Unique Venues Archives | Page 3 of 6 | Westminster Venue Collection

‘Get Christmas Licked!’ Venue Showcase

Posted on 1st August 2015 by engineroom

Throw on your reindeer antlers and trot on down to 10-11 Carlton House Terrace this September, for festive frolics and good fun with more than 35 of Westminster’s finest venues. This year, Christmas cheer and creative, seasonal theming bring together a selection of unusual, historical, modern and exciting events destinations to inspire and entice.

Special offers, arts and crafts workshops, competitions and giveaways will all serve to introduce you to our wealth of individually unique central London properties, whether it’s late Christmas and New Year parties and drinks receptions you’re looking to organise, or forward planning for conferences, product launches, fashion shows, awards dinners, concerts and more into next year and beyond.

Meet friendly teams from luxury hotels, private members clubs, concert halls, museums and attractions, river boats, modern and traditional conference centres, historic institutes and societies. Enjoy one-on-one discussions in a dedicated and relaxed environment and fill your little black book with great new contacts, venue ideas, theming notes and confirmed diary dates for the personalised venue tours you’ve been able to organise with your new connections.

The Westminster Collection’s annual venue showcase is free to attend, subject to qualifying criteria. Register now! We look forward to seeing you in September.

{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)

House of Commons Terrace Pavilion open for summer bookings

Posted on 6th May 2015 by engineroom

Offering uninterrupted views of the River Thames and the famous skyline of the South Bank, the House of Commons‘ Terrace Pavilion provides a unique location for your summer reception.

The principal function rooms on the upper floors of the New Palace of Westminster include the Members’ and Strangers’ Dining Rooms and the Pugin Room, designed by Charles Barry in a generalised ecclesiastical style and Augustus Pugin, whose inventive genius for adapting gothic forms created the elaborate interiors. Individually, these spaces can host up to 170 guests for lunch or dinner and 200 guests for a reception or when combined the spaces will accommodate 300 standing guests.

The lower floor offers four smaller private dining rooms and the Churchill Room, so named as many of his paintings hang on its walls. These individual rooms can seat between 10 and 100 guests for lunch or dinner or 25 to 100 for standing receptions. Outside on the Commons Terrace is the Terrace Pavilion, a purpose built marquee, which can accommodate up to 200 guests for standing receptions and opens out onto the eastern river frontage of the Palace overlooking the River Thames.

The House of Commons has an enviable reputation for delivering first class catering and services. Whatever your occasion, they will work with you to create an experience to remember whether it is a showcase dinner or corporate event, planning your party or wedding, finding the ideal venue, or a drinks reception or working lunch. As one of the world’s most iconic buildings, no other venue in the world is more instantly recognised than the Palace of Westminster. It is impossible to walk through its corridors or dine in its imposing function rooms without a deep sense of awe.
It is a unique venue and a very special place. The team invites you to share it with them for your own special occasion.

To enquire about hosting your next event at the House of Commons, click here.

Westminster spotlight: Mayfair & Belgravia

Posted on 6th May 2015 by engineroom

Whether greasing your fingers at trendy munch spots Burger & Lobster or Goodman, or indulging in refined gourmet dining at the likes of Le Gavroche, Benares or Munaro are your personal style, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the well-heeled Westminster districts of Mayfair and Belgravia, which encircle iconic Buckingham Palace and border Hyde Park.

Refined London at its best, these enchanting streets house private estates, secluded gardens, luxury hotels and private members clubs aplenty, creating a destination for designer brands, wealthy residents, fashionable foodies and classy events.

Here are our favourite Mayfair and Belgravia haunts perfect for everything from drinks parties and standing receptions, to product launches, film screenings, private dinners and conferences:

BAFTA 195 Piccadilly
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair above the hustle and bustle of one of London’s busiest streets is BAFTA, home to some of film and television’s most iconic histories. The venue has five event spaces that are all available for exclusive hire, and at certain times of the year the venue can be hired as an entirety allowing the ultimate atmosphere of exclusivity. Accommodating numbers between 50 and 350 BAFTA offers a real versatility for a wide range of events. Within the Princess Anne Theatre space is an incredible state of the art cinema system which can play anything from timeless classics to the latest 3D blockbuster.

