The National Motor Museum Beaulieu is a museum set in the heart of the New Forest, in the English county of Hampshire. Beaulieu offers you a versatile and unusual venue with a difference, whether you're looking for a conference, dinner, wedding, team building or family fun day out.
The Kia Oval, located in the heart of London, is a world class sporting venue with excellent conference and event facilities. Each room is flooded with natural daylight and boasts outstanding views of the famous Oval wicket. With a mix of modern and traditional rooms ranging in size, the Kia Oval is suitable for a variety of events.
The Twickenham Stoop Stadium has been home to Harlequins, the world-famous rugby club, since 1963. The Stoop is located in the heart of Twickenham and over the years has been redeveloped into a unique and excellent venue for conferences and events, which makes The Stoop the perfect venue for all types of events.
Leicester City Football Club provides contemporary meeting and events facilities for up to 650 guests. Free Wi-Fi, free car parking and a city centre location complements the seven conference suites and 43 corporate hospitality boxes overlooking the pitch. Various Day Delegate packages are available, individually designed to cater for every budget.
The QEII Centre is the largest dedicated conference, exhibition and event space in Central London. The venue offers world-class facilities and versatile spaces for up to 2,500. Conventions, dinners, awards, exhibitions, Christmas parties, receptions, product launches; The QEII can do them all, hosting over 400 national and international events a year.
Cardiff City Stadium is one of the premier events venues in Wales. The stadium contains a range of flexible event spaces which are decorated in a contemporary style to really make your event stand out. Cardiff City has easy access to the M4 motorway network, great public transport links and over 1,200 onsite car parking spaces.
Bristol Zoological Society is a conservation and educational charity which runs and operates Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Wild Place Project. The Clifton Pavilion can offer the perfect venue for any occasion. Built in the 1920s, the building's graceful architecture offers elegant rooms with beautiful views overlooking the West Lawn and the zoo's resident flamingos.
A multi-award winning venue close to Manchester city centre, the Imperial War Museum North is an iconic landmark available for daytime events and exclusive evening hire. Within its striking aluminium-clad structure you'll find a unique venue for your conference or event.
The Snowdome Tamworth is the ideal venue when looking for something a little different for your meeting or event.
Ideally located just off Junction 9 and 10 of the M42, 20 minutes from Birmingham City Centre and easily accessible via rail.
Situated in the heart of Hertfordshire, Hatfield House offers a stunning and unique setting for any event, from meetings and conferences to dinners and balls. Located in the beautiful surroundings of Hatfield Park and very easy to access, our venues are ideal to offer your delegates or guests a unique experience.
There’s nowhere quite like Aintree Racecourse, home of the world famous Randox Health Grand National. Steeped in history, drama, triumph and achievement, it's simply unique. Combine this inspirational sporting legacy with state of the art facilities and you’ll discover a stage for conferencing and events that is second to none.
Nottingham Racecourse breathes fresh air into any business event. There's the sense of scale and space, with green views across the racecourse, Colwick Park and the Trent valley. The venue is naturally suited to big moments like product launches, showcases and demonstrations and lends a sense of occasion to regional and national conferences.
If you're looking for an event venue with a difference in West Yorkshire then look no further. Located in the heart of Bradford, the National Science and Media Museum is a unique choice, offering five floors of spectacular galleries, two state-of-the-art auditoria and the IMAX experience – all housed within a magnificent glazed frontage.
Reading FC Conference and Events, based at the impressive Madejski Stadium, provides the perfect backdrop to any conference or event. The function suites range in capacity from 2 to 500 delegates, from modern conference rooms overlooking the pitch to more traditional spaces that showcase the club’s history and heritage.
Haydock Park is a place that makes your heart race. From the thrill of watching your horse cross the finishing line to the delight of indulging in its fantastic facilities, it guarantees a great day out. But just as importantly, it's also well known as a venue that leads the field in holding events that are every bit as memorable as their race days.
