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Event professionals come together to #getxmaslicked at The Westminster Collection’s Venue Showcase

Posted on 23rd September 2015 by engineroom

Christmas came early last week at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace for The Westminster Collection’s festive themed venue showcase. Event professionals from across London joined 35 of Westminster’s most unique and prestigious venues, including House of Commons and BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, to discover the marketing consortium’s portfolio of spaces for hire and to network, surrounded by the magic of the festive season.

Guests were greeted by a traditional winter scene complete with glistening snow, vintage sleigh and a life-size reindeer, designed by Event Theming and Prop Hire. A themed Christmas breakfast featured mulled ice tea and Christmas pudding and white chocolate lolly pops, provided by caterer Searcys, while gingerbread cookie decorating, a photo booth with cheerful props and the chance to win some amazing prizes, such as two tickets to Christmas Carols at The Albert Hall, kept guests entertained.

No Christmas event would be complete without the man himself and Father Christmas took a break from his busy schedule to add a touch of magic to the day, handing out a selection of prizes and gifts to attendees in return for them making their top wish for their Christmas events and hanging it on the Christmas tree.

Clare Arouche, board director for The Westminster Collection and head of business development at host venue {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, said: “The Westminster Collection’s showcase is the perfect opportunity for events professionals to get together in a friendly and relaxed environment and enjoy face-to-face conversations with a very exciting mix of top central London venues. It’s such a time saver, as you can waste hours searching for venues online. At our showcase you get straight down to business, discovering rates, taking recommendations on ideal rooms for particular event types and making lasting named connections for future event enquiries.”

The Westminster Collection’s annual venue showcase is a one-stop-shop for event organisers looking to expand their venue repertoire and with Christmas fast approaching, it was the perfect opportunity for event professionals to #getxmaslicked by seizing the selection of last-minute deals and exclusive offers presented by venues.

Christmas is coming to 2015 Venue Showcase

Posted on 10th September 2015 by engineroom

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Friday 18th September
8:30 – 11:30am
{10-11} Carlton House Terrace, London
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If you still haven’t sorted your mince pies from your figgy pudding then The Westminster Collection’s Christmas themed Venue Showcase is exactly where you need to be. With just a few days to go before Santa arrives for a sneak preview at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace, there is still time to register and everyone who organises events, meetings, parties and dinners is welcome to attend.

Let The Westminster Collection (TWC) take the hard work out of sourcing venues and discover concert halls, indulgent ballrooms, underground crypts, urban warehouse-style spaces, theatrical and themed Christmas banquets, quirky townhouses and ornately decorated societies, exclusive screening rooms, magical diners aboard a ship, riverside terraces and private member clubs. TWC has more than 35 central London venues with the perfect spaces for every occasion.

Fill your boots with dozens of exclusive promotions and incentives, then visit Santa’s grotto to make a Christmas wish in exchange for a gift. Prizes include:

2 tickets to Christmas Carols at the Royal Albert Hall on 19 Dec
Afternoon tea for 2 at the exclusive Army & Navy Club
Tickets to a night of soulful jazz in the underground Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Dinner for 2 at Art Deco styled private members haunt, The Lansdowne Club
Lunch in the Faraday Centre at the newly refurbished IET Venues: Savoy Place

This is a must-attend event if you’re looking to book Christmas and New Year parties and drinks receptions, wanting last-minute offers, or forward planning for conferences, product launches, fashion shows, awards dinners, concerts and more, so register to attend and get on TWC’s nice list this year.

London breakfast hang-outs to supercharge your 9-5 day

Posted on 8th September 2015 by engineroom

Whether it’s the first thing you think about when you wake up or it’s a quick grab on the way to work, breakfast still remains the most important meal of the day. With London Breakfast Meetings Week returning this October (5-9^th) there is no better time to kick start your day with something special.

Breakfast is often an undervalued time of the day but a meeting of minds over a delectable Danish or two can actually increase productivity, save money and help kick start your day. Here we highlight some great breakfast meet-up spots in Westminster.

At the Army and Navy Club, just a stone’s throw from St James’s Park, they offer a budget busting breakfast with a selection of breakfast pastries and coffee for just £5.50. A continental and Full English breakfast total £12 or £15.50 respectively. Breakfast at the Army and Navy Club also provides for the more health conscious with energy boosting items like eggless omelette on the menu to supercharge your day.

To find out more about Breakfast Meetings at the Army & Navy Club and how their spread can enhance your meeting agenda, contact Elana Kruger on [email protected] or call 020 7827 8031.

