Category: Entertainment

Church House Westminster invests in the future!

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Church House Westminster has invested a further £330,000 in state-of-the-art AV services – installing 4K dual projection in its largest room, the Assembly Hall as well as upgrading its sound system.

Installed in August, the new sound and projection system, which enables clients to choose from a range of high quality screen layouts, were used for the first time during The Art Business Conference on Thursday, 1 September. All projection is now in 16:9 widescreen format, in line with PowerPoint 2010 and beyond. The venue can also now provide 4K projection on a standard screen or up to 8k image on an ultra-wide screen. Clients can choose between a curved wide screen, an extra wide screen, a centre screen stage set or a dual screen stage set.

The new investment opens up a whole new range of opportunities for Church House Westminster’s clients to enhance their content and delegate experience by delivering high quality images and video, and by providing them with the ability to project multiple images on screen at any one time. The new stage will also allow far more versatility and flexibility for the increasing range of events that are delivered at Church House Westminster.

The venue has always invested in high specification equipment and infrastructure. Currently this includes high speed networked internet services via fibre and cat 6 cabling enabling delivery of video conferencing, and IPTV video relay. Church House Westminster also provides broadcast quality HD recording and streaming services and has an editing suite to produce professional videos.

To find out more about Church House Westminster or to make a booking enquiry click here.

Central Hall Westminster launches new virtual reality experience in China

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Central Hall Westminster announced the launch of its new virtual reality (VR) experience during a week-long visit to China.

It was showcased at the IT&CM Exhibition Shanghai, the Department of Commerce in Zhejiang Province and at a meeting with the team at Alibaba HQ Hangzhou.

Central Hall’s new virtual reality technology aims to showcase the venue’s versatility and range of event spaces to both international and UK buyers. The VR experience not only enables viewers to get a 360 degree view of the event spaces on offer throughout the central London venue in a virtual show-round, but also features a variety of live events scenarios as a fully immersive viewing experience. VR live events include the BBC’s New Year’s Bryan Adam’s concert 2015, amongst other high profile events.

Paul Southern, Managing Director at Central Hall Westminster, said: “This has been an exciting development for us at Central Hall. Our ability to harness this technology and connect the venue to the most remote places in China, and indeed anywhere else in the world we take it, is an extraordinary advance within our sales process. We anticipate that this will help to strengthen our position within the Chinese market as we continue to develop relationships in this sector.”

Maria Schuett, Head of Marketing at Central Hall Westminster, added: “The objective is to support our clients to conceptualise their ideas within our flexible event spaces, not replace the physical experience. The new virtual reality package, showcasing various layouts, productions and visual settings, adds a new dimension to those earlier discussions with clients.”

The VR experience has been created by Trek Wireless, creators of interactive digital assets for the retail and hospitality industries that work seamlessly across PC, tablet, mobile and VR devices. For further information about Central Hall’s virtual reality offering please visit https://www.c-h-w.com/vr.

Increase in UK-based filming for big productions at One Great George Street

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Historic Westminster venue One Great George Street witnessed a marked increase in filming bookings in 2015 with location managers for the BBC TV series The Night Manager, the film War Machine starring Brad Pitt and Wonder Woman all choosing to use the venue.

Shedding some light on this trend, Charles Somers of Charles Somers Locations, the Location Manager for Wonder Woman, said: “The UK tax incentive, combined with easy access to top rate crews and facilities, in conjunction with favourable exchange rates, make it highly likely that the trend for major US features to film in the UK will continue throughout 2016 and beyond.”

Mr Somers noted that there were many unique aspects to the venue that set it apart from other filming locations. He said: “The quality of the architecture combined with the proportions of the rooms gives One Great George Street the unique position of being one of the best locations in London for the type of scene we were filming.”

He added: “The building works on so many levels, not just from a creative point of view but also from a logistical standpoint. We were able to accommodate all the other departments inside the location, such as background artists costume, make-up and wardrobe, as well as the crew and crowd dining areas, which helps make the day run very smoothly for the location department.”

Find out more at http://www.onegreatgeorgestreet.com/news-centre/press-release/2016/a-wonderful-venue-for-wonder-woman/

Lights, camera, action at One Great George Street

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One Great George Street has added to its filming credentials as it was chosen as the location for upcoming film War Machine – a satire of America’s war with Afghanistan.

The American comedy war film, which is directed and written by David Michôd, is based on the non-fiction book ‘The Operators’ by Michael Hastings and features Brad Pitt.