Just 25 minutes by train from Waterloo, Sandown Park is set in a picturesque green-belt site in leafy Surrey. Suitable for groups of 10 to over 1,000 people, event success is guaranteed with the venue's wide range of flexible spaces and facilities.
Located in Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, just 16 miles from Central London, Kempton Park Racecourse offers a unique collection of individual suites that offer beautiful views of the racecourse itself as well as the natural surroundings. Situated less than a mile from Junction 1 of the M3 and with direct trains from London Waterloo to the on-site train station.
Jump on board for a unique event in the heart of Covent Garden! Originally a Victorian flower market, London Transport Museum provides three fascinating spaces for hire. Daytime guests can enjoy the latest meeting technology and complimentary museum access.
IWM Duxford is a venue like no other. This fighter station has been transformed into an impressive events space, rich in heritage and home to over 100 aircraft including the iconic Concorde. Whether you're organising a meeting for 10, a conference for 350 or a gala dinner for 1,000, it's a location to delight and inspire your guests.
Warwick Racecourse retains its historic charm and character. Nestled next to Warwick Castle, the racecourse is one of the oldest in the country and with racing having taken place here since the 1700s, this is a course rich in tradition and heritage.
Epsom Downs is a truly unique venue for your conference, dinner dance, wedding, product launch, Christmas party and much more. The Queen's Stand & Duchess' Stand both have striking facilities; holding an array of diverse events every year, Epsom Downs is the ideal venue for your event.
Home of the Gold Cup, Cheltenham Racecourse is a world famous sporting venue with superb facilities for conferences, exhibitions, banquets, Christmas parties and major PR events. Catering for 2 to 2,250 guests and with free parking for 10,000 cars, it has the versatility to stage high-profile corporate or private functions.
Troxy is a versatile events space which is flexible in both approach and size. Originally opened in the 1930s as a grand cinema, many of the original Art Deco features remain in this Grade II-listed venue. Refurbished within the last few years, this unique space now combines extensive front of house facilities with original character.
From World War II to Korea, HMS Belfast has been looking after our nation since 1938. Now, moored next to the iconic Tower Bridge, it’s protecting the quality of our nation’s events.
Pennethorne’s Bar is the latest opening at the iconic Somerset House. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the all-day wining and dining destination now offers a private dining room for exclusive, desirable and stylish events.
An impressive, flexible, stylish and unique conference and events venue in the heart of East Anglia. Newmarket Racecourse is a premier venue for conferences and events ranging from small business meetings to large scale conferences with up to 500 delegates.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a stunning landmark venue, located in the heart of the city.
The magnificent Edwardian Baroque building is a famous city landmark and its world class exhibits of art, archaeology, geology and natural history provide an inspirational backdrop for corporate hospitality.
Bramall Lane is a fantastic multipurpose venue, offering versatile event spaces with capacities from 2-400 guests. This is the only venue in Sheffield to offer over 400 free vehicle parking spaces.
Set on a moated island, Leeds Castle provides one of the most unique venues for residential and day conferences, meetings, corporate hospitality and banqueting in Kent.
Having opened in 1975 as the first National Museum outside of London, the National Railway Museum is now the largest of its kind in the world. Steeped in heritage and history, the former locomotive depot houses many famous and record-breaking locomotives including the Mallard and a Japanese Bullet Train. The elegant surroundings are sure to add prestige to any event.
A purpose built conference centre offering eight contemporary rooms and spacious breakout areas. During non-term time periods, the University offers 20 lecture theatres (up to 500 capacity), 100 seminar rooms, the Meeting House, 850 bedrooms (500 en suite) and banqueting for up to 240.
For conferences, meetings, seminars and exhibitions, weddings or parties, Carlisle Racecourse offers the most flexible facilities around. Located just off Junction 42 of the M6, the venue is available for both race day and non-race day events with a variety of room sizes rooms and ample free parking.
In 2002, the Cabinet War Rooms took over and restored large areas of the Whitehall site. The meeting facilities now include a number of historic period rooms including a 120-seat auditorium enhanced by discreet but modern audio-visual facilities and air conditioning. Rooms are available for corporate or private hire, both daytime and evening.
