foolproof way to make an immediate impression on your guests. It’s also guaranteed to give your guests an interesting talking point and a reason to tell their friends about their special night.

Fun and different Christmas party themes

You might be under the impression that Christmas is premiss enough for a party, but a separate theme can elevate your event to the next level. Many of our venues’ Christmas packages include full theming which includes decorations, music and entertainment. In the past, we’ve seen some amazing event theming including Winter Wonderland, Narnia and Dickensian Christmas. By choosing a specific theme for your party you’ll be able to make sure you’re creating the perfect atmosphere, tailor-made for your guestlist.

Tips for planning the perfect Christmas party in Westminster

Christmas party planning can be stressful, but our tips are designed to help you enjoy a smooth run up to your event…

Our first, top tip, is to start planning as early as you can. There will only be a handful of dates that will suit you, so you’ll need to get your enquiries in at least six months in advance as the best venues will book up early. If you know where you want to book, don’t hesitate to get in touch to get yourself pencilled in. If you’re still undecided, WVC can help the process. By filling in an enquiry form on our website, we can help you narrow down your Westminster venue booking options. We’ll only put you in touch with venues that can meet your requirements which will save you a lot of time and effort for you to enjoy a stress-free event planning experience.

Secondly, we’d suggest running through your budget with your chosen venue. You can then decide where you want to spend and where you want to save. We’d also advise you to keep a little bit of money back for any last-minute extras or upgrades you might want to make further down the line.

Thirdly, a timeline of when decisions need to be made and suppliers need to be booked will give you a clear time frame of actionable tasks. This will ensure nothing slips through the net and there are no nasty surprises.

10 11 Carlton House Terrace 1 — {10-11} Carlton House Terrace

Use our venue-finding service to source the perfect Christmas party venues in London

If you think Westminster is the right venue for this year’s Christmas party, then you can simply email your requirements to [email protected]. Or, if you’d like to browse our collection of exclusive venues, take a look on our website. You could also fill out our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you with all our members who can best fulfil your requirements.

The best summer party venues in Westminster, London

Posted on 26th April 202430th August 2024 by patchmarketing_info

Although we Brits love to complain about the weather, no one can deny that when the sun comes out there’s no finer place to be on earth.

Hosting a summer party in the UK is one of the few times organisers get to make the most of our short-lived, warmer months, so choosing the perfect summer party venue is a decision not to be taken lightly. Here at the Westminster Venue Collection, we think our little corner of the capital is the best choice for any planner wanting to host an exceptional, memorable event to celebrate your colleagues and thank them for their hard work.

We wanted to take a moment to tell you about all the fabulous things you can find in Westminster, including rooftop gardens, green spaces, sun terraces, river views and much, much more. We also wanted to share some of our top tips for hosting brilliant summer events by looking into theming, catering, entertainment and other summer party event planning tips.

Why Westminster is ideal for your summer party

London is, arguably, the best city in the world. (We might be a bit bias, but it’s not an uncommon opinion). And Westminster, home of the Government and the King is undeniably one of the most famous and desirable locations within the capital. Millions of tourists flock to see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey every year, so it’s fair to say that Westminster knows how to pull in the crowds! Your guests might not be flying in from all over the world, but hosting a summer party for your colleagues in a place with international appeal means that your guests won’t be short of sightseeing opportunities either side of your event.

It’s not just historic landmarks that make Westminster a fabulous place for meeting up. The area, like most of London, is culturally diverse with a vibrant atmosphere. The shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues are varied and world-class which means your summer party guests will have lots of excuses to make your party the centre of a larger trip, should they desire.

It’s also worth noting that as well as all the great things on our doorstep, Westminster benefits from excellent transport links. As you’d expect, we’re connected to the London Underground, National Rail and City Airport is a short train ride away. We’ve also got a plethora of hotels within the borough, stretching from affordable options to some of the most exclusive accommodation in the country.

