New, exciting and cutting-edge hotels and venues open in London on a regular basis with many existing hotels and venues re-branding and refurbishing, providing an ever-greater choice of accommodation and event options. Trends include an emphasis on art, design and the latest technology features. For many years restaurants within hotels were on the decline, often considered stuffy and boring. This trend has now changed with the development of new and exciting chefs taking up residence in many hotels and the option of formal and informal dining onsite with a range of exciting cuisine.
Likewise, the range of themed, informal and formal dining options continue to expand making London one of the leading food destinations in the world. Venues include warehouses, art galleries, Victorian arches, blank ‘White Box’ spaces, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, livery halls and museums, the list is endless.
Examples include an East London textile factory transformed into a unique destination ‘live, work, play’ concept hotel with social zones where guests can enjoy live music, play pool or relax in the library. For a truly bespoke experience stay in their Loft, complete with your own private rooftop Hot Tub – relax away the day and enjoy the views of London’s urban metropolis. Or how about an abandoned architectural masterpiece in the City of London. This venue, with an enormous Grand Banking Hall has been transformed into a luxury destination hotel with eight restaurants which serve a wide range of cuisines, from Britain to Northern Italy, North America to Asia.
London’s West End continues to offer the best selection of venues. A new, luxury hotel with art deco inspired rooms and suites is now available. Many of the rooms afford unrivalled, front row views to London’s exclusive premieres? Bringing the glitz and glam of Hollywood to your window.
TIPS: Can’t decide on traditional or contemporary?
Now you can have both!
Traditional
Many of London’s finest venues are in Central London or The City and they tend to be housed in stunning Victorian or Georgian buildings.
Many of these period properties have retained their period façade but have transformed their interiors with contemporary, modern décor with state of the art technology offering event organisers the best of both worlds.
Likewise, many Livery Halls and Museums have refurbished and updated their technology whilst preserving their historic identities, again providing the event organiser with stimulating and unusual options.
Contemporary
Fabulous new hotels offer floor to ceiling windows with great views of the London skyline. Bespoke works of art will adorn the reception areas which will set the décor theme throughout the venue. East London continues to lead the way with new hotels, art galleries and white spaces opening up on a regular basis. Bear in mind the type of industry you work in and the type of client you will be inviting to the event. One person’s opinion of the area could be ‘this is trendy, arty and interesting’ another person might think the opposite. As always you should view the venue and ideally use public transport to get an idea of how easy it will be for your guests to leave and depart.
London provides event planners with an ever-changing scene which can prove daunting. We’re constantly on the lookout, keeping up to date with developments, so when you contact us, you can be assured we can recommend a cutting-edge venue for your event.
DON'T DELAY!
Venues for key dates fill up fast so book early to avoid disappointment.