Located in the heart of Birmingham, Edgbaston is the perfect place to host business meetings, conferences, training courses, dinners, weddings or bespoke events. The venue's dedicated events team will work with you to deliver a truly unforgettable service and create an event that you and your guests will remember for years to come.
Awarded Best Sporting Venue for Events 2018, Twickenham can effortlessly cater for large-scale business conferences with state-of-the-art AV, private dinners and social receptions or meetings. In all there are 34 dedicated spaces and rooms, many providing attendees and delegates with excellent facilities and a wealth of flexible interior space.
M Shed is a world-class cultural landmark set on the harbourside in the heart of Bristol. The building’s industrial heritage has been retained but now offers a purpose-built event suite, suitable for corporate and private events. Guests have access to the rooftop terrace, giving fantastic panoramic views across Bristol's harbour.
It’s not just about fantastic horse racing at Huntingdon Racecourse: they also have a Conference and Events Centre which is open all-year round. The venue's extensive facilities offer the flexibility to cater for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and parties, while the grounds cover an incredible 175 acres and can be used for a multitude of indoor and outdoor events.
Market Rasen Racecourse offers flexible facilities that can be tailored to your event located within a unique and picturesque setting. The venue is known for its superb catering and highly experienced staff, as well as its range of audio and visual equipment and ample free parking. Any event you hold here will benefit from the picturesque outdoor space, bespoke service and dedicated Event Manager.
The SSE Arena, Wembley (formerly known as Wembley Arena) is the UK’s most iconic entertainment venue. With a rich history that goes back to its days as the Empire Pool and Sports Arena, the building has played host to numerous events including the 1948 and 2012 Olympics.
SEC is Scotland's national venue for public events. It's also the UK's largest integrated exhibition and conference centre; a world class facility set in one of Europe's most vibrant cities and only a short journey from some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.
Hedsor House is a magnificent Georgian country house set in 100 acres of glorious parkland that offers a variety of rooms for meetings and events and grounds for outdoor events and activity days. A private and versatile venue just 20 minutes from Heathrow that can cater for smaller meetings of 20 to dinners for 140. Free parking and free Wi-Fi.
Hever Castle, Kent is located just 40 minutes from London and 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport.
The Astor Wing boasts Tudor-style meeting rooms, the Castle Dining Hall and five star accommodation. The Guthrie Pavilion is a contemporary lakeside conference venue with garden receptions. The venue also contains the Championship Golf Club, tennis court, swimming pool and outdoor pursuits.
ExCeL is the capital's premier events venue and home to London's International Convention Centre. The venue has been designed to accommodate a wide range of event formats, with organisers able to use different spaces from an auditorium to exhibition space, executive meeting rooms and a dedicated training centre.
Purpose-built in 1889, Roux at Parliament Square is the perfect Westminster conference venue which offers flexible rooms to cater for any occasion.
First class catering for your event is provided by Roux kitchen, fronted by Michel Roux Jnr and Head Chef Steve Groves, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2009.
The O2 is the finest and most technologically advanced entertainment space within the UK. Split into 5 key areas; The O2 arena, indigO2, the British Music Experience, Live Quarter and London Piazza, are of which all totally versatile and unique. The possibilities of the type of show, presentation, conference or special event that can be staged here are endless.
On non-racing days, the indoor facilities at Wincanton Racecourse provide exclusive views and a unique ambience that's perfect for wedding receptions, conferences, meetings and exhibitions. For outdoor events such as horse and pony shows, dog shows or car rallies the venue has up to 90 stables and approximately 50 acres of flat grassland.
Exeter Racecourse is a renowned conference centre surrounded by the beautiful Devon countryside. The venue is the perfect place to host a conference, meeting, dinner or wedding with a host of flexible rooms, lots of outside space, easy access and free car parking. Can accommodate up to 300 in theatre style or 180 cabaret.