Best outdoor summer party venues in London

Outdoor venues

As we’ve mentioned before, the window of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in Britain is a narrow one, so it’s no surprise that organisers like to make hay while the sun shines. Hiring an outdoor venue in Westminster for your London summer party – whether that’s a lush green lawn, an urban rooftop terrace or a pretty courtyard – means your guests will enjoy the chance to relax in the fresh air and to soak up the sun. What better way to let your hair down than by sipping a Pimms and a smoked salmon canape in a quintessential British summer garden party?

Indoor venues with outdoor access

Some of our corporate summer party venues in London offer planners the best of both worlds for a summer event, with an inside space that has access to an outdoor area. Terraces and balconies off the main party space give guests the option to enjoy the delights of a British summer with the back-up of an indoor area should the temperature drop or the heavens open. We believe Westminster is particularly well positioned to offer some of the best views London has to offer, so whatever vista your venue has, you’re likely to be able to see some beautiful buildings, the River Thames or one of the Royal Parks.

Unique and unconventional venues

As a historic city, Westminster boasts some incredibly interesting and quirky venues. Museums, galleries, historic landmarks… our portfolio includes unique spaces with fascinating stories to tell. Some of our venues aren’t open to the public which means your summer party is offering exclusive access to a building or space otherwise out of reach.

Within our portfolio of exclusive, Westminster event venues, we have a plethora of unique summer party venues. You’ll find a range of spaces within these buildings, inside and outside ones. To save you trawling through all of the options, the best way to find exactly what you’re looking for is to fill out our venue search form which will generate a short list of venues that can cater to your specific needs.

Tips for successful summer party event planning in Westminster

Early booking and scheduling

Most summer party venues in London will book up early, sometimes as much as a year in advance, so it’s well worth getting ahead of the games and pencilling dates with your short-list as soon as you can. We’d advise checking your calendar for any big sporting events or public holidays which might clash with your preferred date and you might consider making sure your key players can make your date.

Summer Party Theme and decor

It’s not always necessary to have a full-on theme for your summer event, but incorporating some special touches into your décor or catering can go a long way to adding a little something extra to your party. Taking an idea like tropical, beach, garden party or neon and threading all of the elements of your day together with this in mind helps with the overall impact of your event, ensuring your guests have a truly memorable, special day. Other themes we’ve seen work well at summer events include Luau, carnival and festival.

Entertainment and activities

Summer party entertainment is an important part of event planning and there are lots of options to consider. For music you could go for a string quartet, jazz band or acapella group – we’d always suggest splashing out on live music for a summer party if the budget will stretch. It really does add a whole other level to the day.

It’s also a great idea to organise games your guests can get involved with. Lawn games like croquet, a ring toss or some fairground attractions are good ways to help break the ice between party goers, inject a bit of fun into proceedings and encourage some good-natured competition at your event. Entertainers including roaming magicians and stilt walkers work well at summer parties as they don’t monopolise the crowd’s attention but create a dynamic talking point.

Finding summer party venues in Westminster

If you think you might find your ideal summer party venue in the Westminster Venue Collection portfolio, get in touch with us via [email protected]. Or you can begin your search on our website which will give you a shortlist of spaces that can fulfil your brief.

Follow Westminster Venue Collection for more event venue inspiration, event planning tips and exciting event invites.

Find the most sustainable event venues in London

Posted on 11th April 202414th October 2024 by patchmarketing_info

As the world sharpens its focus on climate change and what we can do to slow it down, the event industry – along with a whole host of other businesses – is raising its game.

Finding a sustainable event venue is quickly working its way up organisers’ lists of priorities and here at Westminster Venue Collection, our members are leading the way in event sustainability. So, if you’re hoping to be part of the solution you’ll be looking to hold more sustainable events, and that begins with finding a venue with fabulous green credentials.

In this feature, we’ll take you through the questions you need to ask your venue to make sure you’re choosing the most environmentally friendly site for your event. We’re also going to show you what some of our members are doing to combat climate change as well as asking some seasoned planners for their other tips on what individual organisers can do to reduce their carbon footprint even further.

Questions to ask your venue to create a sustainable event

Venue

Is your venue certified carbon neutral?
Do you use green energy?
Is your branding made from reusable materials?
Is your venue paperless?
What is your waste management policy?
Are any materials used recycled?
Does your venue have a Clear Air Route?
What sustainable lighting options do you provide?

