Looking for a dramatic, large-scale venue for thousands of guests? No probs. A cosy space for an intimate dinner? Sure. London’s got picturesque gardens made for summer celebrations and rustic street food markets for Christmas parties, venues that’ll always get the party started and locations you’ll be taken seriously in. So, with a venue for everything… what makes some spaces stand out from the crowd?
Outside space
Everyone appreciates space to stretch their legs and get a spot of fresh air, and venues like the Royal College of Physicians and City Central at the HAC pack a punch when it comes to outside space. They’ve both been nominated in the ‘best summer venue’ category at this year’s ceremony, in fact. City Central at the HAC has also picked up a nomination for ‘best venue with a view – over 400 reception style’ (not that we’re blowing our own trumpet!). Some venues come with outside space that’s got be seen to be believed – like the Pavilion at the Tower of London. Sat in the shadow of an iconic London landmark, it’s no surprise really that this venue was chosen as one of the top in the ‘best event venue’ category.
Conference creds
Conference venues make up a huge amount of this year’s awards nominees, with categories that cover conference spaces of all sizes. In the ‘best conference venue – under 400 theatre style’ category, you’ll find venues like One Birdcage Walk, Prince Philip House, Royal College of Physicians and the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Insane views
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, a party or a conference, views can make an event. Riverside venues like OXO2 give your guests mad views across the Thames. It’s been nominated as one of the ‘best venues with a view’ this year, and it’s also in the good books for its versatility, with a nomination for ‘most versatile London venue’.
Its history
The grandeur of some of our most historic venues makes them the best choice for all kinds of events, and you’ll feel like Elizabeth Bennet to boot. At this year’s awards, places like Plaisterers’ Hall, Stationers’ Hall and The Old Royal Naval College have been nominated for ‘best historic venue or lovely hall’. Old-school spaces also make amazing wedding venues, and it seems as though the London Venues Awards team agrees, nominating both Dartmouth House and RSA House for ‘best wedding venue’. We’re flattered…
Awards ready
Some venues, like the Royal Institute of British Architects, were made for awards ceremonies. This prestigious venue makes a stunning backdrop for big occasions like awards presentations (London Venue Awards… we need to talk). Standing proud on Portland Place, it’s awards ready, but is it going to be award winning?!
Keep it different
The goal for most event planners is to find somewhere unusual or a venue that’s little bit different to the norm, right? We know just the places. Farmers and Fletchers in the City has picked up a nomination for ‘best event venue’. It’s a contemporary space with in-house catering that guests love.
Top-notch service
If there’s one thing that really sets a venue apart, it’s the service. Four of our spaces, Church House Westminster, Stationers’ Hall, Prince Philip House and RSA House have been nominated for their standout customer service – take a bow guys. The teams at these venues always go above and beyond the call of duty, which is why they’re rated by guests and event planners, too. BMA House has also picked up nominations for CSR and sustainability – more important than ever in good service.
This year’s London Venue Awards take place in October. With 18 categories of awards to be won, there’s gonna be plenty of inspiration from some of the capital’s most exciting venues. Watch this space to find out which of our spaces prove officially award-winning!