Also providing a health-packed breakfast to set you up for the day is 8 Northumberland Avenue, London’s most central venue. Their brain-boosting breakfast packages include superfoods such as avocado, goji berries and coconuts, ensuring you are alert and engaged for your morning meeting. Sitting just moments from Trafalgar Square, the venue has a wide variety of events spaces and can accommodate up to 600 delegates.

A short walk down The Mall from 8 Northumberland Avenue is Conrad London St. James conveniently located opposite St James’s Park tube station. The hotel’s restaurant, The Blue Boar, offers contemporary British dining and has two spaces that can be hired privately, connected to the main restaurant by a floor-to-ceiling wine wall.

The Blue Boar offers a classic breakfast menu including ‘The Full English’, Omelette Arnold Bennett and their ‘Wellbeing Breakfast’, where guests can chose between bircher muesli, fruit salad and other healthy treats. Breakfast is served between 6.30–10.30am, Monday to Friday and the full menu can be found here.

Moving from the modern to the historic, One Great George Street offers a more relaxed and informal buffet style breakfast set in a magnificent Grade II listed, four-domed, Edwardian building. With 21 function rooms accommodating up to 450 guests, the venue suits a vast variety of breakfast meetings, events and conferences. With everything from sun-blushed tomato and Caerphilly cheese scones, to individual goji and cranberry bircher muesli, the variety on offer at One Great George Street doesn’t just end at the events spaces.

Enjoy a variety of brilliant breakfast deals across Westminster this September, including 10% off breakfast when booking a meeting at the family-owned, five-star The Athenaeum Hotel. The hotel has three meeting spaces and can cater for up to 100 guests, with a focus on personalisation, so your wish is truly their command.

Breakfast meetings really are a smart choice for anyone looking to hold a meeting or conference. They allow you to catch your colleagues at their most dynamic and creative, make better use of the working day and are kinder to the budget. Find out more about hosting meetings over breakfast by getting involved in London Breakfast Meetings Week 2015.

Christmas party planning tips to banish bad weather blues

Posted on 24th August 2015 by engineroom

Quick! It’s raining and dreary. Push cocktails and sun-soaked evening barbeques to the back of your mind and seize this miserable introduction to AW15 to start daydreaming about the most epic of Christmas parties, before everyone else does.

You’ve got to get in there quickly if you want a bite at the best London venues for your end of year bash, because it’s rain-soaked days like this that kickstart the festive fantasies and see the clever office elves begin their quest to plan enticing, amazing parties. Believe it or not, many companies start planning their Christmas events as early as March! Luckily, we’ve pulled together some tips to help focus your mind and get you into the festive zone fast.

1) Lock in the date

If you’re organising a company bash, first things first, fix your date. If it’s a company party for your staff, assess availability and preferences by reviewing diary dates with key members of staff in your next team meeting. For teams scattered across different offices, you could do this by running a poll, using a scheduling tool such as Doodle. Simply circulate the link to participate via email and you’ll soon have a tally of the most popular date options. Having first, second and third date options pencilled down will widen your pool of possible venues.

2) Theme for the majority

Dictating how people should have fun can be a recipe for a festive flop. Be sure to conjure up a Christmas concept that works for your audience and get the formal versus informal balance right. Are they a ‘slap-up lunch down the pub’, fuss-free sort of crowd, or are they adventurous extroverts who’d shun anything less than a fancy dress theme, a red carpet entrance and cocktail-fuelled antics at a headline-grabbing venue?

Over-engineered itineraries may please some but horrify others, so while budget is a big factor in what’s possible, be careful to always plan your Christmas party with the majority of your target audience front of mind. What would they see as an end-of-year treat that says thank you for their hard work? An opportunity to dress up and attend a glitzy, themed party with other companies at a unique London venue? A corporate away-day featuring interactive team building activities and a sit-down meal? Or maybe a private hire-out of a pub or bar, with self-service buffet, for all staff and their partners?

Creating an event that’s unique and memorable just requires a little imagination and a good knowledge of your audience. Just be sure to consider the after effects of a free-flowing bar and the impact on productivity the next day if you choose a week night!

3) Kill 37 birds with one stone!

Why spend hours trawling Google using every search term under the sun when you could save huge amounts of time with a free venue finding service like The Westminster Collection? If you know you want a central London venue, you know the style of event you’re looking to achieve, you’ve got your proposed dates, and you’re open to recommendations, this free venue finding service can slice through the noise and deliver you up to 37 options of venues, ranging from luxury hotels and private members clubs, to river boats, quirky Grade I and II listed venues, iconic tourist attractions, museums and trendy restaurants.

