Despite the rain, on 20th October, a dozen PA Life Club members – including PAs, EAs and Office Managers – enjoyed a fantastic start to the autumnal day with breakfast at the historic Fishmongers’ Hall, hosted by Jade Richards and her team.
You’ve probably passed Fishmongers’ Hall thousands of times on your way to work in the City or while travelling through London or sightseeing with friends, yet you might not know what lies behind its imposing walls. It has served as the home of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers – one of the City of London’s historic livery companies – since 1434, but the current Grade II* building was completed in 1834 by architect Henry Roberts after its predecessor was demolished to make way for the new London Bridge.
There was so much to admire in this historic building. Upon arrival, guests were immediately taken aback by the grand interiors; an entrance hall leading to a sweeping double staircase, decorated with busts and flanked by walls lined with centuries-old silverware.
Tour of the rooms
After coffee, biscuits and networking, Jade welcomed the group with a presentation introducing the venue’s rooms, the types of events they host and a little of the building’s history.
We began the tour in the Court Drawing Room, where we had enjoyed breakfast, before exploring the other spaces. We paused along the way to admire paintings, ornaments and statues, many depicting fish and marine life – well-considered details that pay homage to the building’s past.
We explored the first floor before heading downstairs, down a hall laid with checkerboard-style floor and framed by fish paintings. Here we were able to peek into a cosy room suited for 12 guests and decorated with historic tapestries. Given the venue’s unique riverside location, we were also pleasantly surprised to learn that one of the downstairs rooms is soon set to open onto its own private terrace. This will give guests the opportunity to enjoy al fresco events such as summer barbecues and drink receptions with excellent views directly over the water.
Guests were impressed by the variety of unique rooms available for hire, from smaller spaces ideal for private lunches and meetings to larger rooms accommodating hundreds of guests. There are plenty of options for PAs, EAs and event organisers looking to host their next event or meeting.
As Jade highlighted, the rooms can be configured in different layouts to suit each occasion, whether you need a podium for a presentation, a theatre-style setup or a more casual drinks reception. Catering packages and specialist AV equipment are also available.
The Banqueting Hall
The final room on our tour was the venue’s crown jewel: the Banqueting Hall. As the largest room in the building, it can accommodate up to 350 people standing or 200 guests seated for dinner. With a long wooden table snaking around the room, the setup reminded us of the dining hall in Harry Potter, and the space could undoubtedly be mistaken for a movie set.
The Banqueting Hall is also home to three remarkable royal portraits. Taking pride of place is a spectacular oil painting of the young, newly married Queen Victoria, painted by Herbert Luther Smith in 1841. It is accompanied by portraits of her father, HRH Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, and her uncle, HRH Edward, Duke of Kent, painted by Sir William Beechey in 1816 and 1818 respectively.
With its traditional interiors, royal portraits and modern facilities, the Banqueting Hall left us in awe. Suitable for conferences, award ceremonies and formal dinners, it was undoubtedly a highlight of the tour.
Fishmongers’ Hall as your next event destination
Whether you’re planning a board meeting, a private dinner, a conference or a special celebration, Fishmongers’ Hall offers a distinctive setting in the heart of London. With its historic interiors, riverside views and versatile event spaces, it combines traditional character with modern facilities to create a memorable experience for organisers and their guests.
If you haven’t joined PA Life Club yet 0 what are you waiting for? It’s free for all business support professionals to join and enjoy the member benefits such as FAM Trips, Partner Offers and a peer-to-peer mentoring programme.
Get in touch
website: Fishmongers’ Hall
email: [email protected]
