We’re helping you gear up for summer with a selection of fantastic outdoor spaces that are perfect for warm-weather soirées. Elsewhere, we look at prestigious academic venues that offer a complete corporate event solution. Finally, it’s time to follow the tracks to some of the UK’s best train lines for business travel
Outdoor Spaces
BMA House
Delight in a summer of hearty British food, English garden party theming and games at BMA House. The venue’s two beautiful outdoor spaces, The Garden and The Courtyard, are ideal hidden gems of tranquillity in central London for up to 320 guests. Sip on a refreshing gin cocktail on arrival, tuck into a classic British BBQ and enjoy Chef’s pick of English teatime treats, all from £80 +VAT per person. To book, contact the events team on 020 7874 7020 or events@bma.org.uk. bmahouse.org.uk
Kia Oval
Where else in the capital city offers a stunning view of the London skyline from one side, and a world-famous sports pitch on the other? The Corinthian Roof Terrace at the Kia Oval is located just five minutes’ walk from Vauxhall station and is the ideal location for your summer BBQ or drinks reception, for up to 600 guests. It’s also the perfect spot to enjoy a Pimm’s or prosecco with clients or colleagues while you watch Surrey cricket in the ever-popular T20 Blast over the duration of the summer. events.kiaoval.com | enquiries@kiaoval.com
Lord’s Cricket Ground
Lord’s offers a trio of venues for alfresco parties and drinks receptions in the heart of London. The Pavilion Roof Terrace is a beautiful space with a long balcony that boasts stunning views of the ground with space for up to 200 guests. Meanwhile, The Mound Stand terrace offers a versatile outdoor reception area for up to 350 guests. Alternatively, the Harris Garden provides a tranquil oasis for up to 200 guests. lords.org
Middle Temple Hall
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, commonly known as Middle Temple, is steeped in more than 400 years of history. Middle Temple Hall is situated in open courtyards and gardens, creating an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet with the River Thames in view. With more than 1,000 square metres of landscaped lawns and awardwinning planting, the gardens offer the ideal setting for receptions and summer parties. The addition of a marquee in the garden accommodates up to 1,000 guests. middletemplehall.org.uk
No 4 Hamilton Place
With stunning views that just can’t be rivalled across Park Lane to Hyde Park, the Roof Terrace at No 4 Hamilton Place is one of a select few locations in Central London offering an exclusive outside location in a garden setting. Double bow-front glass window doors open directly from the Argyll Room onto the first-floor terrace. Hire of the space includes access via The Argyll Room, providing an indoor retreat in case of bad weather. 4hp.org.uk
Academic Venues
Roehampton Venues
With a selection of venues and outdoor spaces, Roehampton Venues has something for every event brief. The newly-opened Elm Grove Conference Centre is at the heart of Roehampton Venues and offers a range of meeting spaces, a top-floor terrace with views overlooking London and 30 guest bedrooms on site. The portfolio will have you seeing academic venues in a whole different light. roehamptonvenues.co.uk | 0208 392 3505
Woburn House
This central London venue is within close walking distance of Euston and Kings Cross St Pancras, making it easily accessible for both international and UK events. The Main Hall is ideal for board meetings, training days, evening dinners and everything in between. There are a further seven spaces, perfect for breakout sessions or smaller meetings. Every event is accompanied by personalised service, an excellent choice of food and drink and a dedicated AV technician. DDR starts from £45 +VAT. Quote PA LIFE SPRING to save 10% on bookings made before 30 April 2017 for groups of 30 delegates or more. To find out more: woburnhouse.co.uk | 020 7419 5489
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), through Events & Hospitality QM, offers a unique setting for those looking for venue hire at a Russell Group university. It features Grade II-listed venues and award-winning spaces along with the newly opened Graduate Centre. Flexibility is at the heart of QMUL’s venues, with options for more than 450 square metres of exhibition space alongside dining for 500 and accommodation for 1,000 delegates. qmhospitality.co.uk
Royal Holloway
The stunning Grade I-listed Founder’s Building at Royal Holloway, with its flamboyant architecture, is an unforgettable venue for your event. Experience the majestic Picture Gallery, the original Victorian dining hall with its plethora of original features, the beautiful quadrangles and the 135 acres of parkland located in Egham, Surrey. Royal Holloway offers a variety of event spaces, as well as on-site accommodation and in-house catering, allowing the experienced events team to cater for everything from largescale residential conferences and banquets to smaller business meetings. Contact the team at Royal Holloway today to see how they can help with your event. Call 01784 443045 | Email sales-office@royalholloway.ac.uk | Visit the website at venue.royalholloway.ac.uk
Train Lines
Arriva UK Trains
Part of Deutsche Bahn, Arriva UK Trains’ network connects the three countries of Great Britain; Arriva Trains Wales, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, Grand Central and Northern operate a range of services, from rural commuter lines to long-distance and inter-urban journeys.
As an expanding business, Arriva is looking to the future to find new ways to improve its transport services, with investments in everything from on-board passenger technologies and simpler ticketing to innovative ways to reduce environmental impact. The operator wants to go beyond everyday expectations.
Explore ways to make your business rail travel more effective – connect with Arriva at arriva.co.uk/uk trains
Virgin Trains
Nothing beats those face-to-face meetings and booking train travel should never be a barrier. Specifically designed with SMEs in mind, Railblazers is a free online service that makes booking easier. And what’s better – an account is completely free.
No fees, no problems
Those pesky credit card or operating fees have gone. Just whip out the plastic and get cracking. So easy!
The more the merrier
Your colleagues can check their own travel details and book their own trips. All while you keep a hold of the financial reigns.
Manage those invoices at the click of a button
Avoid the paperwork stacking up with an easy-to-use invoicing system that lets you set the budget for other departments and gets them to stick to it.
Surf’s up in standard
That’s right, onboard wifi with Virgin Trains along the east coast is now free in Standard when booking through Railblazers. Thank goodness your colleagues will be able to send you those thank-you emails while on the go!
To create your account and for more information, check out railblazers.co.uk