These venues offer their own unique, off-the-shelf packages such as shared party nights, exclusive hire deals and Christmas lunch or dinner deals, or more bespoke planning services. A service like The Westminster Collection really can make your party planning pain free. Why not come along to our free venue showcase on Friday 18 September for some festive venue inspiration?

4) Don’t skimp on the food or drink

Nothing says ‘we value you’ more than an indulgent spread of festive food. Work with your venue caterer to plan the very best menu your budget will buy, whether it’s a sit-down meal, a drinks reception with canapés, or a self-service buffet. Let your venue help you make clever choices and advise on the most practical types of food for sociable party settings. Avoiding smelly foods will help out people’s networking efforts, as will lighter choices for the folks who’d like to avoid an impending food coma and uncomfortable bloat in their party frocks.

Set menus offering three choices of starter, main and dessert can help your guests pace themselves responsibly, as well as being budget friendly for you, the organiser. Keep the bar well stocked too and ensure people have access to adequate top-ups of alcohol and free-flowing soft drinks to keep them quenched and in the party mood through to the end of the night. There’s nothing worse than a bar running dry to kill the vibe and see the DJ left rocking the dancefloor on his lonesome!

Christmas parties unwrapped

Posted on 10th August 2015 by engineroom

Deck the halls, hang your stockings and mull the wine because Christmas 2015 is on its way and no doubt Father Christmas has already set his elves to work. If you are yet to wrap-up your Christmas plans don’t panic, there is still a sleigh-full of options to make your Christmas party sparkle and we have rounded them up into one easy parcel.

If all-out themes and wall-to-wall sparkle is what you are after then 8 Northumberland Avenue, QEII Centre and No.11 Cavendish Square should be at the top of your list.

Less than 60 seconds away from Trafalgar Square and steeped in Victorian History, 8 Northumberland Avenue is going all out for Christmas 2015 with not one but two themes. They are transforming their Ballroom into a Great Gatsby inspired Vintage Affair and their Old Billiard Room and Annex will be covered in Christmas Market loveliness for A Winter’s Avenue. Seated lunches start from £95pp + VAT and dinner packages from £110 + VAT.

Not to be outdone, QEII Centre is offering up the ultimate A list party for Christmas at the Oscars. Feel like a superstar at one of London’s most iconic conference venues and walk the red carpet into your Christmas event. A stand up buffet starts from £43pp + VAT and packages include a photographer to act as your personal paparazzi for the night meaning you will really celebrate Christmas in style.

No.11 Cavendish Square is transforming into an authentic Ski Lodge this Christmas complete with burning log fire, antlers and wooden decorations. Feel like you are right in the heart of the Alps as No.11 Cavendish Square has every aspect covered from gazing at the Northern Lights to enjoying an exquisite dinner in the Glass House. Packages include exclusive room hire, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks and a DJ and start from £110pp+ VAT for groups of up to 300.

For the more traditional amongst you there are plenty of venues keeping it simple with their Christmas offerings. At One Great George Street their ‘One Great Christmas’ will be filled with all the best of Christmas tradition including crackers and mulled wine as well as canapés and three-course meal packages. Packages are available from 28th November to 22nd December 2015 and start from £44.50pp + VAT.

From festive afternoon teas to champagne receptions and decadent five-course meals, The Athenaeum Hotel, conveniently located just nine minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace, is serving up everything a traditional Christmas in the city needs. Available from Monday 16^th to Thursday 31^st December from £45pp their menus include roast turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding with Brandy sauce.

Tradition and military history go hand in hand and at the Army and Navy Club you are guaranteed to enjoy your Christmas party enveloped in British history dating back to 1837. The club, situated in London’s Mayfair, was first opened by Queen Victoria and is now one of the city’s most distinguished private members clubs. Christmas dinner packages start from £75pp and include a welcome drink, three-course meal, coffee and mince pies.

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.

If a traditional Christmas doesn’t quite light up your tree then why not try something a little more unique this year?

The centre of the British film industry and home to some iconic pieces of motion picture history, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly guarantees to throw you a star-sprinkled bash complete with red carpet, really giving your event the A-list edge. Booking an event with BAFTA comes complete with your very own alchemist to conjure up a personalised cocktail for the evening and packages start from £120pp + VAT for minimum numbers of 80.

