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Capacity: 3700
Liverpool
Aintree Racecourse, home of the world-famous Grand National, is steeped in sporting history.
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Capacity: 1200
Dublin
As the home of Irish Rugby and Irish Football, the Aviva Stadium encapsulates the heartbeat of a nation.
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Capacity: 1000
Hampshire
Beaulieu, in Hampshire’s pretty New Forest, offers a quirky but versatile setting for conferences.
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Brentford GTech Community Stadium
Capacity: 500
Brentford
Brentford Stadium opened its doors in 2020 as a brand new, state-of-the-art conference and events venue.
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Capacity: 300
Bristol
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a stunning landmark venue in the heart of the city.
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Capacity: 250
Burnley
Burnley FC's Turf Moor stadium is one of the premier venues for events in the North West.
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Capacity: 1501
Cardiff
Cardiff City Stadium is one of the premier venues for events in Wales.
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Capacity: 1000
London
The iconic Stamford Bridge is a leading events space for up to 1000 guests or delegates in West London.
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Capacity: 350
London
In the heart of Central London, Churchill War Rooms is the perfect setting for any meeting.
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Capacity: 1050
Birmingham
Edgbaston Stadium is ideally located in the beating heart of Birmingham.
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Capacity: 250
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo & Mansion House is a unique setting for meetings, conferences, private dinners, and more.
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Capacity: 3341
London
Eventim Apollo, one of London’s most iconic theatres, offers charm and wow factor to events.
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Capacity: 20000
London
ExCeL London is the home of world-class events, offering a wide range of event spaces.
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Capacity: 220
London
Hampton Court Palace brings its charm and character to a range of celebrations.
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Capacity: 910
London
Twickenham Stoop Stadium has been developed into a unique and excellent events venue.
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Capacity: 300
Hatfield
Hatfield House is a spectacular location for celebrations and dinners oozing with English Tudor grandeur.
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Capacity: 180
Maidenhead
Hedsor House, a Georgian house nestled amongst 100 acres of parkland.
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Capacity: 200
Kent
You’ll struggle to find a more special place for a wedding than Hever Castle in Kent.
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Capacity: 350
London
HMS Belfast, permanently anchored between Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
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Capacity: 1700
Cambridge
Imperial War Museum Duxford is an impressive aviation museum for dinners and conferences.
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Capacity: 1000
London
The Imperial War Museum London offers an elegant setting to enjoy incredible events and food experiences.
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Capacity: 500
Manchester
A multi-award-winning venue near Manchester city centre, Imperial War Museum North is an iconic landmark.
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Capacity: 500
Knebworth
Knebworth House & Barns features a grand 500-year-old house and 250 acres of stunning parkland.
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Capacity: 650
Leicester
Leicester City FC’s King Power Stadium boasts contemporary facilities for meetings and events.
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Capacity: 1500
Leicester
Mattioli Woods Welford Road, home of rugby giants Leicester Tigers, is a large and diverse events space.
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Capacity: 350
Bristol
M Shed is a world-class cultural landmark in the heart of Bristol.
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Capacity: 800
York
The National Railway Museum is the largest of its kind in the world and ideal for large receptions.
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Capacity: 1200
London
The Grade I-listed Natural History Museum is one of London's most iconic buildings and events venues.
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Capacity: 600
Northampton
Franklin’s Gardens is a standout event venue and the home of Premiership Rugby giants Northampton Saints.
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Capacity: 300
Nottingham
Nottingham Forest’s City Ground Stadium offers conference and events venue for up to 300 people.
Making the most of your reception venue
The evening reception is all about space and time; it could be champagne and Pimm's 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.
Creating an unforgettable experience
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 reception 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 or winter reception venues
Summer drinks receptions can be amazing; the right mixture of reception 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 venue can catch the last of the day’s light, creating a passage between afternoon and late evening experience.
Equally, a Christmas reception venue 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 perspective, food can line the stomach, stop it grumbling and soak up some of the earlier alcohol intake.
Select a reception venue with ambience
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 delegate's own pace. For a sporty venue, the chance to enjoy the arresting ambiance of an iconic stadium can provide similar excitement and awe.
To discuss your reception venue requirements in more detail, please contact our expert team.
Featured Venues
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Edgbaston Stadium
Birmingham
Edgbaston Stadium is ideally located in the beating heart of Birmingham.
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Kempton Park Racecourse
London
Enjoy a racecourse venue with fantastic facilities at Kempton Park.