War Machine’s Location Manager Tony Hood shares his experience of working with One Great George Street’s Special Events Team: “There are a number of stunning rooms within the building but what really sets the venue apart is the helpful nature of the event staff who have everything covered. It is unusual in Central London to find a single location that has such an extensive range of film-worthy spaces, and additionally the room to house the various elements of the production to allow us to shoot out the scenes quickly and efficiently.”

War Machine follows hot on the heels of the current BBC thriller series, The Night Manager, which was also filmed at One Great George Street.

To find out more please visit http://oggsvenue.com/

Cowdray Hall at 20 Cavendish Square welcomes major fashion house showcases

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With London Fashion Week kicking off this month, there is a definite sense of style in the air and 20 Cavendish Square’s newly refurbished Cowdray Hall has captured the attention of the fashion world with such big names as Ralph Lauren, L.K Bennett and Two Danes showcasing their collections at the venue.

Cowdray Hall is an elegant yet flexible space with high ceilings ideal to design a spectacular catwalk or presentation. Alongside it the Council Room has a rich decoration of dark wood panelling, carved pilasters and a beautiful glass domed ceiling, making it an impressive backdrop for a showroom or photoshoot.

Exciting times lie ahead for the venue as London Fashion Week takes off towards the end of this month. For more information please check the venue’s new Fashion at 20 Cavendish Square page.

Winter markets, Charleston balls, parties in the Crypt: Christmas 2015 in Westminster

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Turn back the clocks at RIBA Venues this Christmas

Have a roaring ‘20s Christmas party at RIBA Venues for just £65.00 per guest! Use your secret password and enter through huge bronze doors, speakeasy style. Then make your way to the roof top Wren Room. Party the night away with bowl food and unlimited drinks while enjoying the sparkling lights of London and its iconic landmarks. Treat your 50 to 120 guests this Christmas to a festive celebration they won’t forget.

Bubbles on us at Army and Navy Club!

Book your Christmas party on any of these dates and enjoy a complimentary Army & Navy Club Champagne upgrade (from the sparkling wine option): Fri 4, Tue 15, Wed 16, Fri 18 December.

Parties are also available throughout January 2016, with a minimum of 20 guests, at £75 per person to include: a glass of Army & Navy Club Champagne, a three-course menu, coffee and mince pies, ½ bottle of Club wine, mineral water, room hire, microphone for speeches (if required), festive crackers and VAT.

To redeem this offer just mention ‘TWC’ at the time of enquiry.

Santa and slopes at No. 11 Cavendish Square

After a day on the slopes or just a day in the office, enjoy a well-deserved après-ski as No.11 Cavendish Square transforms into a Ski Lodge this Christmas. Guests will be warmly welcomed into the alpine Lodge with burning fire places, antlers and wooden decoration galore. Enjoy the views of the beautiful Northern Lights while you sip on mulled cider or sparkling wine.

As the atmosphere builds, you will be taken to The Glass House where a superb dinner created by the venue’s in-house caterers (Ampersand) will be served. You can then dance the night away while enjoying drinks from the Lodge bar.

Jingle Bell Rock at Conrad London St James

Conrad London St James is offering up all the best and most traditional things about Christmas all wrapped up in two neat packages: The Christmas Cracker lunch package and The Jingle Bell Rock dinner package. Lunch events are £70pp and you can enjoy an evening affair for £95pp. Both packages include a three-course meal and room hire and both can be tailored to your individual needs.

Christmas markets and 1920s Charleston ball at 8 Northumberland Avenue

You can take it for granted that your 2015 Christmas party at 8 Northumberland Avenue will be a ball with not one, but two festive themes. The team is fizzing with creativity, devising elegant, original and seamless events so you don’t have to. They are bringing the outside inside this winter in the Old Billiard Room and Annex with a Christmas Market feel. Twinkling lights, snowy boughs and lashings of mulled wine make for an evening of rosy-cheeked charm and traditional festive fun, all in the bustling heart of London.

The 1920s are roaring again in the elegant, Charleston age-inspired Ballroom this Christmas. From the moment you enter the room through a giant draped curtain you are transported to another time. It’s all about dizzying decadence, gilded glamour and full-on fun, with an immaculately restored Victorian Ballroom as a backdrop.

St James Theatre brings you a cabaret Christmas

Looking for a unique venue for your Christmas gathering? How about one of London’s hottest cabaret venues, St James Theatre? They have selected Christmas dates now available in their intimate Studio space, with packages starting from just £1,600+VAT.

