Tag: Event planning

The Westminster Collection to reveal its new identity

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London’s leading consortium for Westminster venues, The Westminster Collection, is set to unveil a total re-brand including new name, identity and website at a glamorous showcase next month.

In an innovative move for the collection, the new branding that will be revealed at Central Hall Westminster on 12 December, will create a more contemporary, engaging and intuitive booking experience that allows event professionals from around the world to access Westminster venues at the click of a button.

The full new-look branding and website will be revealed exclusively to those in attendance at the launch event which will also give guests the chance to meet and network with the 34 member venues as well as key industry peers.

Entertainment will be in abundance during the interactive evening, which is set to start at 6pm, with music provided by member venue St Martin-in-the-Field’s resident choir St Martin’s Voices and guests can get snap-happy in a photo booth provided by PhotoBooth Magic – a preferred supplier for the collection.

Those in attendance on the night will also get the chance to to win a whole host of prizes including a remote-control James Bond car from the London Film Museum and a pair of Christian Louboutins from Cavendish Venues.

Following an introduction from The Westminster Collection’s chair Clare Arouche, Rob Chambers, collection board member and events manager at London Film Museum, will deliver an opening speech highlighting the key features of the new website, the thought-process behind the branding and plans for the collection’s future.

Chair of The Westminster Collection, Clare Arouche said: “We, as a collection, are thrilled to be able to reveal our re-brand and new website that offers event buyers and planners an even more efficient way of accessing a host of premium and diverse Westminster venues all in one place. A lot of work, research and development has taken place to ensure that the new website offers today’s time-poor planners all of the functionality they need to easily access, enquire and book prestigious venues in the heart of London. The news marks a dynamic time of change and development for the well-established collection.”

To pre-register for your place at The Westminster Collection’s exciting re-brand showcase, contact Verity Lethbridge on [email protected] before Big Ben strikes midnight on Friday, 9 December.

Places are strictly limited and The Westminster Collection reserve the right to qualify your event planning credentials in order to confirm your place.

 

St Martin-in-the-field choir hits the high note

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Renowned music venue St Martin-in-the-Fields’ incredible choir, St Martin’s Voices, is now available to book for concerts and events.

The venue has a rich musical legacy from performances by Handel and Mozart to current day concerts and the venue has been at the forefront of music-making in London for centuries.

Formed in 2014, St Martin’s Voices now perform regularly in concerts and events both in the UK and internationally, including a recent tour to the southern US states, and represent the next step in St Martin’s musical journey.

For further information on booking St Martin’s Voices to sing for a Christmas dinner or reception at St Martin’s email [email protected]

Westminster venue secures a place on miaList 2016

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The QEII Centre’s Steven Mann has been awarded the ‘Back of House’ title in the esteemed Meetings Industry Association’s (mia) miaList 2016.

The 24-year-old AV project manager who has worked at the leading Westminster-based centre since March 2014, picked up the award, which celebrates those outstanding and passionate individuals in the sector, at a prestigious lunch on 16 September at the Park Plaza Victoria, London.

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia, said: “The judges were impressed by Steven’s professionalism and felt he was a great ambassador for Westminster’s QEII – consistently delivering to high standards. They thought he was a highly motivated, ambitious team player who was very focussed and eager to learn to extend his knowledge and embrace change. He also identifies areas for improvement in the department and is not afraid to suggest change as he has a strong desire to progress and seek professional development opportunities, rather than waiting to be selected.”

Steven said: “I’m so proud to have secured a place on the much sought-after miaList 2016. I thought just being short-listed at 24 was an achievement, but to actually achieve a place is such an honour. It’s fantastic that the QEII Centre continues to invest and support its employees to achieve their goals.”

Congratulations too to the other Westminster Collection members Denis Hickey of Cavendish Venues, Stephanie Gadd of Victory Services Club and QEII’s Stuart Drummond for making the shortlist for the prestigious awards.

8 Northumberland Avenue secures Caterer’s best places to work title

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8 Northumberland Avenue of Northumberland Events has been named as one of the best places to work in hospitality by The Caterer.

Committed to providing a positive and productive working environment, the venue has established core values to unify employees in a shared understanding of how to interact and behave. This in-turn has created a co-operative, respectful and productive working environment which helps employees feel part of the business and motivates them to deliver great service.