Catering

Do your menus contain local produce and responsibly sourced ingredients?
Are your menus seasonal?
Is catering served using reusable containers/dishes?
What happens to any surplus food and drink? Do you have a waste management strategy?

Suppliers

Do you insist on all suppliers having certain sustainability criteria?
What distance will you travel to supply the venue?
Can I hire sustainable lighting for my event?

It’s also worth asking your venue if there’s anything else they’d like to tell you in reference to their sustainability efforts. They are likely to have lots to say on the subject, so give them the chance to showcase what they’re doing. It’s all information that will help you decide where to hold your event, and how to reduce your event’s carbon footprint.

Sustainable events in Westminster

If you’re choosing a green venue, why not go the whole hog and choose a green location? Westminster Greener City Action Plan is a scheme which launched in 2015 and has set specific targets for a number of environmental issues in the borough, due to be completed in 2025. The plan includes a wide variety of sustainability goals in a range of areas including waste management, noise pollution, air quality, water as a resource, sustainable travel and much more.

How to make your event more sustainable – the venues going above and beyond

We’ve asked a few of our members to tell us a bit about their green credentials:

WVC member, Broadway House, is part of Make Venues and the wider Make Group. The full organisation has pledged to the SME Climate Hub to half emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. Here are just a handful of examples of the sustainability initiatives they have in place.

A combination of LED lighting, ‘switch off’ signs & automatic light sensors to save on electricity.
Staff car sharing schemes.
Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme in place to encourage staff to move to electric vehicles.
Responsible planting initiatives attract wildlife to our venues, including bird baths and a bug hotel!
Food waste is turned into fertiliser and cooking oil into biodiesel.

Another one of our venue’s leading the way in sustainability is Royal College of Music. The prestigious venue is set to reach net zero and decarbonise the estate by 2035. For the second year, the Royal College of Music was awarded first place in the People and Planet University League table for universities with fewer than 5,000 students, an independent league of UK universities ranked on their environmental and ethical performance.

Recent carbon management projects have included upgrading the Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall lighting to LED fixtures, and the installation of proximity sensors to control lighting automatically, both resulting in significantly reduced energy consumption. Underpinning all the work of the RCM, they also ensure that their accredited suppliers have an up-to-date Sustainability Policy which is in line with their own.

Westminster is packed full of historic, listed buildings. This status can pose challenges for venues wanting to stay ahead of the curve with their environmental upgrades, but Church House is a fabulous example of a beautiful, old building that is keeping up with state-of-the-art green tech, without compromising its historic integrity.

The iconic venue, known for hosting diverse events and gatherings, has transitioned to energy-efficient LED lighting systems, marking a commitment to environmental stewardship. LED lights are renowned for their energy efficiency, longevity, and minimal environmental impact, making them an ideal choice for institutions seeking to reduce their ecological footprint.

By replacing traditional lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LED alternatives, the venue will achieve significant energy consumption savings while contributing to broader environmental goals. This initiative underscores Church House’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices within its venue and operations.

Sustainable event ideas and expert tips

You’ll be hard pushed to find a venue that isn’t ticking at least some of the eco-friendly boxes we’ve talked about in this piece, but if you’re looking for those who are taking things to the next level keep your eye out for the following:

Free bike storage
Living food walls/micro farms within the venue
Low-flow toilets and water-free urinals
Venues with green space are a helping hand to absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
No-waste – and we’re not just talking single-use plastic – think leftover food charities and compost

What else can organisers do to make an event more sustainable?

Holding an environmentally friendly event isn’t just the responsibility of the venue you choose, there are lots of things you – as an event organiser – can do, too.

Starting with a plastic/paperless pledge is always a good way to kick things off.
Green goodie bags and off-setting your carbon emissions can also make a difference.
Encouraging your guests to get involved can also have a big impact. This could include using public transport to attend your event, committing to a single-use packaging/product-free day and asking them to store any info they need for the day digitally, rather than on a paper copy.