The Studio is a wonderful live entertainment space that lends itself to becoming a flexible and self-contained corporate events venue. With a private bar, purpose-built stage space and built-in AV and lighting, the Studio offers a unique space to hold your Christmas gathering. The venue can hold up to 100 seated and 20 standing.

St. James’ Court, a Taj hotel, presents Alice in Wonderland

This year, hold your Christmas party in Wonderland with St James’ Court’s special Alice in Wonderland themed Christmas party package.

Look forward to classic festivities with a Wonderland twist in their opulently decorated banqueting rooms and stunning Shakespearean Courtyard. Prices start from £110pp so don’t be late for this very important date!

15% off Christmas at The Law Society

A Christmas party in London’s most beautiful hidden gem, The Law Society, is a warm and inviting setting for an enchanting Christmas party. Christmas packages start from £73+VAT per person and include everything you could need for an amazing festive celebration, including superb catering, a sparkling wine reception and unlimited wine, bottled beer and soft drinks throughout, DJ and dance floor.

This flexible venue will be all yours to use as you wish for your best Christmas party yet. As a special offer they are offering you an exclusive discount of 15% off Christmas party packages. Simply quote TWCXMAS15.

Glamorous festivities at One Great George Street

Enjoy your festive lunch with family, friends and colleagues in a magnificent central London building. Tucked away behind One Great George Street’s stunning four-domed Edwardian facade, Brasserie One is a hidden gem set apart with friendly staff, formidable food and a wine list to please every palate. Party packages start from £87.00pp and include Christmas novelties and a three-course set menu with wine.

Cracking Christmas offers at St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields has a new sumptuous space for private dining and small group gatherings of up to 20 people. Located downstairs in the Crypt, The Apse is a circular recess and an original feature of this iconic church designed by architect James Gibbs.

The interior of the Apse has been fitted with beautiful furniture designed and created by British craftspeople. The Apse is an exciting addition to the range of St Martin’s spaces available to hire for parties, receptions, launches, conferences and meetings. To complement the event spaces St Martin’s has a special festive party package, called the Christmas Cracker, which offers guests the opportunity to party the night away in the heart of Trafalgar Square from £70 per person. For further information email [email protected].

Party til dawn this Christmas at The Athenaeum

Few places in the world are as enchanting as London at Christmas and the Athenaeum is perfectly placed in the heart of it all, nestling between the edge of Victorian Mayfair and the Royal Parks.

Make your Christmas party your own and chose from festive afternoon teas, champagne receptions or a decadent five course meal. Christmas private dining menus come with festive party favours, Christmas decorations and include room hire.

Menus start from £45pp and it doesn’t have to end there. Carry on the party and spend the night with 10% off all overnight stays for guests dining from the Private Dining Menus from 16 November to 24 December 2015! Simply Quote ‘ATHXMAS’ when enquiring.

Party in the new-look IET London: Savoy Place

Partygoers will be some of the first to experience Christmas hospitality at IET London: Savoy Place following the venue’s £32m refurbishment and two-year closure.

After its re-launch in November, guests can choose from newly refurbished rooms the Heritage Library, with two private balconies, or the Riverside Room and Roof Terrace. Both spaces offer unique panoramic views across London, including 360-degree views from the expansive Roof Terrace.

Enjoy a sparkling wine drinks reception with festive nibbles in your private room, followed by a three-course seated festive menu with coffee and petit fours, before taking to the dance floor to dance the night away.

Available from £95 + VAT per person, there is a minimum requirement of 80 guests in the Heritage Library and 150 guests in the Riverside Room. The package includes dining room hire from 18:00-23:00, half a bottle of house wine, festive table decorations and PA system and microphone.

Festive films at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly

BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, the iconic headquarters of the famous awards is the perfect venue for a unique and luxurious Christmas celebration. Guests are welcomed for a special festive screening, with the choice of seasonal classics such as It’s A Wonderful Life or an upcoming blockbuster like Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Refreshments and the food experience can be themed to match the chosen film. Prices start from £70.00pp+VAT (based on 200 guests) and a dedicated team will be on hand to help plan every element of the evening, BAFTA 195 is the ideal destination for a show-stopping Christmas event.