Also offering something a little more unusual is HQS Wellington. Step off dry land onto the iconic River Thames and soak up the stunning views of the South Bank and the London Eye while enjoying a Christmas party to remember. The ship is offering the complete package from welcome drinks of mulled wine to a three-course festive dinner before dancing the night away with music provided by a top DJ.

The festive season is a great time to take advantage of offers and 2015 is no exception. London Film Museum is not only home to 100 exhibit items that include vehicles, models, original production art, props and vintage memorabilia that span over 50 years of James Bond history, they are also offering 20% off venue hire for all Westminster Collection clients. The offer is valid on all parties booked before 20^th September 2015 and with the latest in the Bond franchise hitting cinemas in November it is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in style.

St. James Theatre is a unique, award-winning arts complex in central London less than five minutes away from Victoria Station. The theatre prides itself on providing a cultural and theatrical platform for shows and productions with plans to conquer the West End. The venue has a capacity for 120 cabaret style and this Christmas they are offering a free glass of prosecco per person for all group bookings of eight or more confirmed by 30^th September, because Christmas isn’t Christmas without a little fizz.

Also offering some seasonal savings is Victory Services Club. Set in the heart of London just five minutes’ walk away from Marble Arch, the club has seven versatile meeting rooms and is accredited with a gold award by the Meetings Industry Association guaranteeing quality of service. Exclusive to The Westminster Collection event bookers, Victory Services Club is offering 10% discount on any Christmas party booking, plus a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival for all bookings made by 16^th October.

So whether it’s all the glitz and glamour you can lay your hands on or a quiet traditional Christmas meal in a historical setting that will make your Christmas events wish come true, Westminster has every taste and preference covered to celebrate in style for 2015. Explore now and if you want to enquire at all 30+ venues from our collection, you can do this with one simple form here.

We’re also hosting a special Christmas themed venue showcase this 18th September at {10-11} Carlton House Terrace. Find your perfect Christmas or New Year party destination, or fuel your planning for conferences, fashions shows, awards dinners and more, with a showcase of Westminster’s finest venues, complete with exclusive offers, arts and crafts, competitions and giveaways. It’s free to register. Simply click here.

{10-11} Carlton House Terrace to open new event space The Library

Posted on 24th July 2015 by engineroom

{10-11} Carlton House Terrace is currently undergoing exciting summer refurbishments, with the creation of a new event space, The Library. This room will pair perfectly with the Reading Room adjacent and will feature book lined walls with bright windows overlooking the Mall, St James’s Park and Horse Guards Parade. Events held here will take on an air of royal and parliamentary London, ideal for meetings of up 30, dinners of up to 60 and receptions up to 100 guests, available to hire from mid September 2015.

The Wolfson Room, our largest event space, is undergoing a major refurbishment to remove the currently fixed stage, lectern and screen and replace with sleek, custom-made portable options, providing modern audio visual equipment for conferences and corporate events, accommodating up to 140 in theatre style seating. Upon removal of the equipment, the room will lend itself perfectly to dinners of up to 100 and evening receptions of up to 200. The floor to ceiling windows along the room offer spectacular views of the Royal Park, the Mall, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.

To celebrate these new and improved facilities, the team are planning an evening party for early October where regular and prospective event organisers will be able to view their upgraded facilities and join them for some delicious food and drink.

If you’d like to register your interest in attending this event, please email [email protected] and further information will be sent soon.

Best London venues for cocktails and canapes

Posted on 1st July 2015 by engineroom

Summer 2015 has undoubtedly arrived (whether or not it is here to stay is another matter) and glorious sunshine, lighter evenings and rising temperatures creates the perfect atmosphere to indulge in tantalising cocktails and delectable canapés. Whether you are an undercover 00 agent and like to keep it simple with a martini (shaken not stirred of course) or you are looking for something brimming with colour and paper adornments, we have rounded up 7 of the top places to enjoy cocktails and canapés in London this summer.

For the more politically astute amongst you, you may already be aware that {10-11} Carlton House Terrace is the former home of Prime Minister William Gladstone. The venue has much more to offer too. Set the summer scene by sipping on a mojito jug while absorbing the rich, historical tapestry of the building itself. Cocktails start from £7.50 and {10-11} Carlton House Terrace can accommodate up to 600 for an evening reception, all just a 10 minute walk from Charing Cross Station.

