Tag: Historic venues

BAFTA to lift curtain on The Westminster Collection’s annual venue showcase

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Event planners and agents are encouraged to RSVP now to secure attendance at London’s finest event venue showcase, The Westminster Collection’s ‘Destination Westminster 2014′, this year being held at the iconic BAFTA 195 Piccadilly on Friday 10th October, 8:00 – 11:00am.

Famously the home of British moving image, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly is looking forward to opening its doors to event planners from all across London and beyond for a productive morning of networking, event planning and conversation with more than 40 of the city’s most celebrated venues, available for corporate or private hire.

Exclusively promoting venues within central London’s City of Westminster – which encompasses Pimlico in the south, to Regent’s Park in the north and from the borders of Kensington in the west, to Covent Garden in the east – guests of this enjoyable breakfast networking event can look forward to discovering private members clubs, modern and traditional conference centres, historic institutes and societies, prestigious academies, concert halls, galleries and museums, tourist attractions, luxury hotels, river boats and churches.

Anna Glazebrook, board director for The Westminster Collection and marketing manager at One Great George Street, says, “Every year we look forward to the opportunity to present a friendly one-stop-shop environment where buyers and venues come together to share information and explore the possibilities and opportunities available for events held within our vast collection of venues. The face-to-face contact is really important to building working relationships and so many of our guests always comment on how they’ve discovered venues or features and services they didn’t even know were available.

“We welcomed the QEII Centre (currently undergoing a £12m refurbishment) and The Royal Air Force Club into our collection this year. I’d encourage anyone in the business of planning events to come along and network with the expert event teams from these and our other leading venues, win prizes, unlock special discounts and incentives and enjoy a delicious, free breakfast.

Celebrating all that’s iconic about this famed events venue, showcase guests can also seize the opportunity to make like the stars and take their seats in BAFTA’s illustrious Princess Anne Theatre, which seats 227, where they can watch screenings of candid interviews with legendary Hollywood film stars including the late Robin Williams and Tom Hanks, as well as homegrown talents Idris Elba, Ricky Gervais, Karl Pilkington and Stephen Merchant amongst others.

 

Eventbrite - Destination Westminster 2014: London Venue Showcase

You’re invited! REGISTER NOW

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TWC showcase - register now

 

 

RSVP now to secure your attendance at London’s finest event venue showcase, The Westminster Collection’s ‘Destination Westminster 2014’, this year being held at the iconic BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. Famously the home of British film, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly is looking forward to opening its doors to event planners from all across London and beyond for a productive morning of networking, event planning and conversation with 43 of the city’s most celebrated venues, available for corporate or private hire.

Exclusively promoting venues within central London’s City of Westminster – which encompasses Pimlico in the south, to Regent’s Park in the north and from the borders of Kensington in the west, to Covent Garden in the east – guests of this enjoyable breakfast networking event can look forward to discovering luxury hotels, world-renowned conference centres, training facilities, historic institutes and societies, celebrated attractions, galleries, museums and private members clubs.

It’s free to attend. All you need to do is click here to register!

TWC showcase - register now

 

 

For updates follow @Venues_Wminster #DestinationWestminster

Claim your tasty ticket to our BAFTA showcase at stand G19 at The Meetings Show

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Event buyers wanting an easy route to finding exceptional, centrally located London venues can look forward to Friday 10th October, when we will lift the curtain on our annual venue showcase, Destination Westminster 2014, taking place at the celebrated home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, 8am – 11am. Event organisers can claim their tasty ticket to register by popping over to The Westminster Collection on stand G19 at The Meetings Show, 8th-10th July at Olympia, London, where all will be revealed.

The Destination Westminster 2014 breakfast showcase event at BAFTA, which is free to attend, is an opportunity for anyone in the business of booking corporate and private events, meetings and conferences to spend a morning with the sales and marketing teams at more than 45 of central London’s most iconic venues. We’re renowned for our eclectic portfolio of member venues, which encompass everything from historic institutes and societies, colleges, museums and private members clubs, to luxury hotels, concert halls, modern training venues, churches and Thames river boats.

All visitors to TWC stand G19 at The Meetings Show will also be in with a chance of winning one of a handful of luxury Westminster experiences, including an afternoon tea for four at The Rag – Army & Navy Club and a one-night stay for two, including breakfast and an exclusive dinner at Bistro, at St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London.

We still have a limited selection of diary appointments available for buyers wanting a more dedicated introduction to the Collection. Register now using invitation code EXIN14.

Eventbrite - Destination Westminster 2014: London Venue Showcase

BAFTA to host collection’s 2014 venue showcase

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We’re delighted to announce that The Westminster Collection’s 2014 venue showcase will this year take place at the celebrated home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, in the David Lean Room which overlooks St James’s Church Garden. The date for your diary is Friday 10th October, 8:00am-11:00am.

