QEII Centre to create new banqueting floor with stunning city skyline views

London’s QEII Centre is continuing its £12 million refurbishment and rebranding project this summer by transforming its sixth floor into an open-plan banqueting space with breath-taking views of Westminster and the city skyline.

Work will commence later this month and will be complete by September, when the renovated space will be revealed at a dazzling dinner to celebrate QEII’s 30th birthday.

QEII’s ongoing programme of refurbishments is focused on improving the customer experience and opening up the venue to a wider variety of events including banqueting, awards ceremonies, cocktail parties, product launches and other corporate and private special events.

The renovation of the sixth floor will give event planners greater flexibility for how they wish to use the space, with a retractable wall opening up what is now the Mountbatten room into one large, open-plan floor with a stunning glazed elevation providing dramatic views out towards the Thames, capturing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and the Shard.

The sixth floor refurbishment, which has been designed by architects AHMM – 2015 winners of the RIBA Sterling prize – comes as QEII celebrates its 30th year at the heart of the UK’s event industry, contributing £122 million to the economy annually.

QEII’s in-house catering team, QEII Taste by Leith’s, has recently appointed Jean Michel Viala as its new head chef. Jean will be the driving force behind new, modern menus for non-conference events and will be bringing his five-star background to the centre’s banqueting and special events offer.

Chief Executive at QEII Mark Taylor said: “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary we are looking to the future and the next 30 years. We wish to further cement our position as one of London’s leading hubs for event diversity, creativity and innovation while maintaining our international reputation for conference excellence. The renovation of the sixth floor is an investment in our vision and will further our ability to host outstanding events that celebrate our position at the heart of Westminster and give event planners a new and exciting option for banqueting and special events.”

For more information about the QEII Centre, visit qeiicentre.london.