Find the most sustainable event venues in London with our venue finder

If you’re looking to host a sustainable event in London, simply fill out an enquiry form on our website and you’ll hear back from any venue in our portfolio with an event space that fulfils your brief.

If you have any questions about WVC membership, please drop us an email via [email protected].

Historic Conference Venues Bringing the past into future

Posted on 26th February 202430th August 2024 by patchmarketing_info

London is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world. Millions of people travel to London every year to enjoy its buildings, sights and tourist attractions, meaning event organisers planning conferences in the city are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a venue with a story to tell. So, how do you choose the right venue for your event? And why should historic conference venues be on your event shortlist?

Are historic buildings a good choice as conference venues?

The list of things to consider when choosing the perfect historic conference venue is long, but we’ve boiled it down to our top tips for brevity.

The building’s story

If you’re looking for a building with a tale to tell, take the time to investigate its stories. Perhaps the venue was once owned by a famous historical figure, or maybe some very well-known faces once visited, or it might be that a particularly significant event took place within its walls. Communicating these stories to your guests will enhance your relationships and encourage small talk amongst your attendees. It will also help cement the fabulous memories your delegates will have after your conference.

‘Our clients love the historic surroundings and being amongst portraits of well-known scientists, such as Isac Newton or Steven Hawkings.’ says The Royal Society’s Mariana Dumitrascu. ‘Each corner of our event spaces has an exciting story to tell and delegates love to explore and learn during their events.’

Historic conference venue facilities

It’s more than likely that your historic venue wasn’t originally designed with conferences or contemporary events in mind and, while we don’t want to discourage you following your heart once you’ve fallen in love with a property, we would urge you to put your feelings to one side and be ruthless in your analysis of its facilities before you commit to ensure the meeting space is fully equipped for your event.

Is the venue accessible?
What state-of-the-art AV facilities do you have available?
Are there any restrictions in place I should be aware of?
What extent of event branding is possible in the venue?

All properties in the Westminster Venue Collection group have been sympathetically updated, and in some cases re-configured, to meet the needs of hi-tech, high-end events. With many of the buildings having been granted Grade 1 listed status, organisers can also rest assured that maintaining the spaces’ historical importance has been perfectly prioritised providing you with the hi-tech event facilities needed to create a seamless conference experience.

Event venue conference capacities

As every event organiser knows, you can’t ignore the numbers. The most important you need to think about are the budget and venue capacity. If the venue is stretching you too far or doesn’t have enough space for your guest list, you need to move on – even if you’ve already lost your heart to it.

Westminster Venue Collection’s members accommodate a wide range of capacities, search for conference venues using our capacity filter if you have a specific large capacity event in mind.

Central Location

Never underestimate the importance of the location of your venue – whether you’re opting for a historic venue or a contemporary one. Choosing a venue in a convenient location with excellent public transport links will break down one of the first perceived barriers presented to your invitees. If you’ve got guests coming in from further afield who are looking for overnight accommodation, then it’s important to ensure your conference room is situated amongst lots of hotels to suit varying budgets. If you’d like to offer guests nearby accommodation, see which hotels are part of Westminster Venue Collection – you’ll find our referral program will get you the best rates!

You might also want to think about the pre-event and post-event activities your delegates might want to indulge in – think about shopping, theatre, sightseeing and other business opportunities. Being situated in Westminster means our venues benefit from proximity to the River Thames (great for views and attractions) as well as being a short walk or tube ride to Covent Garden.

The corporate event team

Finding an in-house event team with whom you feel a connection is an important factor when choosing a historic conference venue. You’ll come to lean on the venue staff throughout your project and you’ll end up with a very close, working relationship. You will have to place your trust in them, so make sure you’re confident they are people you can work with.

How modern conferences work in historic venues

The juxtaposition of old and new during a modern conference at a historic venue is a powerful tool. Not only does the contrast create fascinating talking points for delegates, it also creates a unique atmosphere which takes people out of their day-to-day head space. Changing people’s environment, particularly for anything unusual or inspiring, is a fabulous way to get creative juices flowing and to encourage them to think outside of the box.

