Author: engineroom

It’s time to start thinking about your Christmas party! Whether you’re looking for a traditional festive event with all the trimmings, something a bit different, or even the opportunity to create your own bespoke occasion, we’ve got you covered. Explore the very best Christmas party venues in Westminster.

116 Pall Mall

From South Carolina to central London, 116 Pall Mall is being transformed into the dancehall of your dreams for your Christmas party venue in London. It may be 2021 outside, but they’re throwing it back to the 1920s this Christmas…Celebrate the roaring twenties in style and step back in time as 116 Pall Mall is transformed into an Art Deco masterpiece for your Christmas party 2021. Expect glittering chandeliers in every event space, delicious food and cocktails, incredible entertainment from the Gatsby Girls and much more as part of their Christmas packages and private parties.

It wouldn’t be the ‘20s without some misbehaving, so throw it back to prohibition in the secret cellar wine bar or flaunt your riches in one of the seven beautiful ballrooms – no matter how subtle or sensational you want to go, 116 Pall Mall have flexible party packages and Christmas venues perfect for every occasion.

Find out more and make an enquiry: https://www.116pallmall.com/christmas

10-11 Carlton House Terrace

Enjoy traditional holiday festivities in the Georgian grandeur of 10-11 Carlton House Terrace. Located in the heart of London’s West End, start your celebrations with a tour of the twinkling Christmas lights in Regent Street, Bond Street or St James’s before heading into your own private room for a sumptuous lunch, relaxed reception or evening of fine-dining and revelry. The interiors of 10-11 Carlton House Terrace will leave you feeling merry and bright with their 12ft Christmas tree and beautiful wreaths greeting you on arrival. Party packages start from £90 + VAT and include room hire, delicious food from catering partners Searcys and entertainment from Nathan Hassall Music.

For more information, contact the team at [email protected].

RIBA at 66 Portland Place

RIBA at 66 Portland Place’s popular ‘Build your Own’ Christmas party package has returned for 2021 and is fully customisable to match your taste, budget, and requirements. Having noted a reluctance to opt for fully themed packages in favour of a more bespoke celebration over the last few years, the premise of the ‘Build Your Own’ experience – a subtle nod to RIBA’s architectural roots – is to offer multiple F&B options at different price points, as well as a choice of three architecturally stunning event spaces to suit parties of all sizes. With this taken care of, it gives you more time to be creative with bespoke theming and entertainment!

If you are ready to get your annual Christmas party back in the diary, contact the RIBA team by emailing [email protected] to find out more and secure your preferred date.

Lincoln’s Inn

Set within 11 acres of ‘old Legal London’ architecture, the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn provides the perfect setting for your festive event. Whether it is the magnificence of the Old Hall, one of the finest Tudor buildings in London, or the grandeur of the Great Hall, opened in 1845 by Queen Victoria, the rooms available to hire at Lincoln’s Inn, beautifully dressed for a traditional Christmas, provide the most unique backdrop for a splendid party.

Christmas will be a time to celebrate this year with colleagues and clients alike. Their Events Team have designed exclusive Christmas Party packages starting from just £108 per person. Take the stress out of organising your party this year and let the team at Lincoln’s Inn create a memorable experience and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

To enquire, please email [email protected] or call 0207 405 5969.

IET London: Savoy Place

IET London: Savoy Place offers an exquisite setting in central London to celebrate Christmas. Experience breath-taking views across the River Thames from the Riverside Room and Maxwell Library whilst wrapped up in all the joyous festivities. Get ready to pop the Prosecco, clink your glasses and look out at London’s twinkling skyline as you toast the festive period among colleagues and friends.

Savoy Place offers spectacular all-inclusive Christmas party packages, but you can also speak to one of the team about getting creative and developing your own bespoke event. With trains and transport links right on the doorstep, the venue is perfectly located for all of the team to get home safely after a memorable night in central London.