Each department worked together to develop these core values, captured in a framework called the 31 Practices. A representative from each division was an ambassador for the values, which include: ‘We cheer each other on and remember to say thank you’, and ‘We use positive body language and words’.

The other initiative is the company’s investment in Insights Discovery Profiling – a tool designed to improve self-awareness and development and to support interaction among colleagues.

Most recently the venue introduced a Share incentive plan, the company says it is aware people spend a lot of time at work and it is ‘committed to creating the best environment for employees to enable them to love what they do and in turn deliver excellence’.

To find out more about 8 Northumberland Avenue click here.

BAFTA 195 Piccadilly shows you how to bring Hollywood glitz to your next dinner party

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With the 2016 EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony fast approaching, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly Head Chef Anton Manganaro has been hard at work designing a menu of mouth-watering canapés to feed the A-list guests assembled for the big night.

This year’s ceremony will see guests wowed by the following quartet of show-stopping canapés: Smoked Lincolnshire Poacher puff with chicken and apple salad, spicy tomato pickle and crispy skin; Loch Duart beetroot cured salmon, rye cracker, bergamot and dill mayonnaise; Lincolnshire hot smoked trout on Tattie scones with crème fraiche and lemon caviar; Crispy dark rye with pickled golden beetroot, pear gel and cranberry granola (vegan friendly).

Happily for those without a ticket to the event on 14 February 2016, Anton has adapted his canapé menu specially for preparing at home. These new recipes are straightforward to follow, allowing you to bring a flourish of Hollywood glitz to your next dinner party. Find them on the 195 Piccadilly website.

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.

116 Pall Mall unveils renewed beauty following renovation

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Over the past few months, 116 Pall Mall has been undergoing interior and exterior refurbishment to help improve the upkeep of the building and restore its stunning original features.

The front of house reception area now boasts an elegant and accessible reception desk, beautiful period furnishings and the original mosaic floor has been renovated, in-keeping with the unique heritage of the building. Interior designers, Russell Sage Studios, have restored some original features and transformed the ground floor and grand staircase area to reflect the building’s Regency elegance and former glory.

The Purbeck stone colour enhances the building’s beautiful features, taking you back in time as you walk through the front doors. The entire exterior of the building has been repainted and restored and stands out once again as one of the most iconic Pall Mall landmarks.

To view the venue or book a site visit, call 020 7451 3107 or email [email protected].

Central Hall Westminster commits portion of £1.3m profit to charity

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In December 2015, Central Hall Westminster announced record profits for its 2014/15 financial year, ending August 2015, resulting in £1.3m being invested in facility improvements, visitor services and charitable organisations.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Central Hall is committed to using substantial profits to develop the building as a visitor attraction and venue, as well as supporting the work of the Methodist Church, which owns the building. In this way, support is provided to a number of local charities including the St. Vincent’s Family Project, a registered charity that operates within Central Hall Westminster.

Speaking of the venue’s performance, Paul Souther, managing director, said: “2014/15 was an exceptionally strong year for the business and we have generated some fantastic profit. This would be a welcome result in any business situation, but it is made all the more rewarding by knowing that every penny is being used to make the building better for visitors and to support important charity work.”

The St. Vincent’s Family Project aims to support young families especially where there are difficulties. It addresses the issues of parenting, child welfare and social exclusion by providing services for parents, carers and children.

Breakfast, Buses and Bond: Covent Garden museums host private tour

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Event buyers and fellow TWC members were treated to not one but two venue show-rounds on Tuesday 26th January as neighbouring venues London Transport Museum (LTM) and London Film Museum (LFM) welcomed them to their breakfast showcase.

Attendees were given the unique opportunity to take in the museums’ interactive exhibitions like the LTM’s tube driver simulator almost exclusively, as the event took place outside the venues’ normal opening hours.

Showcasing the versatility of their event spaces, both venues were on hand to answer any questions and highlight the opportunities available for corporate and private hire.

Callum Stott, events coordinator at the Royal Television Society, attended the event and said ‘the event was very informative and it was a pleasure to view the events spaces.’ The showcase was also attended by event buyers and planners from companies such as Film London, Bureau van Dijk and Boo Events.

The Westminster Collection and its members are gearing up for another great year. To keep up to date with the latest events and news subscribe to our newsletter here.

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.