From the desk of Penelope Alice, Britain’s most fabulous PA: the Bingham’s 30th anniversary

What’s in a name? Well, when it’s the Bingham hotel and restaurant, you get a rich history of nobility and culture, as the Richmond property was once the home of Lady Ann Bingham and later the poets Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper. I was invited to the venue’s 30th anniversary party and I’m glad I made the time to go.

I arrived a bit early, so waited in the stunning bar. Its high ceiling makes the room feel 10 times larger, while the beautiful chandelier sheds light on stylish furniture. I didn’t get a chance to see the restaurant, but based on the canapés and comments from the other guests, I think it will be worth a second visit for dinner some night.

When the party started, I was escorted downstairs to the garden rooms, which can be hired for corporate events. All three open on to a glass corridor overlooking the garden and can be hired separately or together. The tiled floor and natural daylight flooding in gives the space the feel of a European holiday destination and each section is equipped with a built-in television. I’ll be recommending this to Mr P for a future meeting so we don’t get stuck in some dingy boardroom again.

Outside I found myself on a large terrace overlooking the landscaped garden. The property backs on to the Thames, so I was treated to fleeting glimpses of rowboats streaming past throughout the night. I thought the venue looked amazing from the inside, but it’s even better from the garden, where you can see a second terrace off the restaurant and the building framed by lush green plants and colourful flowers.

In addition to some delicious canapés from Head Chef Mark Jarvis, there was a mini farmers’ market with charcuterie from Ritters, speciality breads from Your Breads, vegetables, a tasty barbecue from the Macken Brothers and yummy caviar from King’s Fine Food. Laurent-Perrier was serving up free-flowing bubbles all night, while the cocktail bar featured a mojito made with quinoa rum and fresh mint from the hotel’s garden.

We were lucky enough to have great weather for the event, which made me seriously consider looking into booking the venue for a summer party. Have a look for yourself at thebingham.co.uk.

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 50% off PA Life’s new training courses, click here: palife.co.uk/pa-life-club