Eventbrite - Destination Westminster 2014: London Venue Showcase

The breakfast showcase event, which is free to attend, is an opportunity for anyone in the business of booking corporate and private events, meetings and conferences to spend a morning with the sales and marketing teams at more than 45 of central London’s most iconic venues. The Westminster Collection is renowned for its eclectic portfolio of member venues, which encompass everything from historic institutes and societies, colleges, museums and private members clubs, to luxury hotels, concert halls, modern training venues, churches and Thames river boats.

To register your attendance and for all updates about the showcase programme, special showcase incentives and competitions, please click the link below.

Eventbrite - Destination Westminster 2014: London Venue Showcase

Westminster Abbey acquires royal portrait

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A portrait of Her Majesty The Queen depicted standing on the Cosmati pavement in Westminster Abbey has been moved to Cheyneygates, one of the spaces at the Abbey available for hire, for day and evening events. Originally available to view as part of a temporary exhibition in the Chapter House, it is now possible to see this extraordinary painting by attending an event held in this space, which was originally part of the Dean’s home.

In a rare act of acquisition, supported by private donors, Westminster Abbey acquired the painting ‘The Coronation Theatre: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’ by Australian-born, London-based artist Ralph Heimans, for its collection, last year, as part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation.

The ambitious and large-scale 9 x 11ft painting (oil on canvas) depicts The Queen in a unique and highly symbolic setting, the Sacrarium of Westminster Abbey, sometimes described as ‘The Coronation Theatre’.  It is an imagined scene set at night in Westminster Abbey showing The Queen in a moment of solitary reflection and is an exceptional interpretation of the intricate mosaic patterns of the 13th century Cosmati pavement.

The Queen is pictured wearing State Dress, including the crimson velvet Robe of State, which she wore to Her Coronation on 2nd June 1953.

Half day, and day delegate rates are available. For further information on booking Cheyneygates please contact [email protected].

RIBA’s 66@80 exhibition celebrates 80 years

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The 80-year anniversary celebrations have begun for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and its conference and events arm, RIBA Venues in London, with the launch of a free ‘66@80’ photography exhibition showcasing the construction and history of RIBA’s headquarters – a light-flooded building that opened in 1934.

RIBA was formed in 1834 in a pub, St James Tavern and it was in 1928 that RIBA decided to build its own headquarters. Architect Grey Wornum submitted the winning design, which facilitated easy flow around the structure with its no corridor style. Many of the decorative features of this masterpiece tell the story of the construction and the people who worked on it.

Today, RIBA boasts a number of event spaces equipped for a variety of events, from conferences, meetings, dinners and receptions to weddings and creative events. It also features three terraces which offer rare outside space, with panoramic views of London from the top floors.

RIBA Venues can host up to 400 delegates in its tiered auditorium. All of its meeting spaces have large, bright windows and offer modern technology. Its art deco interiors add a touch of period romance to special occasions held at the venue – a popular feature captured as the backdrop to many films, fashion shows and TV productions.

No.4 Hamilton Place unveils new Business Lounge

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No.4 Hamilton Place is pleased to unveil its newly refurbished Business Lounge and Information Centre. The official opening took place earlier this month with special guests Professor Matthew Hudson CRAes and Sir Donald Spiers HonFRAeS.

Spiers, a major driving force behind the refurbishment of the rooms, introduced Professor Hudson who was honoured by the Royal Aeronautical Society as a Companion. His entrepreneurial skills and creativity as the saviour of Prestwick Airport were acknowledged before he took great pride in unveiling a commemorative plaque that recognised all of the Fellows and Companions who had supported the refurbishment project.

Located on the third floor of No.4 Hamilton Place, The Business Lounge is ideal for board and group meetings for up to 40 guests. Its high spec facilities include new air conditioning and heating, fully controllable lighting and a large smart TV.

The adjoining Information Centre has three work stations with computers connected to the WiFi network. A great deal of care and thought was invested into the décor to ensure it matched the heritage of the house. This included refurbishing the stair and access areas and opening up a further floor of the house.

For more information on the Business Lounge at No. 4 Hamilton Place please email the events team on [email protected].

BAFTA, 110 Rochester Row, 20 Cavendish Square, The Athenaeum Hotel join TWC

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Four stylish venues have joined us as members of The Westminster Collection, following their debut at Destination Westminster, our annual London venue showcase (held on 13 Sept 2013 at 8 Northumberland Avenue): 110 Rochester Row, 20 Cavendish Square, The Athenaeum Hotel and 195 Piccadilly, the home of BAFTA. These exceptional properties join a high quality portfolio of the Westminster borough’s unique and charming event and meetings venues.

