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Friday 1 May 2020

As we move into the seventh week working from home, and with limited freedom during lockdown, many of us are adapting to the "new normal". There has been a huge amount of community spirit displayed across the nation and so many event venues and suppliers have been sharing their secrets.

....whether that be baking or cocktail recipes, along with other skills that can help you pass the time at home. I, for one, have been experimenting with baking which I have never been keen on. I had some joy with a lemon drizzle but, despite my best efforts, it definitely isn’t my calling. 

With that in mind Venue Search London  (VSL) wanted to share with you some of our favourite venues and cocktails that we cannot wait to see and sample (when it is safe to do so):

The Hoxton Southwark

The newest edition to the brand which opened in late 2019 and has 192 bedrooms. We love this London venue for its unique event space, The Apartment which can be hired exclusively for up to 120 guests standing or separately for private dinner or team away days. The space is made up of six different rooms with a wrap-around balcony! Then there is Seabird, their rooftop bar and restaurant, home to London’s longest oyster list! The space can be hired privately for corporate events or you can pop up for a cocktail and enjoy the views. 

Cocktail recommendation: The Toucan Do It

Sushi Samba

Based on top of  the Grade II listed Market Building, overlooking the buzzing piazza. The central London venue is available to hire exclusively for up to 500 guests for a standing reception, but also has two smaller event spaces for private dinners and also a hidden speakeasy. 

Cocktail recommendation: Lychee Cooler

The Ned

A 5 star hotel and private members club, The Ned is definitely a favourite in the City. The Grade I listed building which was once home to Midland Bank and had previously been empty for nearly 8 years. The London venue has six event spaces which can be hired and includes two outdoor terraces. As well as eight different restaurants, 250 bedrooms with access to Ned’s club gym and spa.

Cocktail recommendation: Miami Mule

The Curtain

One of my favourite London venues (as I’m sure the rest of the VSL team could tell you). The hotel and members club has a variety of different event spaces including their larger space, Burbage, which can host 140 guests theatre style or 350 for a standing reception. The courtyard which is a spit-level space with a private bar and retractable roof, private dining room and screening room. Then we have LIDO the dreamiest of rooftops with a retractable glass roof and Moroccan style heated pool, what’s not to love? 

Cocktail recommendation: Paradise Cobbler

Hotel Cafe Royal

A luxury 5 star hotel in the heart of London’s West End, the central London venue is filled with glamour and history. Pompadour Ballroom is their largest event space for up to 250 guests with stunning restored features and balcony overlooking Regent Street and Queensberry suite is their more contemporary style event space suited for conferences and meetings. The Oscar Wilde lounge is home to Hotel Cafe Royal’s famous Afternoon tea, the Grade II listed space dates back to 1865 and is named after one of their most famous patrons. Then there’s Ziggy’s, the vibrant cocktail bar which pays homage to the late Bowie who celebrated his retirement from his alter ego Ziggy Stardust at the hotel in 1973!

Cocktail recommendation: Tiger On Vaseline

MAMA Shelter

A collection of quirky unique spaces around the world, currently you can find one in 12 cities and 7 countries including; London, Paris and LA (the first one I visited before stumbling across the London gem). The unique  venue is in the heart of East London, close to Bethnal Green station, one stop from the City. Aiming to be a home away from home, Mama Shelter London has 194 bedrooms, several private atelier-style meeting rooms, outdoor courtyard with bar and restaurant and of course a Japanese inspired Karaoke room! 

Cocktail recommendation: Sunset Cosmo

The Marylebone

Only a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, The Marylebone is a chic hotel tucked away amongst the independent restaurant and markets of Marylebone high street. An all round favourite with the VSL team for its unique and versatile event spaces which can offer something a little more special from your standard meeting rooms. Number Six is their largest space with a private entrance, then there is the Courtyard which has a retractable roof, open fire and garden wall making it a captivating escape from the City all year round!

Cocktail recommendation: Russian Spring Punch

If you’re keen to learn more about the above venues or have a new event enquiry you would like to discuss contact us on hello@venuesearchlondon.com or complete our enquiry form here.