How to plan live music at outdoor events

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By Susan Heaton-Wright at Viva Live Music

Spring is now upon us and plenty of events are being organised for the summer. If live music is something you’re considering, here are 7 top tips to consider to ensure the venue is suitable and prepared and your musicians are well looked after:

1. Rain. Living in the United Kingdom, we are used to a variety of weather, even in the summer and it is wise and sensible to have a ‘plan B’ in place, in case it suddenly rains. In the case of musicians, there are health and safety issues when they are using electrical equipment and rain. If you insist they play outside, there must be cover of the equipment and instruments to avoid accidents. Also, many stringed instruments (e.g. violins, harps) will be damaged by rain, even a drop. Since these are very valuable, no string player will want to risk their instrument being damaged, so if in any doubt about the weather, provide temporary cover as a precaution. A good music company like Viva Live Music will advise you about this before the event.

2. Sunshine. Of course we want sunshine at your event! However, for some instrumentalists, this is a hazard. String instruments, in particular, could be damaged by direct sunlight and understandably musicians get jumpy if they are asked to play outside in sunshine. Provide a canopy or gazebo for the musicians to be seated under, or shade, then they’ll be happy. For bands, direct sunlight could cause hazard to their equipment, so do discuss this with the band before the event and if necessary provide shade or a gazebo.

3. Temperatures. If it is really hot, your musicians could wilt in heat; make sure you provide them with plenty of water and soft drinks! If it is cold, some musicians will struggle to keep their fingers moving after a period of time and instruments are more difficult to keep in tune. If necessary allow them to wear gloves and warmer clothing and provide a warm place for them to thaw out between their sets!

4. Access to power. Jazz bands, bands, dancers and singers require power. Make sure there is access to power sockets and have a discussion with your entertainment prior to the event and include this in your planning schedule. A good music company like Viva Live Music will highlight this requirement early on in the negotiation. Remember that any power provision must reach health and safety standards.

5. Noise levels. Some venues and localities have noise restrictions; either they are decibel level restrictions or timing restrictions. Some venues have a meter that measures decibel levels. It cuts off the power when music goes over this level. There is a venue in Hertfordshire that allows DJs and discos, but not ANY instrument, including a harp or string quartet, which are definitely quieter! So it is worthwhile checking what restrictions, if any, there are when planning. Ensure you inform the musicians and entertainers before the event to warn them.

6. Acoustics. Sound bounces on walls, but gets lost in a big field unless you have very powerful sound systems to enhance the sound. If you place an acoustic string quartet in the middle of a field, their beautiful sound is likely to be lost. Within a small space, such as a courtyard, any sound, including guests speaking, will be amplified. This is important if there are noise restrictions. An acoustic instrument like an accordion will sound louder than in a larger space. Take advice from your entertainment provider and if necessary place entertainment in a good spot to make the most of their music.

7. Wind. Wind plays havoc on sound! If you have been to an outdoor concert when there is strong wind, it sometimes affects the sound and quality of the music and entertainment. For musicians who have music, they always worry their music will blow away. If you can, put musicians in a sheltered place. They will provide clips for their music, but any shelter helps!

For bands and entertainment requiring sound systems, speak to the sound engineers so they have contingency plans in place to alter speaker locations if necessary.

We hope you have a great time organising your event and will use live music entertainment outside as part of your event! To discuss options for live entertainment, please talk to Viva Live Music.

Westminster Spotlight: Jaunty St James’s

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Pull on your finely tailored suit and slide your favourite Cuban cigar into your pocket before you walk your dapper self through the wealthy district of St. James’s, an exquisitely presented neighbourhood with a retained 17th century exclusiveness that sees it home to a warren of grand hotels, corporate headquarters and gentleman’s clubs.

Find moreish delis and wine merchants, bespoke tailors and leather goods suppliers in and amongst art galleries, jewellers and restaurants on Jermyn Street and St James’s Street, before ogling posters of popular productions in residence outside the famed theatres lining Haymarket.

Moments from pretty Green Park and aristocratic Pall Mall, is St James’s Palace, a busy working palace which contains the London residences of The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William and Prince Harry. To its eastern side is iconic road The Mall which ceremoniously frames the route to Buckingham Palace in all its grandeur and provides entry to the tranquil, landscaped greenery of St James’s Park, the oldest of the capital’s eight Royal Parks, with its sociable wildlife and picture perfect lake.

Millions of Londoners and tourists from near and far visit the district of St James’s every year to witness such spectacular pageants as Trooping the Colour (13 June this year) and community sporting events as the London Marathon (26 April) and the lure of this destination doesn’t fail to bring in the business tourist too. It’s a heartland for global conferences and corporate get-togethers, exclusive awards ceremonies and parties.