For more information, contact the Savoy Place team: https://savoyplace.theiet.org/contact-us/

Following a year of exceptional service, innovation and dedication in the events industry, six worthy Westminster Venue Collection venues have been recognised as finalists in the 2021 London Venue Awards, taking place on 19 November 2021.

The London Venue Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional quality of venues in the city. The awards comprise of 20 categories and are judged independently by leading industry professionals.

The Westminster Venue Collection members that have been shortlisted are:

• IET London: Savoy Place for Best Events Venue up to 750 Attendees and Best Conference Venue Facilities
• QEII Centre for Best Events Venue over 750 Attendees, Best Client Support During Covid-19, Most Versatile London Venue, and Best London Venue Covid-19 Response
• Regent’s Conferences & Events for Best Summer Party Venue
• RSA House for Best Client Support During Covid-19, Most Versatile London Venue, and Best London Covid-19 Response
• Church House Westminster for Best Staff Support During Covid-19 and Best London Venue Covid-19 Response
• RIBA at 66 Portland Place for Most Versatile London Venue

Find out more about the awards and the finalists: https://londonvenueawards.co.uk/finalists-2021/

London’s leading conference and events venue, The QEII Centre, is to host the Family Firm Institute’s (FFI) annual global conference on 21 and 22 October.

It will be the first time the conference, which brings together the most influential leaders in the field of family-owned companies and has run since 1988, will take place at QEII.

FFI is working with academic host Cambridge Judge Business School to deliver the two-day in-person event titled Shaping Futures: Evolve, Emerge, Engage.

Delegates will be invited to attend keynotes from Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, Christoph Loch, director of Cambridge Judge Business School and ‘futurenaut’ Mark Stevenson, take part in breakout sessions covering a wide range of areas of family business and celebrate the accomplishments of the FFI’s membership.

The in-person conference, which will be held in The QEII Centre’s Churchill and Pickwick rooms and across the second floor, follows the FFI’s two-day virtual conference on 18 and 19 October.

The FFI annual global conference is open to anyone involved in family business. For more details on the conference, or to register to attend the in-person event at The QEII Centre visit  https://digital.ffi.org/ffi-global-conference//

After the success of their jazz nights over the summer, 116 Pall Mall is bringing them back in the Champagne Bar on the first Thursday of every month.

Starting 7 October, join 116 Pall Mall for an evening of smooth rhythms in sumptuous surroundings – with a delicious cocktail list, a new bar menu and of course, live jazz.

Starting at 6.30pm, the jazz nights are open to members and non-members. Bring your friends and family to enjoy food and drinks from their new menus while you sit back and enjoy the show.

Tickets are free for the first event on the 7 October. Book now while availability lasts: https://www.sevenrooms.com/events/116pallmall

Church House Westminster has launched a new instant event package to help event organisers find last-minute venue hire solutions until the end of 2021.

The venue stands ready to instantly facilitate daytime conferences by offering a ready-to-go all-inclusive conference package with both room hire and audio-visual equipment for in-person events from £6,385.

Event organisers can choose to include live streaming with a £1,495 bolt-on or make the conference hybrid with a £2,000 supplement.

The move follows an influx of last-minute venue hire requests in recent months expertly organised by the venue team, which boasts both in-situ event planners and technologists.

Late availability dates and packages can be found on the Church House website: https://churchhouseconf.co.uk/offers/

With lead times for events seemingly getting shorter since the pandemic, RIBA at 66 Portland Place has seen an increase in demand for its ‘Build Your Own’ packages as organisers look to book last-minute meetings and team catch ups.

Whether it’s a small-scale leadership meeting or an all-company AGM, RIBA’s ‘Build Your Own’ meeting package – a subtle nod to its architectural roots – has been designed to simplify the organisation of an in-person or hybrid event. A range of food & beverage options set at multiple price points to suit budget and taste are available, as well as a choice of fully equipped rooms featuring Art Deco details and all the necessary AV facilities for large, mid-sized and intimate meetings.