Why host your next event at a historic conference venue

Many historic venues in Westminster aren’t open to the general public, which means hiring one of these buildings for an event – be it a conference, product launch or drinks reception – helps add to its sense of occasion. Your guests will appreciate the exclusive access your event is offering them which will go a long way towards creating a truly memorable day or evening.

Historic Conference Venues in Westminster

If you think Westminster could offer you the perfect historic conference venue for your next event, start shortlisting your favourite venues ready to send your event brief. You will only hear back from the best historic venues in London who can fulfil your requirements. Please feel free to get in touch via [email protected] if you have any questions.

Westminster Venue Collection Announces Showcase Event Theme ‘History on Every Corner’

Posted on 11th August 20232nd September 2024 by patchmarketing_info

The Westminster Venue Collection is thrilled to unveil the theme for its highly anticipated annual showcase event: ‘History on Every Corner.’

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and timeless elegance of our magnificent Westminster venues. Join us as we explore the captivating stories that weave through the streets, squares, and buildings of Westminster, London’s historic heart.

Embrace the Past to Inspire Your Future Events in Westminster

At Westminster Venue Collection, we understand the power of history in creating unforgettable experiences. Our curated selection of prestigious venues boasts a remarkable heritage, with each location holding the key to countless captivating tales. From Thames water-front venues to Georgian townhouses with outstanding views. By choosing ‘History on Every Corner’ as our showcase event theme, we aim to inspire event planners like you to tap into the allure of the past when crafting extraordinary corporate events.

Step into Timeless Venues and Experience Living History

Imagine hosting your next corporate event in a venue that has witnessed centuries of impactful moments. From iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament to hidden gems like One Birdcage Walk, our collection of venues offers you the opportunity to provide a unique event experience like no other. Whether it’s the opulence of a grand ballroom or the intimacy of a historic townhouse, each space tells its own unique story, adding depth and character to your event.

Uncover Hidden Gems and Exclusive Westminster Venues

With ‘History on Every Corner,’ we invite you to discover the hidden gems nestled within the tapestry of Westminster. Explore remarkable venues tucked away from the tourist trail, offering an exclusive experience for your guests. These hidden treasures hold the potential to elevate your events to new heights, providing an intimate atmosphere and an air of exclusivity that will leave a lasting impression on event attendees.

Tailor Your Event to Reflect the Venue’s Legacy

One of the greatest advantages of hosting an event within historical venues is the ability to infuse your theme with its rich legacy. From incorporating period-specific decor and detailing to designing activities that pay homage to the venue’s history, you have countless opportunities to create an immersive experience for your attendees. By far the greatest surprise to clients who choose a Westminster venue is just how much they can tailor the venue to suit the brief and theme.

Whether you’re looking for conference and meeting venues in Westminster, exquisite and unique venues for a party or celebration, or modern spaces for team-building events. Host your next event in the iconic Westminster, London.

We look forward to welcoming many of you to the annual Westminster Venue Showcase event, ‘History on Every Corner’.

Tuesday 12th September 2023, at London Transport Museum.

Complete your request for attendance here.

Church House Westminster: How to plan the perfect Christmas party

Posted on 31st July 20232nd September 2024 by patchmarketing_info

Hands up if you’re already thinking about your work Christmas party? .. You’re not? – well read on anyway (you might find this blog useful at some point).

It’s the one get-together that everyone looks forward to and one of the most important events of the corporate year! Planning the perfect festive event often starts months ahead of the date itself.

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to planning your Christmas party, to ensure you’re the star at the top of the tree (and not the soggy sprout at the bottom of the serving dish)!

It’s never too early to start planning

We recommend starting in spring or summer. First, you’ll need to start by creating an event brief. Consider the various aspects you’ll need to create a memorable evening – list these; and from there; you’ll be able to work out your necessary budget. The following are key when creating your brief:

Venue choice
Catering options
Entertainment
Timings
Event format

Remember to leave yourself some additional budget for contingency! When budgeting and planning an event like this, it’s worth thinking carefully about the type of company you’re planning for and the people that work there. Is a formal, sit-down meal with a dress code the best option? – or would a relaxed, informal occasion with drinks and a buffet be better? The sooner this is all discussed and decided upon, the sooner you can look at venues to hire.

