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Saturday 6 June 2020

Initial soundings from some of our corporate event buyers are giving us an early indication of what type of venues might be first on the list as and when the demand for conferences and social events returns to London.  Here is some of our thinking....

The buzzwords right now are all around "Bio-security" and "Covid secure venues" as clients grapple with the issue of wanting to get teams together for social events and conferences. We know that many clients will want to hold live events as soon as they can (with live streaming for those that cannot attend). 

But (and it is a BIG BUT!), only if they can convince themselves and their attendees that this can be delivered in a safe manner, with minimised risk and liability for any potential health issues that might arise from staging these events.

Here at Venue Search London, we feel that the key is to use venues where you will have exclusive use of all the facilities, so that contact with people outside of your group of guests/delegates is limited to event staff only.

There are many venues where this is traditionally the case, including Livery Halls, historic venues etc. But when it comes to finding safe locations for smaller groups, this becomes a greater challenge, since traditionally these events might take place in multi-room London conference centres, private areas in restaurants or shared use hotels.

All of these venues will have shared entrances, bars and more importantly toilets, where the perceived risks will be higher and harder to control and quantify.

With this in mind, here are a few of our favourite boutique London hotels and restaurants that can be hired exclusively for groups of 40-80; and of course our team of free venue finding experts have hundreds of others that we can research for you, to find the best solution in these challenging times:

The Guardsman London

Just a six minute walk from Buckingham Palace lies The Guardsman; one of London's newest Boutique Hotels.

Whether you have a new product to launch or a need for a private space to reward your business team, The Guardsman has been curated with exclusive hires in mind. With 53 rooms, six larger private residences, a restaurant and entertaining spaces, The Guardsman can accommodate large parties in supreme comfort.

The hotel's exclusive use includes The Drawing Room, The Library and The Dining Room and Bar, as well as the private terraces belonging to the residences with a stunning rooftop view of London. 

Vintry & Mercer

Located in the heart of the City, this boutique hotel has taken inspiration from the surrounding historic trading Guilds of the area. With Vintry being the centre for  London Wine merchants, and Mercer for the luxury textile sellers, including fine silk damasks, you get a good idea of the style and standard they go for. 

With just 92 bespoke bedrooms and suites, 2 restaurants, a roof terrace, a speakeasy bar and 3 deluxe meeting spaces including The Library, The Music Room and The Drawing Room, Vintry and Mercer is perfect for an exclusive hire. 

Mama Shelter

A little larger than our previous two hotels, Mama Shelter London is considered a home away from home and an ideal choice if you really want to make your guests feel comfortable. 

Nestled in the buzzing streets of East London, the hotel offers cutting-edge design created by Parisian designers Dion & Arles. Housing 194 bedrooms,  several private atelier-style meeting rooms, a spacious and playfully designed bar & restaurant, outdoor courtyard and Japanese-style karaoke rooms, MAMA will both spoil and inspire your guests whether you're settling down for a business meeting or kicking back for an employee incentive.

Not looking to stay over? No problem! We've put together a list of three ideal spaces for entertaining and dining and easily secured for private hire.

Coq d'Argent

With plenty of outside space for your guests, this gem in the heart of the Square Mile is a wonderful space to host and entertain your guests in style. 

Combining a large indoor restaurant and bar with plenty of space, as well as outdoor terraces, a grill and rooftop garden for corporate and networking events, business meetings and celebration, the private terrace located next to the bar can accommodate 100 standing and 40 seated or you can hire the whole restaurant exclusively for 300 standing or 150 seated. The incredible views add another draw factor to this wonderful venue. 

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

One of the most beautiful restaurants on offer for hire, The Ivy Chelsea Garden offers both private dining for smaller groups, as well as a Garden and Terrace with exclusive hire of the restaurant. 

The Eden Room, adorned with colourful vintage and botanical prints, seats 30 guests on one long table or 24 guests on three round tables of eight, as well as drinks and canapé receptions for up to 50 guests. Alternatively the restaurant can seat 120 guests exclusively giving you and your guests some much needed space to enjoy the surroundings. 

The Minories

The Minories London has had a serious makeover since becoming a member of the Stonegate Pub Company. Givng it a modern, independent feel, the venue also comes with some seriously refreshing outside space for a venue situated underneath Tower Gateway station and built into the railway arches. 

The Garden itself comes with four eight-seater private booths, each with its own heating, lighting, plus a TV and sockets for guests to charge their phones. In addition, a 30-seat pergola and a butterfly awning will ensure there is plenty of under-cover seating. Inside you've got space for up to 120 seated or 250 standing, allowing for plenty of scope to exclusively take over the venue.

 

Interested in hosting a smaller party this year? Click here to read our article on Christmas Party Venues: Best for Small Groups

If you have an enquiry for any of the above venues or another of the 1,700 listed with Venue Search London please email on hello@venuesearchlondon.com or call 020 7870 9305. You can also complete our speedy enquiry form here