Situated within iconic skyscraper Tower 42 in the City of London, Jason Atherton's City Social features Art Deco-style interiors against the backdrop of the breathtaking London skyline.
Located on the 24th floor, Michelin-starred City Social is a show-stopping venue for a private party or private dining experience.
Eltham Palace is a stunning art deco showpiece which incorporates the medieval palace that was once Henry VIII’s boyhood home. Set within tranquil, moated gardens and located near Greenwich, this is one of London’s most unique and exceptional venues for meetings, receptions, summer parties, team building activities or weddings.
The Natural History Museum is one of London's most iconic venues, with its stunning architecture providing the ideal backdrop for events of all sizes. From the intimate to the spectacular, the museum's variety of spaces will suit any corporate event, private party or wedding. The venue's dedicated team provide expert support to plan and deliver your event.
Madame Tussauds London is an award-winning themed venue which has been hosting parties for over fifty years. A large venue in Central London, Madame Tussauds can host events for up to 1,000 guests and is extremely popular for high profile celebrity launches.
Franklin’s Gardens, home of Northampton Saints, is located in the heart of England and could be at the heart of your next event. Just an hour away from London, Birmingham, Oxford and Cambridge, five minutes from the M1 and within easy reach of a number of major airports.
With over 500 species, 14 themed zones and more than 2 million litres of water, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life. Let the venue take you and your guests on a fascinating journey from the coastline to the depths of the ocean. Discover a magical underwater world filled with a dazzling array of amazing creatures.
The Victoria and Albert Museum is based in South Kensington. The Victorian building has many extraordinary rooms and spaces which offer exceptional possibilities for entertaining for evening events in a prestigious Central London location.
Located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the National Maritime Museum is the world’s largest maritime museum and is filled with inspirational stories of exploration, trade and adventure at sea. Spanned by a spectacular glass roof, Neptune Court is a meeting of classical grandeur and modern architecture, an ideal backdrop for large events.
Somerset House is a large Neoclassical building situated on the south side of the Strand in Central London, overlooking the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. There are twelve venues available for your meeting, conference, dinner, reception or party.
Trinity House, the headquarters of the General Lighthouse Authority, has been located in Trinity Square on Tower Hill since 1796. An historic venue, just 50 metres from Tower Hill tube station, it offers a suite of five elegant rooms suitable for civil weddings, lunches, dinner parties, drinks receptions, board meetings and training courses.
The London Dungeon attraction is one of the best-loved themed venues in London, telling the story of some of the capital's most infamous moments in history.
This is the ultimate alternative fun venue, a unique combination of real history, horror and humour perfect for dinners, parties and networking events between 50 and 150 guests.
indigo at The O2 is based within The O2 at North Greenwich. It's fast becoming one of London's most sought-after venues as it's situated within one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.
Wellcome Collection is a venue for the incurably curious. Its event spaces are flexible and contemporary with ultra-modern AV facilities in an unrivalled Central London location. Spaces include a tiered auditorium ideal for daytime or evening events and the Atrium, ideal for drinks receptions or product launches.
Rising from the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London stands a striking historic building which is a key part of the city's heritage. Old Billingsgate now accommodates three versatile event spaces to feed your imagination, and has hosted some of London's most prestigious events, from sparkling film premieres to dazzling award ceremonies.
Farnham Castle is a multi-award-winning venue for weddings, events, and meetings with stunning buildings, beautiful grounds, world-class dining, guest accommodation and parking.
Leicester Tigers match days are an incredible experience, but rugby isn't the only thing this venue does well. Welford Road is open every day for business and pleasure - from product launches, conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, weddings and family parties, whatever the occasion the stadium is a superb venue.
Molineux Stadium, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, offers a modern and flexible conference venue available for conferences, meetings, team building, lunches and dinners from 2 to 550 people. The 12 function rooms and 18 Executive Boxes offer event organisers the flexibility to arrange anything.
Whether big or small, fun or formal, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can host all types of unique experiences with its diverse range of spaces.