Continuing the political theme, five minutes away from Hyde Park and Victoria is a venue steeped in Scottish heritage, The Caledonian Club, which was originally built for Hugh Morrison. Sensitively restored, the venue combines rich historical architecture with the latest in corporate technology. Perfect for ambient summer dining, The Caledonian Club offers a wide range of hot and cold canapés and refreshing cocktails which can all be enjoyed on the venue’s terrace which has a capacity of 50, reception style.

Moored on the Thames by the Embankment, the HQS Wellington offers a memorable backdrop for summer parties. Her prime Thames location affords sweeping views of the South Bank from the Shard to the London Eye, with added interest from the ever-changing scene of river traffic. Soak up the sun on Quarterdeck with up to 220 guests, as The Cook & The Butler’s dedicated hospitality service team provides a fine dining experience including cocktails and a mouth-watering barbecue.

Those searching for a more cinematic experience might prefer to enjoy their cocktail (unfortunately not made by Tom Cruise) at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. The venue marries a prime location with a wide range of cocktails and their culinary team were behind the cocktails and canapés served at the 2015 BAFTAs. The venue is available for exclusive hire at certain times and has a capacity of 150 for a standing reception.

Set in the heart of Westminster is the six-story Edwardian Broadway House. Having achieved AIM accreditation and a Conference Centre of Excellence, the venue has everything needed to create a memorable and successful event. The venue can cater for up to 80 with a canapé reception designed by their team of skilled chefs, and with 12 rooms to choice from you really are spoilt for choice.

Experience the ever-changing and diverse London skyline at Central Hall Westminster, with an unrivalled location opposite Westminster Abbey and adjacent to The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the views are guaranteed to wow your guests. The terrace can accommodate 60 guests for a standing reception, ideal to enjoy the extensive canapés on offer.

Open seven days a week is the Ribbon Bar and Terrace at the Army and Navy Club set right on the edge of St James’s Park. The venue offers incredible views of the surrounding areas as well as classic cocktails including Dry Martini and Paul’s Bloody Mary made with Dry Sherry. Families are welcome at The Army and Navy Club until 5.30pm and they can accommodate up to 200 for a drinks reception.

Westminster spotlight: Embankment & Westminster

Posted on 8th June 2015 by engineroom

Westminster and Embankment are your iconic ‘picture postcard’ London – the London that’s famous worldwide, with its bounty of landmarks like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the sprawling banks of the river Thames to admire. It’s where Britophiles and curious tourists flock to sample quintessential Britain. You feel like you’re somewhere buzzing and important when you’re in Westminster; it’s the political decision making hub of the UK. So where better to do business or to host an event that catapults a brand to centre stage?

Historical Haunts…

House of Commons
Perhaps one of London’s most recognised venues is the House of Commons. Unrivalled in its political history it has been a British institution since the 11^th Century and is just as impressive today as it has ever been. The House of Commons offers a choice of seven event rooms, with one of the most popular being The Churchill Room (aptly named as many of his paintings hang on the walls) which can seat up to 100 guests for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Recess dates have been announced with new availability between 18 September – 9 October.

Nearest tube: Westminster (5 min walk)

Central Hall Westminster
Ideally located opposite Westminster Abbey is the Grade II listed Central Hall Westminster. Well known as a film location and boasting Europe’s largest domed ceiling, the venue is quite a spectacle. In December 2014 the venue played host to a sold-out concert spectacular which saw Adam Lambert take to the stage with the almighty Queen, showcasing the venue’s vast versatility. With its 22-room portfolio and dedicated team of professionals Central Hall can accommodate between 100 and 2000.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (4 min walk), Westminster (8 min walk)

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
The grandiose Supreme Court of the United Kingdom sits amongst some of the most iconic sights in Great Britain, yet its Gothic architecture means it is impossible to overlook. Packed full with period features such as majestic ceilings, intricate carved beams and an abundance of exquisite stained glass, the venue is oozing with character. The Supreme Court accommodates up to 100 guests for a seated dinner and viewings of the court rooms and Law Library are available on request.

Nearest tube: Westminster (6 min walk)

One Great George Street
A magnificent four-domed Edwardian building sits in the heart of London called One Great George Street, a stone’s throw from Parliament Square. The venue offers a choice of 19 event spaces for between 60 and 400 guests with many of them offering interconnecting doors, allowing you to combine a corporate event with social entertaining.

Nearest tube: Westminster (5 min walk)

8 Northumberland Avenue
Few venues can boast a more central location than 8 Northumberland Avenue, just paces away from Trafalgar Square, however, the venue does not compromise space for location. Boasting a stunning ballroom which English Heritage has described as ‘the grandest example of a Victorian ballroom in existence’, with capacities of up to 500, in addition to five smaller meeting spaces, this Grade II listed building combines your practical needs seamlessly with outstanding aesthetics.

