The UK’s royal institutes and historic societies occupy some of the country’s most magnificent properties, many of which are available for corporate events. PA Life visits a few of these grand venues to see what they have to offer
30 Euston Square (pictured)
London NW1 2FB
30eustonsquare.co.uk
Background: Home to the Royal College of General Practitioners, the venue opened in 2012 following a reconstruction programme.
Spaces available: The new auditorium can seat up to 300, while the property’s 24 meeting rooms can accommodate up to 80. Other spaces include the penthouse staterooms with a rooftop terrace, six private dining rooms and 41 boutique guest rooms.
Hire rate: DDR from £65
Unique selling point: The venue features a combination of traditional and modern facilities, with enhanced technology throughout. It is situated at the heart of the capital’s transport triangle of Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras.
BMA House
Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP
bmahouse.org.uk
Background: BMA House is a stunning Grade II-listed building, designed by world-famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It has been home to the British Medical Association since 1925.
Spaces available: The venue features 25 unique event spaces, with capacities ranging from two to 320.
Hire rate: Rooms from £325; DDR from £70
Unique selling point: Centrally located in fashionable Bloomsbury, BMA House boasts excellent transport links via Euston, King’s Cross and St Pancras. Steeped in history and character, this hidden gem offers an ideal setting for conferences and meetings, with state-of-the-art technology and wifi throughout.
Chicheley Hall
Chicheley Road, Chicheley, Buckinghamshire MK16 9JJ
deverevenues.co.uk/en/venues/chicheley-hall/
Background: Chicheley Hall is home to the historic Royal Society. A stunning 18th-century Grade I-listed mansion, the venue offers a rural setting just a short distance from Milton Keynes.
Spaces available: With event space for up to 100 delegates across nine meeting rooms, Chicheley Hall features top-of-therange TVs and audio visual equipment, as well as free high-speed wifi throughout and 48 guest rooms.
Hire rate: DDR from £25
Unique selling point: The venue offers a programme of scientific events and remains at the forefront of discoveries across the globe, providing an inspirational setting for corporate training.
Middle Temple
Ashley Building, Middle Temple Lane, London EC4Y 9BT
middletemplehall.org.uk
Background: The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple is steeped in more than 400 years of history. It is one of four ancient Inns of Court and services the legal profession to this day.
Spaces available: The Rutledge Suite has recently reopened following an AV and wifi upgrade and comprises seven rooms that can be configured in a number of ways for up to 60 delegates.
Hire rate: DDR from £45
Unique selling point: Middle Temple hall boasts an original double hammer-beam roof, beautiful stained-glass windows and oak-panelled walls. The property’s award-winning landscaped gardens offer the ideal location for receptions and summer events.
One Moorgate Place
London EC2R 6EA
onemoorgateplace.com
Background: One Moorgate Place is a beautiful Grade II-listed building with a range of versatile rooms and striking historic features. It is the headquarters to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Spaces available: This hidden gem in the heart of the City can accommodate up to 600 delegates.
Hire rate: Room hire from £250
Unique selling point: One Moorgate Place boasts stunning architecture and exceptional service that is offered as standard. A dedicated events co-ordinator and high-quality in-house hospitality team can deliver bespoke events and the wide range of rooms available to hire can cater for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, private dining and parties.
RIBA Venues
66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD
ribavenues.com
Background: RIBA Venues is the conference and events arm of the Royal Institute of British Architects, which regularly plays host to events for corporate clients, associations and charities.
Spaces available: The venue’s event facilities, including a tiered auditorium, can host meetings, conferences, receptions and dinners for up to 400 delegates.
Hire rate: From £220 per room; special offers available on request.
Unique selling point: The venue is set in an architecturally significant construction built in 1934 following an intense competition among leading architects. The winning entry was from the UK’s own Grey Wornum, whose design was chosen due to the ease of flow between rooms. RIBA regularly hosts architecture exhibitions that are available free of charge for delegates to view when attending events at the venue.
The Royal College of Physicians
11 St Andrew’s Place, London NW1 4LE
rcpevents.co.uk
Background: The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is England’s oldest medical institution, founded by Royal Charter in 1518.
Spaces available: With more than 18 meeting rooms, the portfolio of facilities includes two auditoriums featuring tiered seating, as well as meeting and dining facilities such as the Dorchester Library. The property also boasts a private medicinal garden that is ideal for summer barbecues and drinks receptions.
Hire rate: DDR from £63 per person and VAT-exempt room hire from £400.
Unique selling point: The home of the RCP is an iconic Grade I-listed building opposite Regent’s Park, with more than 500 years of history. It also holds museum status, offering a value-added experience for delegates.
RSA House
8 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6EZ
thersa.org/venue-hire
Background: Home to the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, RSA House was designed by Robert Adam in the 1770s.
Spaces available: The venue features 11 event spaces that can cater for up to 220 delegates. The versatile Great and Benjamin Franklin rooms are ideal for conferences and gala dinners, while the Vaults offer a larger space for dinners. The Durham Street Auditorium provides tiered seating and is perfect for seminars.
Hire rate: DDR from £60; special packages available on request.
Unique selling point: RSA House combines Georgian grandeur with high-quality contemporary design. Its period features provide a blank canvas for corporate events, while advanced AV technology offers a customisable solution.