10-11 Carlton House TerraceAmongst our favourite venues is 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, a Roman Classical styled terrace dating back to the 1820s. It was built on the order of the Prince Regent, who later became George IV, with a desire in mind for its residents to enjoy far-reaching views of St James’s Park. Both number 10 and 11 were private homes to such high profile members of society as Prime Minister Gladstone and it was at the onset of World War I that the residents of number 10 opened up their home as a hospital for injured officers.

Despite bad damage sustained to the terrace during World War II, much of the venue’s interior remains intact and today, its characterful rooms house both the British Academy and all number of conferences, meetings, dinners and receptions for up to 600. You might even recognise the venue’s façade as the Diogenes Club from the BBC’s recent Sherlock Holmes series and as a stately home to the period drama Mr Selfridge.

116 Pall MallAnother of John Nash’s architectural feats is the Grade I listed 116 Pall Mall, the Institute of Directors’ headquarters with many a story to tell to excite the event planner looking for glory and heritage under one attractive roof. The Dark Knight, Ghandi and Foyles War were all filmed at the venue and it is one of only a small number of London locations that conceals a large, private garden perfect for outdoor events. Light the 20 original cast iron flambeaux that surround the venue for atmospheric evening illumination.

Find magnificent original paintings of the Regency period on the balcony of 116, many reflecting the naval and military history of the building and include two 16-foot wide oils depicting the Battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar and portraits of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Marvel then at the magnificent 15-foot, hand-made Regency chandelier which was presented as a gift to the club by George IV in the early 19th century to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.

With ability to cater for capacities of 10 to 400 people, 116 Pall Mall’s exquisite function rooms range from the elaborate and traditional to the understated, all revealing stunning Regency architecture and spectacular works of art. They can be hired individually or as interlinking combinations of spaces, all receiving natural light.

Army & Navy Club afternoon teaFor something altogether more leisurely, why not treat yourself or your clients to an afternoon of indulgence by escaping to the elegant surrounds of the Army & Navy Club’s Ladies’ Drawing Room for one of the most sensational, quintessentially British afternoon teas you’ll find in the area. Savoury treats and sweet delicacies entice and delight – choose from chilled, still fruit tea, strawberry dusted vanilla marshmallow, passion fruit and vanilla Catherine Wheels, lemon macaroons and British apple meringue pies – while traditional favourites, exquisite sandwiches and freshly-baked scones complete the enchanting experience. Priced at £38 per person, it’s an affordable treat for you and friends or colleagues. Just be sure to book at least 48 hours ahead by contacting Elana Kruger on [email protected].

The Westminster Collection brings together some of the finest and most unusual venues right across the City of Westminster, all located in zone one. Explore the venues we represent here, or use our interactive map to search by location.

Behind-the-scenes film photography exhibition at BAFTA

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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced that BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, its headquarters in London and home of its membership worldwide, will open its doors to the public to showcase ‘BAFTA, Backstage’, the latest photographic exhibition from the BAFTA archive.

Supported by Deutsche Bank Asset & Wealth Management, ‘BAFTA, Backstage’ opens to BAFTA members and their guests from Monday 19 January and then to the public on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January 2015.

Showcasing over 80 images, the exhibition features the work of eight photographers who have covered BAFTA’s Film Awards in the past, with reportage and portrait photography of leading film talent.

The selection of photography includes Annette Bening, Banksy, Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, Chris Hemsworth, Colin Firth, Daniel Day Lewis, Daniel Radcliffe, Danny Boyle, Dev Patel, Emma Watson, Felicity Jones, Frieda Pinto, Gary Oldman, Goldie Hawn, Helena Bonham Carter, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Hudson, Jeremy Renner, Kate Winslet, Kenneth Branagh, Kevin Spacey, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, Mickey Rourke, Noel Clarke, Sharon Stone, Samuel L Jackson, Tom Hardy, Leonardo Di Caprio and this year’s EE Rising Star nominee, Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

The eight featured photographers are Brits Ian Derry, Sarah Dunn, Phil Fisk, Charlie Gray, Rich Hardcastle, Ellis Parrinder and Greg Williams, and Canadian Jessie Craig. The exhibition will also include the awards photography of Michael Barrett, Doug McKenzie, Richard Kendal, Jonathan Birch, David Dettman, Stephen Butler and Marc Hoberman.

