The latest news coming out of the venues and events industry
Tom Kerridge comes to Twickenham Stadium
On Thursday 4 April, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge (who opened his Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at Corinthia Hotel London last year) will be taking part in a one-night-only event at The Gate restaurant at Twickenham Stadium.
On the night, guests will be welcomed with cocktails and canapés, before sitting down to enjoy a sumptuous five-course feast, as well as having the opportunity to meet Tom after the meal. If that wasn’t enough, the evening will also see a Q&A between ex Rugby World Cup winner Kyran Bracken MBE and MasterChef semi-finalist Neil Back MBE. Tickets are available from £199 per person and can be purchased here.
Hospitality Rocks has raised £14k for industry charities
The hospitality industry’s annual blow-out in January was a barnstorming success, with Hospitality Rocks now revealing that the night raised an incredible £14k for charity – which, if you ask us, goes to show that good things can come out of intense partying.
Over 1,500 events professionals gathered at Battersea Evolution for the annual gala, and through a silent auction, raised crucial funds for The Springboard Charity (which helps disadvantaged people get into employment within hospitality, leisure and tourism) and for Hospitality Action, which provides assistance to those in the hospitality sector, who have found themselves in crisis. As proud sponsors of Hospitality Rocks, we’re delighted to hear how successful the evening was and we look forward to getting stuck in again next year.
Mondrian London becomes Sea Containers London
There are lots of changes happening over at riverside haunt Mondrian London. Last month, the hotel switched its management and now is run independently under the name of Sea Containers London (matching the moniker of the hotel’s in-house restaurant, which is still open as normal.)
Event planners should also note that Ryan Chetiyawardana’s much-loved Dandelyan bar is relaunching this March with an entirely new concept. The hotel’s Rumpus Room bar has also changed its name, now known as 12th Knot. Don’t worry though, its outdoor terrace still boasts those enviable views of the Thames, which are perfect for wowing event guests.
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms gets a 70k facelift
Covent Garden’s De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms has unveiled the results of a 70k refurbishment of its meetings and events spaces. In total, 13 meeting rooms were refurbished, with the original décor swapped out for lighter and fresher rooms, which are well suited to meetings, training, and corporate away days.
The meeting rooms are now equipped with the latest AV technology, while Wi-Fi is freely available to all guests. De Vere also boasts a coffee shop, Burr & Co, which is available for delegates to enjoy hot beverages and snacks during breaks. Most excitingly, De Vere runs a Showtime Rewards loyalty scheme, where delegates can enjoy automatic rewards such as free cinema tickets for making bookings, and there’s no minimum spend either.
Museum of London Docklands is now licensed to host weddings
Wedding planners can add one more potential venue to their list of London properties, as the Museum of London Docklands is now licensed to host weddings and civil partnerships. The museum can host weddings with up to 250 guests and offers a range of event spaces. From the exposed brick walls and original pitch pine columns of the Muscovado Hall, to the sun drenched Quayside Room with its panoramic views of West India Quay, each space provides a stunning setting in which to tie the knot.
Looking for more venue inspiration? Check out our curated venue ‘best lists’, which range from venues with a view, to party bars.