London’s economy generates around 30% of the UK’s GDP, making it one of the pre-eminent financial centres of the world, vying with New York City as the most important location for international finance.
With this in mind, here’s PA Life’s October round-up of 6 of London’s best venues for those all important work meetings:
Tucked away in a hidden courtyard in the historic heart of Mayfair, Hush is a European brasserie featuring two dining areas, cocktail bar, outdoor terrace and courtyard (nabbing a table here come summertime is no easy feat). Looking for a quieter space to talk business? Their lavish Private Dining Room takes up the entire second floor and is the perfect haunt if you’re looking for a more intimate coffee spot – excellent too for larger events.
Bond Street tube: 8 Lancashire Court, Brook Street, London, W1S 1EY
Beaufort House is acocktail bar, private members club and restaurant in Kensington & Chelsea and boasts a brasserie with one hell of a menu, their Confit Duck Burger is a firm favourite – and ideal for casual, fuss-free business lunches. Beaufort House also offers private rooms for larger, more formal meetings, boasting capacity and facilities for conferences, screenings, presentations and training.
South Kensington tube: 354 King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UZ
The Boardroom at HMS President 1918
The Boardroom offers an exciting opportunity to escape the traditional office environment and enjoy one of the only floating meeting rooms in London and comes with a full butler or waiter service as well as open air decks. A floating jewel in the heart of the capital.
Blackfriars tube: Victoria embankment, London, EC4Y 0HJ
Bistrotheque’s Private Dining Room is home to function rooms that can accommodate parties, dinners, corporate meetings and drinks receptions. The room even has a baby grand piano – providing relaxing background noise to proceedings. They’ve an array of reasonably priced packages on offer – so make a beeline for Bethnal Green.
Bethnal Green tube: 23-27 Wadeson St, London E2 9DR
Re-launched in 2012 with Jeremy Lee at the kitchen’s helm, Quo Vadis – the restaurant, bar and private members club on Dean Street – has two private dining rooms on the second floor. Perfect for private dinners, wedding celebrations or business breakfast meetings.
Tottenham Court Road tube: 26-29 Dean St, London, W1D 3LL
Chivas Dining Room at The Gherkin
This venue is situated on the 38th floor of the iconic ‘Gherkin’ and boasts incredible views of London. With a 26-person capacity the venue is the ideal place to mix business and pleasure by indulging in some of the best food London has to offer. Perfect for intimate breakfasts, lunches, exclusive dining experiences and small drinks receptions, there is also a Private Members Lounge which can be hired exclusively for weekend functions.
Aldgate tube: The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8EP