Last Thursday, event professionals, Bankside businesses and London press gathered for the launch of Hilton Bankside’s events and conference spaces in the impressive Ballroom of the hotel.
Guests were treated to an array of special events throughout the evening, including champagne and cocktails served by flair bartenders alongside a number of food stations courtesy of the restaurant, OXBO Bankside and the hotel’s Executive Chef, Paul Bates. Showing off the best of British produce, Paul and his team served a variety of dishes, such as an impressive tower of king prawns and smoked salmon from a scallop-shaped ice sculpture; a roasted carvery serving succulent fillets of beef; a stand of mouth-watering buttermilk fried chicken; a selection of vegetarian curries; as well as a dessert counter and ice cream sundae station.
Acrobats suspended from the Ballroom ceiling welcomed guests upon arrival, while actors from Incognito Artists mingled amongst the crowd before unexpectedly breaking into song, much to the surprise of their audience. With photographers and videographers on site to document the proceedings, visitors could also take advantage of the ‘InstaPrinter’ photo booth and dress up box for their Instagram selfies in front of Nikki Hare’s Graffiti back drop and images of places and characters linked to the area including Shakespeare, Tate Modern and the faithful Bankside fox.
Special guest DJ Becca Dudley (also known for her impressive résumé as an MTV presenter, Editor, Stylist, Model and Drummer) started her set at 9pm, closing the night with an eclectic mix of reggae, dancehall, chart and hip hop to finish the night’s entertainment.
Opening its doors in October 2015, Hilton Bankside is home to 292 stunning guest rooms including 25 bespoke suites which offer stunning views of the city skyline. This design-led hotel is one of the latest properties to join the Hilton brand portfolio of more than 70 hotels across the UK & Ireland. In addition, the hotel is home OXBO Bankside and The Distillery, serving high-end, locally inspired food and drink offerings and contemporary interior design.
The property is home to Bankside’s largest and most exquisite Ballroom, accommodating up to 700 guests theatre style or 600 in a banquet setting. With a private entrance, a six-metre high ceiling, dramatic chandeliers, a balcony and sweeping marble staircase leading to the Bankside Ballroom, this is a spectacular venue for any grand celebration, fashion show, awards ceremony, or corporate event, as demonstrated at last week’s extravaganza.
Hilton London Bankside offers the perfect base for exploring the city, just steps away from the Tate Modern, Borough Market and The Shard, and is the ideal destination for business and leisure travellers as well as London locals and Bankside residents seeking a new destination bar and restaurant, serving locally inspired cuisine.
