From the desk of Penelope Alice, Britain’s most fabulous PA: hosted dinner at One Moorgate Place

Funky new venues are all very well, but sometimes it’s nice to go to a place that has a bit of character. That’s why I was very pleased to accept an invitation to the PA Life Club’s dinner at the impressive One Moorgate Place. Conveniently located by Moorgate tube and within easy walking distance of Liverpool Street, this striking Grade II-listed building was built at the end of the 19th century and is apparently a good example of Victorian neo-baroque architecture, if you’re into that sort of thing.

The venue has retained lots of its original features and today it is home to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, comprising a number of spaces that are ideal for all kinds of corporate events. Our dinner was held in the stunning main reception room, which is apparently modelled on early Renaissance church design and features a domed ceiling, gorgeous murals, stained glass windows and a magnificent chandelier.

Simon Kane and his friendly, knowledgeable team showed the group round the other areas for hire, which include the small reception room, council chamber (state-of-the-art AV technology means it’s perfectly suited for an AGM), the Great Hall, a spacious area that can accommodate up to 600 guests, the quirky members’ room (look out for the bridge that imitates the style of the famous Rialto in Venice), the restaurant and various meeting rooms all with natural light.

Given our illustrious surroundings, I must admit to wondering whether the food could live up to expectation. I needn’t have had any such misgivings: after some truly tasty canapés (the stilton with pear was definitely my favourite) we sat down to a delightful three-course dinner. The starter of lobster and crab risotto was wonderfully creamy (and, as someone who is extremely fussy about Italian food, I’m happy to report that the rice was cooked to perfection); I wasn’t sure about the venison for main course, fearing it might taste too ‘gamey’, but it was tender and delicious.

The meal was beautifully rounded off with an incredibly moreish chocolate and hazelnut layered dessert – so good that a number of those attending immediately put up pictures of it on Instagram, ah the wonders of modern technology.

Check out how the venue might be just the thing for your next corporate event at onemoorgateplace.com/.

This blog originally appeared on the PA Life Club site. To read more of Penelope Alice’s blog entries and get access to a range of fantastic benefits, including discounts and special deals at dozens of selected retailers and venues, as well as exclusive monthly competitions, networking events and a discounted rate for PA Life’s new training courses, click here: palife.co.uk/pa-life-club