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Reset mapEstablished for over 25 years, Sternberg Clarke are the leading suppliers of live entertainment to corporate events, weddings and private parties up and down the country as well as overseas.
Trevor George Entertainments supply entertainment to every county in England and Scotland. With a huge network of acts, you can be sure that the entertainment you require is sourced locally to where the event is happening.
As the name suggests, we are an experienced, skilled and talented team of Event Specialists dedicated to delivering superb event organisation and theming nationwide.
Pharmatologists are a talented and experienced team of event organisers dedicated to delivering creative and engaging events for their Healthcare clients.
Be it the beginning of an evening event or the end of a productive business meeting, a reception allows casual networking, conversation and informal business to be done. These events are sometimes under-appreciated as the calm before the major event storm but they work in so many different ways for the event planner, and are a crucial aspect of the total event experience.
The evening reception is all about space and time; it could be champagne and Pimms on the lawns of Hatfield House or Hever Castle, or bowl food and wines within the inspirational settings of Aston Villa Stadium or Twickenham Stadium, these events are popular with organisers and their clients alike. But why?
First of all, they allow the event to start in its own time, find its own pace, and act as an elegant prelude to what is to come. They also allow an event to wind down; an evening reception following a full day of business allows for relaxation, a reward and a rest bite for the delegation. On a logistical note, maybe it offers the event team their own chance to turn a room around.
At Lime Venue Portfolio, we talk about creating experiences. We’re well placed to do so as well. Our contribution to an event can be both the venue and the food and wine. However it is the event planner that really understands how experiences are made; and no more so than through a reception style event.
Great event planners don’t just organise events, they curate experiences for their delegates that will be inspiring and memorable. They understand that while guests come for content, networking, fine food and excellent wine, they leave with an experience they will remember. A reception is usually part of a wider event but needs to be created as a one off set piece as well.
Summer drinks receptions can be amazing; the right mixture of venue, fine dining, a smartly dressed delegation, croquet on the lawn, or the chance to play casual games, can all set a delightful tone. Food can be created that underlines this elegant tone; smart, fresh canapés, light cordials, and seafood served over ice can all create theatre and add to the already stunning surroundings. Depending on the timing, the evening reception can catch the last of the day’s light, creating a passage between afternoon and late evening experience.
Equally a Christmas reception can provide a subtle start to proceedings, a chance for people to relax, put the day behind them, wind down from the company conference, and again provide a steady transition from business to pleasure. From the event organiser’s perceptive food can line the stomach, stop it grumbling and also soak up some of the early alcohol intake.
The surroundings of a unique venue can create conversation, the beauty and elegance of the Imperial War Museum North for instance, which provides views across the Quay to Media City, creates activity that can be taken in at the delegates own pace. For a sporty venue, the chance to enjoy the arresting ambiance of an iconic stadium can provide similar excitement and awe.
Equally receptions are a perfect way to wind down after a meeting. Business events are hard work on delegates; decisions have to be made, creativity is needed over long and intense periods, and the strain on individuals can be warring. Many receptions in unique venues take advantage of the opportunity to walk out of a business focused meeting room, and into a leisure or sporting themed environment. It allows the mind to switch down a gear, take stock and even give the subjects of the day time to resonate and settle. The reception can often be intellectually productive for the business meeting it follows.
In the UK we have an outstanding events market, led by creative event organisers, but also a wide choice of unusual and unique venues. Event organisers are increasingly turning to historic, leisure or sporting venues to host their events because they set the tone so well, but also because they are run professionally and excel in the important aspects delivery. With Lime Venue Portfolio we can add expertise and flare with food and drink, adding zest and style to the meeting, complementing the objectives of the event organiser, delighting guests and setting the mood from the outset.
The unusual venue market is diverse and exciting, choice is in abundance and event organisers can choose the setting to send the message that they want their guests to enjoy. Its time to give the reception a little more respect, use it for the good of the wider event, or make it intimate and stylish in its own right.