Of course, if you are stuck staring at a blank wall and have absolutely no idea where to start with planning; or simply don’t have the time – our in-house event planners will work through all the options and ideas that will suit you best!

It’s all in the detail….

Whether you’re an event professional, or have a completely different profession (and happen to have been saddled with the (not so small) task of organising your work Christmas party), one fact that remains true, is that it’s all in the details!…. Don’t forget to consider the following when planning your party:

Timings

What time will guests need to arrive – and what methods of transport are available?

Timing can make or break an event – take into account travel times for guests, and their activities prior to attending. Also, ensure that your guests will be able to reach your chosen venue easily, by choosing a venue that is easily accessible.

Food

Choose tantalising options, and remember to ask your guests what their dietary requirements are.

Choosing your menu is an essential element of your event. You can really add to the experience with expertly procured dishes. Luckily our caterers Searcy’s are experts at creating delicious & sustainable dishes for a variety of dietary requirements.

Entertainment

A DJ, a live band, or even a magician can create the right atmosphere and keep your guest engaged.

If you want entertainment, think about whether you’d like a band/singer or a DJ to play music during the evening. You might even want to push the boat out by getting a guest/celebrity speaker to host your event. Think about who will be attending your event; and what appeals to them.

Health Safety, and well-being

Is your venue fully compliant? Have arrangements for your guest’s safety upon departure been made?

Your guests should be made aware of transport links, safe walking routes and registered taxi companies. You may want to suggest the booking of hotels for guests who may be coming from further afield – we recommend the following nearby hotels.

Choosing a venue

When it comes to choosing your venue – you want to select somewhere that will be just as memorable as the event itself!… somewhere that will impress your guests, with an understated sophistication and charm…(it may be a shameless plug – but we think Church House most definitely fits the bill!) There’s a reason we are loved by well-known corporations, celebrities and even the Royal family.

We currently offer our exclusive-use Christmas package in our premier rooms. The Assembly Hall and The Hoare Memorial Hall offer the ideal setting for a Christmas party to remember.

Take advantage of our all-singing (not to forget, dancing) package that includes complimentary use of our cloakroom; a 3-course meal by Searcy’s; and your own dedicated event coordinator & AV technician; among several additional options.

If you would like to speak to us about our packages, and/or book a show round the venue, get in touch here, or call: 020 7390 1590.

IET London: Savoy Place crowned with Best Venue Customer Service accolade at the London Venue and Catering Awards 2022

Posted on 23rd November 20227th August 2024 by engineroom

IET London: Savoy Place has seen success in consecutive years at the London Venue Awards, this year winning Best Venue Customer Service.

In addition, the venue received recognition with a bronze award in the Best Venue for Hybrid Events category, competing against highly respected powerhouses in supplying seamless hybrid meeting spaces.

Hosted at the, now regular, Kia Oval in London on Friday 11 November, the awards and their respective judges acknowledged Savoy Place for its approach to developing a strong culture through its quality customer service and adapting to significant change.

Savoy Place has continued to welcome many high-profile visitors and events in London with the team securing strong relationships built through accessibility, consistent staff training as well as a genuine interest in the STEM clients.

Savoy Place is a venue promoting the constant development of a strong culture and innovative solutions to all event needs. With a 626-guest capacity across two lecture theatres, 14 further event spaces comprising of three floors and a roof terrace overlooking panoramic London views, customers are catered for, via various means.

Celebrating with the team on the day, Sean Spencer, Head of IET Venues and Facilities said: “It’s very rewarding to be recognised for a second year running for both the venue facilities and the outstanding team behind them. During a period of such significant change, it’s no easy feat to deliver so consistently with exceptional customer service across all manner of events, industries and capacities.

“We have such a tenacious and well-structured team, always going above and beyond for each client, which plays a significant role in securing our repeat business. Our best in class service is hard-earned through comprehensive staff training and the strong focus we place on wellbeing, so we’re very proud to receive this prestigious award recognising what we can achieve for our clients when we invest in our people.