Newly launched to the events market on 12th September 2013, 110 Rochester Row is a superb new conferencing venue, purpose-built and located equidistant from Pimlico and London Victoria stations for easy access to major rail links. 110 Rochester Row is owned and operated by HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association), a registered charity and everything from its pricing to its environmental policy reflects its charitable status.

20 Cavendish Square is the long-time home of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Located to the north of Oxford Street, this beautifully restored Georgian mansion house offers an unusual blend of historic and contemporary architecture. Suitable for meetings, receptions and fine-dining experiences, the venue has 14 meeting rooms, with the largest capacity room accommodating 200. All rooms come equipped with the latest audio visual technology.

Intimate and sophisticated, the 164-bedroom, 5-star Athenaeum Hotel in Mayfair places emphasis on personalisation, whether a board meeting, cocktail party, or conference for up to 100 people. The hotel’s three meeting rooms – all with natural daylight – can be booked together providing a unique, dedicated meeting floor. This hotel has something to delight everyone: The Living Wall vertical garden, a luxury spa, Afternoon Tea (voted “Best in London 2012”), award winning restaurant and a discreet bar, home to one of London’s largest collection of whiskies.

The Westminster Collection is also delighted to welcome back to membership 195 Piccadilly, home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). This cultured venue offers five spacious rooms perfect for corporate events, private dining and weddings. Located in the bright lights of the West End, 195 Piccadilly offers the finest contemporary cuisine combined with outstanding service in a vibrant and accessible location.

Jonathan Morris, TWC’s membership director and No.11 Cavendish Square’s commercial director, said: “Since its establishment in 2003 The Westminster Collection has gone from strength to strength with a growing portfolio of culturally interesting venues, located in the City of Westminster. The range is wonderfully diverse, from townhouses and private members clubs to historic houses, unique venues and attractions; there’s something different and special about each one to suit organisers’ wide ranging needs and our Destination Westminster showcase earlier this month provided the perfect platform for buyers wanting to discover more about them.

“By being part of a leading venue consortium, members benefit from the partnerships formed with business organisations, trade bodies and associations which provide a network for boosting sales leads and sharing referrals. Alongside this, member venues are actively promoted through targeted marketing using the Collection’s extensive database of UK event professionals.

“The Westminster Collection will continue to develop successfully and I look forward to the addition of many more new venues and the formation of new partnerships.”

Win incredible London experiences at Destination Westminster 2013

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To celebrate 10 years of The Westminster Collection (TWC), visitors to Destination Westminster 2013, the London venue showcase, will have the chance to win an incredible, high-value selection of memorable experiences in an exclusive competition taking place at the event – on Friday 13th September, 8:30 – 11:30am, at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London.

Visitors to Destination Westminster 2013 can compete to win these prizes, which showcase the creativity of Westminster as a business and lifestyle destination, by completing a competition card at the event. Prizes will be allocated at random and the winners will be notified by email following the event.

Prizes include:

1 Wimpole Street – Win an exclusive overnight stay for 2 at an Edwardian London townhouse

Win an exclusive overnight stay for two at 1 Wimpole Street’s Grade II listed sister venue and boutique hotel, Chandos House. Spend an evening in the period surrounds of one of Chandos House’s six luxurious bedrooms, before enjoying a delicious continental breakfast the next morning.

St. Ermin’s Hotel – Win a luxury one-night London stay for 2, with breakfast

St. Ermin’s Hotel in St. James’s Park invites one lucky winner and their guest to enjoy an overnight stay in the newly refurbished surrounds of its hotel. Relax and unwind in the building’s historic interiors or take advantage of the hotel’s proximity to some of London’s most iconic attractions.

Round off this luxury break with a sumptuous breakfast. This prize is valid for any date up to 29th August 2014, subject to availability. Blackout dates apply.

8 Northumberland Avenue – Win a 3-course meal at Boyd’s Brasserie

Enjoy a delicious three-course meal combining the best of British cuisine with a modern twist in Boyd’s Brasserie at 8 Northumberland Avenue. Here, you and your guest will enjoy innovative dishes such as lobster bisque with lobster dumplings, and chocolate mousse and popcorn ice cream with a salted caramel milkshake.

The Chesterfield Mayfair – Win an award-winning Afternoon Tea for 2

The prestigious Chesterfield Mayfair is gifting a traditional, award-winning British afternoon tea for two, especially for one lucky winner and guest. Enjoy a selection of delicious treats, including a delightfully playful selection of Willy Wonka themed pastries and cakes including Oompa Loompa cupcakes, fizzy lifting cakes and chocolate Wonka bars.

The Cinnamon Club – Win a cocktail masterclass

Win an exclusive cocktail masterclass at The Cinnamon Club’s cool and contemporary bar, where master mixologists will guide the winner and their guest through mixing and matching premium spirits with deliciously spiced ingredients. Learn a few tricks of the trade on the way.