Organising a last-minute event is no mean feat but the ‘Build Your Own’ packages are the perfect option for organisers needing to create a successful and memorable event experience at short notice. To find out more about the ‘Build Your Own’ event packages and availability, email [email protected].

To celebrate IET London: Savoy Place’s exciting new catering partnership with Searcys, the venue is giving away bottles of their finest Champagne when you book a show-round this September.

Explore the incredible event spaces at Savoy Place with an exclusive guided tour of its meeting rooms, lecture theatres and stunning Johnson Roof Terrace offering panoramic city views, ideal for events ranging from conferences to training days.

To claim your mouth-watering prize, simply quote “September Champers” when booking a show-round and claim your bottle at the end of the tour.

Find out more and book a free show-round here: https://savoyplace.theiet.org/news/latest-news/champagne-giveaway/

T&Cs apply – only one bottle can be claimed per person.

Westminster Venue Collection is delighted to welcome Westminster Boating Base as its newest member venue.

After an incredibly challenging year for the events industry, the collection of London venues is witnessing a steady growth in enquiries from both event planners and prospective new member venues.

Joining the consortium, Westminster Boating Base is a unique, spacious venue with unparalleled views across the Thames, located in the picturesque Pimlico Gardens. The main room, ideal for wedding receptions, dinners and launches, boasts floor to ceiling windows and a full-length balcony extending over the river, ensuring a space filled with natural light and maximising the unmissable views.

The smaller Edgson Room also benefits from a river terrace, this versatile space is perfect for pre-dinner receptions, conference break outs, wedding ceremonies or to dance the night away as it has a built-in lighting rig.

The spacious outdoor Pavilion with wrap-around terraces also offers an ideal setting for receptions and parties. For an added unique benefit of the venue, there is a private pier for unforgettable travel to and from the venue, taking in the sights of the River Thames.

As a registered charity, the venue hire fee directly supports Westminster Boating Base Trust’s charitable activities for disadvantaged young people to aid personal and social development through water-sports. The venue is managed and exclusively catered by acclaimed London venue caterers, The Admirable Crichton.

On the decision to join Westminster Venue Collection, Ruth Lawton-Owen, Managing Director of The Admirable Crichton said: “Joining Westminster Venue Collection was always top of our to do list when we took over the management of Westminster Boating Base. We are delighted to become part of this prestigious collection of venues and very much look forward to working together.”

The Chair of Westminster Venue Collection, Rachel Azzopardi, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming the idyllic riverside Westminster Boating Base to our collection. As a destination, Westminster offers great variety and it’s so exciting to be adding yet another venue that’s so different from the already unique portfolio we have.  After recent challenging times it is encouraging that the demand for venues to become members of consortia is once again growing, and the enthusiasm the Westminster Boating Base team have shown already is a fantastic addition for us.”

To view the entire collection or to find out more, please visit www.wvc.london.

As the industry opens up and we can now once again host meetings in person, explore the superb range of meeting spaces and facilities that Westminster’s finest venues have to offer.

RIBA
The Aston Webb room at RIBA at 66 Portland Place is part of the original 1934 building and reflects the unique character of the venue, which is renowned for representing the best of British Architecture. This space is popular for VIP events, committee, or boardroom-style meetings, with capacity for up to 22 guests.

The Aston Webb room is located on the second floor of the building and is accessed via 66 Portland Place’s stunning marble staircase, which makes for an incredibly grand entrance route for guests! With walls lined with leather and joinery in Indian laurel wood, the Aston Webb room exudes a stately, mid-century vibe with period features galore, and is complemented by large windows that fill the space with an abundance of natural daylight and a grand view of the tree-lined Portland Place.

QEII Centre
Located on the fifth floor of the QEII Centre, the Hawking is an ideal meetings space as it can accommodate 25 at full capacity. A versatile space, it can be used for standalone meetings or as a syndicate space for larger conferences and events. It can also be set up in several different layouts including boardroom, u-shape and cabaret.