“The day was an excellent chance to be amongst some illustrious talents throughout the industry and we congratulate all worthy winners and finalists.”

Explore Savoy Place’s facilities to find out more about hosting your next event at this award-winning London venue.

Regent’s celebrates success at London Venue Awards

Posted on 17th November 20227th August 2024 by engineroom

Regent’s Conferences & Events has been recognised for its unique outdoor space and flexibility, winning the Bronze Award for Best Venue with Outside Space in the London Venue Awards 2022.

The awards, which were presented at The Kia Oval, London on Friday 11 November, aimed to recognise and reward outstanding achievement in London-based venues and catering companies.

The accolade comes after a record-breaking summer of success at Regent’s, as the team evolves its outdoor events offering year-on-year. The past 12 months has been no different. Due to the increasing demand for excess space, the lawns have proven to be incredibly sought after. The venue was virtually booked out by April 2022, but even after inevitable COVID dropouts, rail strikes and cancellations, it still saw 90% occupancy – 30% above target.

The outdoor space is unique in its versatility for events. Perfectly positioned for balancing convenience with secluded privacy in the heart of London, the four acres of gardens are just a few steps away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The expanse of landscaped lawns, paired with a hidden, gated Secret Garden offers a fairy-tale-like setting with wildflowers, lush greenery, and excellent views of the city’s horizon. Concealed by foliage, the hidden space is accessed via a walkway covered by a beautiful pergola.

Responding to the award success, Rafael Azzopardi, Interim Head of Catering and Events said: “To pick up another prestigious award for our summer party offering is testament to the consistency in service and facilities over the past few years. It’s brilliant to have the team’s extraordinary effort over the past 12 months recognised, as they continue to produce outstanding events in our outdoor space, despite all sorts of challenges thrown their way. We are quite fortunate to have such a large, private outdoor area in such a convenient location in London, and visitors are frequently astounded by the venue’s rural setting despite being only a short distance from the bustle of the city.

“It’s undoubtedly a fantastic motivation for the team to deliver another season of memorable outdoor events in 2023, as demand for the summer has already picked up.”

Find out more about Regent’s event space.

Central Hall Westminster hosts ‘The Superpowers of Free School Meals’ conference

Posted on 15th November 20227th August 2024 by engineroom

Central Hall Westminster, part of Central Hall Venues group, played host to The Superpowers of Free School Meals conference, a joint initiative to showcase the benefits of England’s Free School Meals policy, on Tuesday 8th November.

Hosted by Leyla Kazim, BBC Radio 4’s presenter of the Food Programme, the event highlighted the positive effect of the policy from academic attainment to school attendance. The event was held during National School Meals Week by the ‘Feed the Future’ campaign coalition including The Food Foundation, Chefs in Schools, Sustain, Child Poverty Action Group, School Food Matters, National Education Union, Bite Back 2030 and Impact on Urban Health. The campaign is run in partnership with the Independent and in association with the Evening Standard.

Held in the Aldersgate Room and attended by over 150 people, it began with a ‘school lunch’ served up by top chefs Tom Kerridge and Melissa Hemsley. Attendees were given a chance to meet people who have benefited from Free School Meals and young campaigners advocating the advantages of a healthy diet on their long-term well-being and development.

Following lunch, a panel session chaired by Laura Sandys, CBE, Founder of the Food Foundation, discussed how good school food can become a priority for all political parties. A second session chaired by Xand van Tulleken, Doctor and TV presenter, debated the many benefits of Free School Meals. There was also a spoken word performance carried out by youth campaigners and a closing session on the emerging vision and future priorities for a better school food system.

Sarah Ainsworth, CEO of Central Hall Venues, commented: “We were delighted to host The Superpowers of Free School Meals conference at our venue during National School Meals Week and see the wide range of discussions on this important topic. As an organisation which exists purely to maintain our historic buildings such as Central Hall Westminster and donate to charitable causes, we love to host events that align with our values.”