Venue Focus: BMA House

Venue Focus: BMA House

This month, the home of the British Medical Association has appointed a new caterer on a five-year deal. We take a look at what’s on the menu at BMA House.



Why’s BMA House making headlines?
BMA House in Tavistock Square, London has just appointed Ampersand on a five-year venue catering contract. The British Medical Association selected the events caterer due to its versatility and strong links to healthy eating.

What can organisers expect from the new catering options
According to Paul Jackson, Ampersand’s Managing Director, the caterer has created exciting and innovative menus for the BMA House restaurant and café facilities and for its bespoke conferences and events.

Jackson says: “Customers can expect a fresh and efficient culinary journey, supported by a deep commitment to service excellence, including more interaction with our talented chefs; information on the menu about ingredient choices and provenance; innovative healthy alternatives that are appealing as well as nutritious, and developed with our nutrition guru Amanda Ursell; and attention to the small details that escalate a good catering experience to an exceptional one.”

Anything else on the menu?
Ampersand’s authentic Indian culinary concept, DAWAT, will also see the venue offer this catering proposition to the vast Asian market for the first time, and as an interactive buffet choice for conferences.

What indoor events space does BMA House offer?
The main indoor spaces are the Great Hall, The Lutyens Suite, Prince’s Room, William Harvey Room and Council Chamber.

The Great Hall is a magnificent event space for up to 300 guests theatre style. Stage and lighting facilities as well as a state-of-the-art AV system, make the Great Hall an ideal choice for large receptions and social events where entertainment is desirable.

The Lutyens Suite comprises the Sir James Paget Room and the John Snow Room. Both rooms are suitable for a variety of room layouts, up to 150 theatre-style, dinners for up to 120 and cocktail parties for up to 160 guests.

The Prince’s Room has high ceilings, Corinthian columns and glass chandelier. This room is well-suited for smaller, more intimate gatherings such as fine dining for up to 54 guests and cocktail parties for 90.
The William Harvey Room is a versatile space on the third floor with views of the city including the Shard. This room is ideal for up to 100 guests theatre-style.

The Council Chamber is a purpose-built meeting facility suitable for AGM’s, debates and meetings with a capacity of up to 97 delegates.

What about outdoor space?
BMA House has its famous courtyard and a lesser known medicinal garden, complete with pond, cafe seating area and 40 different types of herbs and flowers.

Built on the foundations of the house where Charles Dickens wrote some of his classic novels, the Garden is a picturesque hidden spot brimming with botanical plants. With a capacity of 90, it is suited for reception drinks, barbecues and cocktail parties.

Surrounded on three sides by the walls of BMA House, and on one side by an ornate iron gate, The Courtyard is a signature feature of the venue and a glamorous outdoor location for receptions or standing buffets with a capacity of 320.

Tell us something we may not know about BMA House?
The Great Hall is supposedly haunted, with several ghostly sightings over the years. A few years ago, staff were clearing up after an event in the Great Hall when they heard laughter and people moving around inside. Thinking people had somehow returned, staff approached the locked door where they could hear that the voices were speaking German. When they opened the door, the room was empty and silent.

Article written by Mike Fletcher