The Athenaeum Hotel
Combining the comfort of a family run business with the elegance of a 5* central London location is The Athenaeum Hotel. Located just a stone’s throw from Green Park and adjacent to Buckingham Palace, the venue’s location is truly spectacular. The events spaces range from 20 to 100 delegate capacity making it ideal for more intimate and personal occasions and with fresh fruit, unlimited bottled water and plasma TVs included as standard, The Athenaeum really does go the extra mile to ensure your event runs flawlessly. The venue has also launched a ‘Pick and Mix’ offer for meetings packages allowing you to receive a day delegate rate of £75pp and to enhance your package with a complimentary extra including a complimentary glass of champagne after your event. For more information please visit www.athenaeumhotel.com/events/meetings/piccadilly-pick-n-mix/

The Royal Air Force Club
Opened in 1922, The RAF Club is ideally located along the edges of Green Park. A beautiful and historic building, it seamlessly combines fantastic history with contemporary facilities and interiors. Not to be missed at The RAF club is the incredible Badge Corridor containing an unrivaled selection of original squadron badges. The event spaces can accommodate between 20 and 200 guests all with complimentary WiFi and audio visual equipment.

The Chesterfield Mayfair
The Chesterfield Mayfair is a secluded and exceptional hotel with six events spaces catering for 50-150 guests, with an elegant yet welcoming home-away-from-home atmosphere. The Conservatory Room boasts marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and can seat up to 40 guests. On booking your event you will be assigned your own personal events manager who will guide you through the entire process and allow you to relax and enjoy every moment.

The Royal Institution of Great Britain
Grade I listed and established more than 200 years ago The Royal Institution of Great Britain, has history at it’s very core and has been at the forefront of scientific discovery, innovation and communication for two centuries. Sensitively restored it boasts a 440-seat theatre which is available for exclusive hire and throughout its collection of event spaces there are capacities for between 30 and 600, meaning there are endless possibilities when booking an event at The Royal Institution.

The Lansdowne Club
If exclusivity is what you are looking for then The Lansdowne Club in the heart of Mayfair has plenty to offer. Built in 1763 before being converted into a social club in 1935, it is now an exclusive members club offering a variety of options for your central London event. Perfect for business or pleasure the spaces on offer can cater for between 50 and 200 guests in a variety of seating styles. The spectacular library seats up to 100 guests and showcases jam-packed bookcases covering the walls, providing a unique vocal point for your event.

The Caledonian Club
Originally built for Hugh Morrison, a wealthy politician and land owner in 1891, The Caledonian Club is a little piece of Scotland in the heart of Belgravia. Showcasing their versatile events spaces, all with a quintessential Scottish flavour, the venue can accommodate between 50 and 250 guests. Function guests access the event using an exclusive private entrance meaning your event has an air of sophistication from the moment your guests arrive.

Imperial College London (Knightsbridge)
Variety is in no short supply at Imperial College London as it offers more than 200 unique events spaces in the cultural heartland of Exhibition Road. Available for as few as 20 or as many as 620 guests, the options truly are plentiful. The venue is centered in an historic location, surrounded by historic heavyweights such as The Victoria and Albert and Natural History Museums. The Queen’s Lawn space, available for up to 700 people, can be hired as a stand-alone space or paired with The Queen’s Tower which is accessible using a marqueed walkway onto the lawn, bringing the outside in and allowing a spacious and airy feel. Booking a summer party before 15th May entitles you to 15% off with BBQ menus and Pimm’s on arrival. Find out more and visit www3.imperial.ac.uk/conferenceandevents/specialpromotions/summerparties

Summer venues: rooftops, gardens, terraces

Posted on 14th April 2015 by engineroom

As summer approaches and the capital steps outside and into the sun, rooftops, gardens and courtyards across London come to life. Sitting in the warm summer sun with a cocktail in hand is the perfect way to inject a little sunshine into your event. There is no shortage of exquisite outdoor locations in London but to make it even easier to find your ideal al fresco venue here’s our pick of spot on summer venues:

Nothing says ‘summer’ quite like being on the water and HQS Wellington provides the perfect combination of outdoor and indoor space, allowing your event to flow seamlessly regardless of the unpredictable British weather! Wellington is a unique London venue for any functions which benefit from the backdrop of its wonderful collection of marine antiques, including priceless paintings and model ships. It has four hireable events spaces suitable for meetings and dining, including the open-air ‘Quarter Deck’, ideal for summer cocktail parties, receptions and barbecues. From small meetings in a boardroom to a whole ship event, flexibility is a key attraction of this venue. It is licensed for weddings, with a highly personal, professional and innovative conferencing, event and wedding service provided on board by The Cook & Butler.

A venue that combines a flawless reputation for delivering incredible corporate events with the chance for some sunshine is The Q EII Centre. The opportunities within this venue are truly vast and the beautiful and astounding 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 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.

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. With its 22 room portfolio and dedicated team of professionals Central Hall can accommodate a wide range of events. The lesser known area of the building is the beautiful sun terrace where you can watch the sun go down behind London’s iconic skyline.