St Martin-in-the-Fields – Win a wine & jazz night experience for 4 at Café in the Crypt

Put a swing in your step by scooping an exclusive evening of wine and jazz for you and four of your friends at Jazz Night in the Café in the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields, on Wednesday 3rd October 2013.

Central Hall Westminster – Win 2 tickets to Neil Gaiman’s exclusive book signing

Win two tickets to an exclusive book signing session with best-selling children’s author Neil Gaiman, at 6pm on Tuesday 15th October 2013. See Neil read and talk about his silliest adventure yet as he takes you on a time-travelling, space-exploring adventure filled with lots of laughs. This is a sold-out family event and one not to miss. The winner will also receive a signed copy of Fortunately, the Milk.

Banqueting House – Win a tour of Banqueting house for 2, plus guidebook

Experience the majestic interiors and beautiful ceilings painted by legendary Flemish artist Peter Paul Reuben as you and your guests steep yourselves in the unique history of The Banqueting House, part of Historic Royal Palaces.

You and your guest will also receive a beautifully produced guidebook giving unrivalled information on one of London’s most historically significant buildings.

41 Portland Place – Win a Brazilian ‘Brigadeiro’ chocolate bootcamp for 4

As well as being famous for his amazing brownies, 41 Portland Place’s head chef Will Carvalho’s is also a master of creating delicious Brazilian Brigadeiro – a South American twist on chocolate truffles.

Chef Carvalho has offered to share his family Brigadeiro recipe with one lucky visitor to Destination Westminster 2013 and three of your friends in a chocolate masterclass at 41 Portland Place. Learn how to create your own Brigadeiros and as an extra treat, you will be treated to a bottle of their finest Champagne while you cook.

Victory Services Club – Win Sparkling Champagne Tea for 2

Win a sumptuous, sparkling afternoon tea in VSC’s stylish Lounge Bar, where you can enjoy all the trappings of a traditional English afternoon tea, accompanied by a refreshing glass of chilled Champagne.

The Rag – Army & Navy Club – Win Champagne Afternoon Tea for 5

Take a delicious Champagne Afternoon Tea in the sophisticated surroundings of The Rag’s Ladies’ Lounge for you and up to four of your friends. Afternoon tea is served Mondays to Fridays from 2.30pm – 5.30pm and this prize is valid until the end of January 2014. Tea must be pre-booked with the venue.

etc.venues Victoria – Win a garden BBQ party for 10

The sizzle of late summer comes to etc.venues Victoria as you and nine of your chosen guests enjoy a delicious, two-course BBQ in the contemporary courtyard garden.

The Lansdowne Club – Win a Champagne dinner for 2

The prestigious Lansdowne Club is putting sparkle into Destination Westminster 2013, offering a luxurious Champagne dinner for two in the surrounds of its exquisite Art Moderne Dining Room. Tuck into British classics including bone-fresh Cornish sole, filling spring chicken pie and a tasty trio of beef, all accompanied with chilled glasses of Champagne.

The Athenaeum Hotel – Win a 5-star meeting for 12 with luxury accommodation

The 5-star Athenaeum Hotel is offering one lucky person the chance to win a meeting for up to 12 people and an overnight stay in its luxurious hotel rooms. The winner and their delegates will have the opportunity to experience the Athenaeum’s sophisticated facilities and its unrivalled access to lovely natural daylight and stunning views, the ideal backdrop for discussion, debate and putting the world right.

Bistro 51 at 51 Buckingham Gate – Dinner for two and a Bottle of House Wine at ‘Bistro 51’

To register for FREE, and for more information about the timings and full programme for the showcase and panel discussion, click here.

IET London: Savoy Place closes for £30 million refurbishment

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On 19 July 2013 IET London: Savoy Place closed its doors and welcomed project workers on site to begin a £30 million, two-year refurbishment.

The first major structural reconfiguration of facilities and services in 30 years will see a significant enhancement in capacities, connectivity and feel of the event spaces.

Floor space will be reconfigured to maximise the views of the Thames, increasing the Riverside suite by 50%. A brand new lecture theatre will be built in the light well area above the current lecture theatre and the main lecture theatre will be modernised and reconfigured to ensure that each and every person will have the best possible view.

The investment will drive plans to make IET London: Savoy Place one of the most technologically advanced and low-carbon venues in London and will incorporate a number of new facilities to enable more virtual and interactive events. In addition, structural plans have been shaped with the goal of achieving BREEAM accreditation and international standard ISO 20121 within one year of opening, helping event organisers to deliver more sustainable events.

Find out more about the refurbishment at http://savoyplace.theiet.org/new-venue/index.cfm  or come and look at the plans at the #DestinationWestminster breakfast showcase on 13 September.