Alternatively, the Burton is a highly adaptable space that can be used as a standalone meeting room, syndicate space or in combination with other 2nd floor spaces for larger meetings. Hire of the Burton includes the adjoining Redgrave, which provides the option to increase capacity beyond 40 or as a catering space.

Holding your meeting in either room will enable you to take advantage of the large windows that provide excellent natural light and an impressive backdrop, which includes Westminster Abbey. The QEII Centre’s in-house team QEII Taste are on hand to support your meeting, with catering to suit your needs whether you require breakfast, tea and coffee or lunch, while their AV team QEII Live offers state of the art AV technology and onsite support for your meeting.

RSA House
The Prince Philip Room at RSA House is a beautifully decorated and spacious first-floor event space, blending traditional characteristics with modern convenience. The room features impressive audio-visual equipment, making it a suitable location for virtual and hybrid meetings.

The original Adam ceiling with painted roundels offers a stunning focus to the room, as well as large windows allowing plenty of natural daylight in. The space can accommodate 30 guests when set up as a boardroom and encompasses multiple built-in screens and cameras, with great emphasis on getting the best sound quality for remote participants. The equipment is all controlled very simply via an iPad. Audio and video conferencing packages are available on request.

In 2012 the Prince Philip Room was named after HRH Duke of Edinburgh to mark his long-standing service as the President of the Society from 1952. Formerly named the Adelphi Room, this room was originally the dining room of the Adelphi Tavern.

IET London: Savoy Place
The Wedmore Boardroom is a modern, high-tech London event space provides an air-conditioned, premium executive meeting room on the first floor for private or corporate events and senior/CEO level meetings. Up to 26 delegates can meet comfortably in the state-of-the-art boardroom with natural daylight, spectacular views over the Thames and cutting-edge audio-visual equipment.

An impressive space, the meeting room comes with an in-built wall-mounted flat-screen 95” HD display, 6x 55” relay screens and first-class connectivity services for video conferencing and live streaming. It’s Bose sound system provides a clear and professional facility for slick events.

View the whole collection of WVC meeting rooms here.

This year, for many reasons, organising a corporate Christmas party will be a chance to bring teams together in real life, to connect again after a year of meeting behind screens.

First things first, finalise your budget. Take a look at previous Christmas parties and compare what you offered that year and what you’d like to offer this year.

Find a venue with a convenient central location near major tube and overland stations, making it easy for guests to access the venue and plan safe journeys to head back home after the party.

Confirm the date and timings. Some guests may need to leave earlier, so ensure that they don’t miss the big entertainment acts of the evening.

Make a night of it and offer guests a preferential corporate rate at a nearby hotel for overnight stays. Ask us about the local hotels we have partnered with for multi-day conferences, awards dinners, and evening parties.

Decide on a theme and make sure to feature it in your invitations and throughout your pre-event communications. Here are a few of our favourite corporate Christmas party themes that work a treat at Church House Westminster:

• A Gatsby Christmas:  welcome to a decadent speakeasy featuring a jazz band to celebrate the Roaring Twenties with a cheeky Charleston or two.
• Christmas through the decades: from Nina Simone to Nicki Minaj, this evening will take your guests all the way through the 60s to now.
• Christmas Luau: Aloha from Hawaii, a holiday theme featuring grass skirts, tropical tastes, and beach vibes.
• A Christmas Masquerade Ball: a different kind of mask (thank goodness!), be it with a Mardi Gras or Venetian twist.

Carefully choose menus and drinks to match. An informal reception party might be a preferred option depending on your guests, compared to an elaborate sit-down dinner. Arrange a complimentary menu tasting with our team.

Confirm the entertainment. Guided by your theme, we’d be delighted to recommend a range of creative options for you to consider.

Add a hybrid event element to ensure those who are not able to attend in person, can join online. Ask our team about creating online experiences for virtual guests.

Finally, relax as our venue team makes sure that your festive party goes like clockwork as your guests enjoy an immersive party experience.

For more information about corporate Christmas party planning, please contact the team via the contact form or call 020 7390 1590 to discuss your event.