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. Most suitable for the warmer months is the stunning Terrace Pavilion, a purpose built marquee perfect for all conditions, complete with panoramic glass doors allowing guests to take full advantage of the spectacular sunshine.

No.11 Cavendish Square is a beautiful Grade II listed building nestled amongst the townhouses of central London. The venue has been sympathetically enhanced allowing it to cater for all types of events whilst still maintaining its original and charming features. The venue boasts a variety of rooms for both larger and more intimate events but perhaps most notably for the upcoming summer months is The Garden Room. Available for exclusive hire for up to 100 guests for a standing reception, it’s not only a beautifully bright space but it can also be hired with the adjoining courtyard allowing your guests to move freely between the two.

A mere stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace is St James Court hotel, a discreet Victorian masterpiece oozing with warmth and sophistication. St James Cou rt 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. The hotel also offers a unique and secluded garden courtyard, complete with stunning flowers and tranquil water features allowing a place to recharge and recoup at any time of the day.

The summer months enable us to step outside, walk around and see a little more of what London has to offer. We hope that something in our top six summer hotspots has caught your eye and that the sun stays out long enough for you to experience them all!

Central Hall Westminster appoints new Director of Sales and Events

Posted on 31st March 2015 by engineroom

Former head of hospitality at English Heritage, Neil Parry, has joined Central Hall Westminster as its Director of Sales and Events. This newly created role comes as the venue celebrates significant success achieved in the last two years.

Parry’s previous roles include general manager at London Aquarium, trade marketing manager at London Zoo and trade marketing manager at The Tussaud’s Group. He held his most recent role at English Heritage since 2008.

“I have been very fortunate in my career to have worked at some great venues and buildings,” said Parry, “so to get the chance to work at Central Hall Westminster with all its associated history and iconic status is an amazing opportunity for me. I am really looking forward to joining the team and continuing to deliver the huge success they have already achieved.”

Commenting on the appointment, Paul Southern, managing director at Central Hall Westminster, said: “We’ve had some great results at Central Hall over the last couple of years and I’m delighted that we can reinvest this success by growing and developing our team. Neil will bring a wealth of experience to the venue and I’m looking forward to him taking the venue in new, bold directions.”

The appointment of Parry comes together with the promotion of Maria Schuett to the newly created role of head of marketing. Schuett joined Central Hall as marketing manager in 2011, a role in which her achievements included the venue’s rebranding, the launch of a dedicated mobile website and a win at the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute Awards for ‘Best Internet/Media Campaign of overseas business in China’.

Schuett also developed the award-winning ‘Meet The Future’ campaign, a multi-faceted campaign that culminated in a dedicated event technology conference, helping the venue achieve a 53% increase in turnover in the 2013/14 financial year.

Commenting on her promotion, Schuett said: “I am passionate about the Central Hall brand and my industry. I am grateful to be working with such a forward-thinking team and venue that can help to shape the industry’s journey into the future with a real educational drive to progress and facilitate change.”

Southern added: “Maria’s enthusiasm and passion for her role is infectious and has played a big part in helping our venue achieve some of its best results on record. I’m delighted that we can recognise her achievements with this newly created role.

Central Hall Westminster (CHW) is central London’s largest purpose built conference centre, combining historical elegance with cutting-edge technical capabilities. The unique Edwardian landmark building, situated adjacent to Westminster Abbey, has engaged high profile conferences, special events and local business meetings since 1912. It has 22 event spaces available for hire.

Westminster Spotlight: Jaunty St James’s

Posted on 18th March 2015 by engineroom

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 17^th 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.

Amongst 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.

Another 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.

For 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.

Six extraordinary dining experiences #InsideTheCommons

Posted on 16th March 2015 by engineroom

The sensational interiors of the House of Commons will go on show to the public later this month as this unique venue releases a limited number of places to six extraordinary dining experiences in its Members’ Dining Room.

Offering a rare opportunity to dine within this iconic building, the House of Commons is delighted to invite bookings for 3-course menu experiences on 31 March, 1 April, 8 April, 9 April, 28 April and 29 April 2015.

Special permission granting rare access to this historic, members-only dining room comes as Members of Parliament ready themselves for the upcoming General Election, taking themselves away from the House of Commons to focus on campaigning.

The Members’ Dining Room menu focuses on fine British cuisine, with a 3-course menu and coffee priced at £35 per person.

Diners can take in the impressive surroundings, adorned with wooden sculptures, beautiful flock wallpaper and historic paintings. Previously intended as a conference room called the ‘Painted Chamber’, the Members’ Dining Room offers the perfect dining space and an ornate Royal coat of Arms sits proudly above the entrance.

Book a table online and begin your exploration of the rooms available for hire for corporate and private events here.

Tag: Unique Venues