Nearest tube: Charing Cross (3 min walk), Embankment (4 min walk)

Broadway House
Seasoned professionals in delivering proficient, effectual events such as press conferences and ministerial meetings, Broadway House is perfectly equipped to meet even the highest of standards. It sits adjacent to St James’s Park station and here technology is paramount throughout the venue, which offers 12 varying event spaces with tailored packages for up to 100 guests.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (1 min walk)

St James Court
A mere stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace is St James Court hotel, a discreet Victorian masterpiece radiating warmth and sophistication. St James Court offers 17 meeting and conference suites which all come with wireless internet, state-of-the-art technology and video conferencing making it the perfect place to hold a corporate event.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (4 min walk)

Meetings for Modern Minds…

etc.venues Victoria
If you are looking for a clean lined, ultra-modern, sophisticated events space then you need look no further than etc.venues at One Drummond Gate in Victoria. Easily accessible and sitting adjacent to Pimlico tube station, the venue is a perfect fit for meetings, conferences and corporate events. The largest space accommodates up to 250 guests and all spaces are equipped with high spec AV kits. Designed to create an engaging and comfortable environment, all the event spaces feature natural light, meaning your event remains as productive and inviting as possible.

Nearest tube: Pimlico (2 min walk)

QEII Centre
A venue that combines a flawless reputation for delivering incredible corporate events with the chance for some sunshine is the QEII Centre. The opportunities within this venue are truly vast and the beautiful interior ensures a slick and professional atmosphere at all times. When the sun does decide to make an appearance, the QEII Centre has some lovely outdoor space, including The Green at the front of the Centre, overlooking Westminster Abbey, where drinks and food can be served. The inside space can accommodate up to 1,300 people in the largest room and there is also a wide range of smaller rooms so you can choose the perfect space for your event, whether it’s an awards ceremony, a conference, a product launch or a sit-down dinner.

Nearest tube: Westminster (8 min walk), St James’s Park (4 min walk)

Church House Conference Centre
An award-winning venue with proven success hosting large scale events such as product launches and award ceremonies, Church House Conference Centre offers its guests a multitude of layout options and their state-of-the-art facilities means that creating the perfect staging, lighting and sound for your event is well within their capabilities. The event spaces can hold more than 600 people and clients can choose from 19 spaces.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (7 min walk), Westminster (10 min walk)

St. James Theatre
St James Theatre holds the title for being the first newly built theatre complex in central London for nearly 30 years. Despite being in its infancy (in theatre terms) the venue has a fantastic reputation and provides a creative and unusual backdrop for many types of event. St James Theatre can accommodate up to 312 guests and the live entertainment space provides an intimate setting for team building days, product launches, small presentations, away days or creative workshops. Take advantage of a Laurent Perrier Champagne reception with 20% off for all events booked before the end of July.

Nearest tube: Victoria (6 min walk)

Hospitable Hotels…

Conrad London St. James
A central London hotel boasting everything (and more) that you would expect from the luxury brand, Conrad London St James guarantees high end execution for all their events. If your event calls for something a little quirkier, then the Emmeline Lounge could tick all your boxes. Named after the 19th Century British political activist Emmeline Pankhurst and showcasing mind-warping, multi-dimensional art, the lounge is ideal for intimate or relaxed business meetings and brainstorms, especially if you love a themed afternoon tea.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (1 min walk)

St Ermin’s Hotel
An extensive £30 million pound investment has transformed the four star St Ermin’s Hotel into a contemporary and stylish location for a variety of different events. Priding itself on professional and efficient service, the venue boasts 15 event spaces including three Caxton environments and the antique, book-lined Library.

Nearest tube: St James’s Park (3 min walk)

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London – Westminster
Accommodating a multitude of needs, DoubleTree by Hilton sits a walkable distance from both quirky, creative South Bank and London’s financial district. A clever mix of state-of-the-art technology and contemporary comfort, DoubleTree by Hilton truly has something for all. They offer customisable event spaces for up to 200 guests, with a logistics team on site to ensure your event runs without a glitch.

Nearest tube: Pimlico (9 min walk)

How to plan live music at outdoor events

Posted on 22nd May 2015 by engineroom

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.

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

Posted on 15th January 2015 by engineroom

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 25^th 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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Tag: Event planning