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “Our latest exhibition, ’BAFTA, Backstage’, is a stunning collection of photography from the BAFTA archive. It features film’s biggest names captured by some of the very best photographers working in the UK today, so I encourage everyone to come along and enjoy a small selection from our archive as we open our doors to the public on 24 and 25 January, ahead of the EE British Academy Film Awards on 8 February.”

Supporting art and artists has been a focus of Deutsche Bank’s cultural activities for more than 30 years. Its cultural program – which spans music, theatre and the visual arts – is driven by a belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience culture regardless of race, social background and education.

Tickets to the exhibition are free of charge and can be booked through http://bafta-backstage.eventbrite.co.uk. The exhibition opens from 10.00 to 19.00 on both Saturday 24 January and Sunday 25 January with last admissions at 18.00. Tickets for the exhibition will be available, with admission at 30 minute intervals. At 14.30 on both 24 and 25 January, a Q&A will take place with the featured photographers.

New suppliers, new venues as The Westminster Collection prepares for its 2015 events programme

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The Westminster Collection (TWC), London’s venue marketing consortium, is delighted to welcome a selection of new venues and suppliers to membership.

Accomplished event photographer Karolina Krasuska specialises in music, event and editorial photography and has over 10 years’ experience in the field, with established long-term relationships with clients that include Toni & Guy, Pernod Ricard UK and IFC. Renowned for her contemporary, edgy style and ability to capture the energy of an event, she has covered London Fashion Week for seven years and she also worked with TWC at its Destination Westminster venue showcase in October 2014, which was held at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly.

Mobile bar specialist The Bar Bazaar provides high quality event bars, reception desks, food service stations and all manner of stylish event bar solutions to venues and clients including The Brit Awards, the V&A and Jimmy Choo. The bars are custom built offering bespoke finishes and layouts and they can be branded thanks to the company’s exceptional in-house production facilities.

The Event Hire Company provides exclusive furniture, kitchen equipment and accessories for hire to both the private and public sectors and has experience of a wide variety of events, including corporate hospitality, weddings, exhibitions and conferences. The team is expert in providing a wealth of knowledge and seamless pre- to post-event service to a client portfolio that includes Team GB, The City of London, John Lewis, BBC and ITV. The Event Hire Company was also a supplier to Destination Westminster at BAFTA and enjoys established relationships with a number of venues within TWC membership.

New to the collection’s portfolio of venues is St James Theatre, the first newly-built theatre complex in Central London in 30 years. Located just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, it plays host to cabaret, comedy, music and theatre with current shows including the critically acclaimed Bad Jews.

The theatre is a perfect venue for product launches, private screenings and for more intimate creative workshops. It’s only a few minutes from Victoria station and boasts an intimate 312-seat theatre available for daytime events and a flexible 100-seat studio, a wonderful live entertainment space that lends itself to becoming a flexible and self-contained corporate events venue. The St. James Bar and Brasserie and the Carrara Restaurant offer a range of stylish, informal dining options.

Another recent re-joiner of TWC, after a break from membership, is the award-winning QEII Centre, newly refurbished as part of a £12 million rebranding and renovation project. The iconic venue, which sits opposite Westminster Abbey, is boldly re-establishing its wow factor within the global events industry, now offering a more modern and stylish environment for the 400+ national and international events that are hosted there each year. It provides the ideal central London location for high profile conferences, conventions, exhibitions and corporate events with impressive capacity for up to 2,500 delegates.

Karin Parkinson, TWC board director and Central Hall Westminster’s facilities and administration manager, said: “We wish a very warm welcome to our new venues and partners, who have already shown real eagerness and commitment to becoming active members of The Westminster Collection’s network of venues and suppliers. Through our energetic 2015 marketing communications programme, we look forward to assisting in bringing their services to the attention of prospective new clients.”

TWC will shortly look forward to the opportunity to promote its member venues to events professionals at International Confex in London on 18-19 February 2015. Sales and marketing representatives from more than 20 of its 41 venues will be present at TWC stand CF57 to meet and greet show visitors across the two days of the event, ready to talk event planners through the collection’s eclectic portfolio of central London venues.

TWC’s 2015 events programme includes International Confex (18-19 Feb), Embassy Event Expo and The Meetings Show (7-9 July) together with its own annual venue showcase (Sept 2015) and a newly-revamped series of venue familiarisation trips for buyers.

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The first TWC fam trip of the year takes place at St James Theatre on Weds 25th February, 08:30-10:30am. Any event planner wishing to attend this exclusive event can email [email protected] to request a place.

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