Congratulations to all those venuefinder members who emerged victorious from last week’s London Venue Awards.
The London Venue Awards ceremony took place at The Hurlingham Club and was attended by almost 500 event professionals.
Best Conference Venue (under 400 theatre-style) was award to the Royal College of Physicians. The Grade 1-listed venue overlooking Regent’s Park offers highly versatile facilities, including tiered auditoriums, conference, meeting, exhibition and dining spaces as well as a medicinal garden ideal for summer entertaining.
The award for Best Conference Venue (over 400 theatre-style) went to the InterContinental London - The O2. The venue’s gem is The Arora Ballroom, the UK’s largest pillar-free ballroom which can accommodate up to 3,000 delegates located within a purpose-built, 4,500sqm conference centre.
The Natural History Museum won Best Awards Venue, while Best Summer Party Venue was awarded to Dinerama - a street food market near Old Street and Liverpool Street Station.
Best Historic Venue or Livery Hall (less than 400 theatre-style) was won by RSA House for a second year in a row, whilst the same category for over 400 reception-style was won by Central Hall Westminster.
RSA House is the home of the charitable organisation known as The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. With rooms offering unique stories, that have been updated to meet modern day requirements, whilst still retaining all their charm and character, it’s a popular choice. Whereas Central Hall Westminster (CHW), an imposing Grade II-listed building, is an iconic feature of the London skyline.
Tobacco Dock scooped the award for Best Christmas Party Venue (pictured above) and Church House Westminster won the Customer Service accolade for over 500 reception-style.The Customer Service award for under 500 capacity went to One Great George Street.
Best Venue with a View (under 400 capacity) went to The Deck at the National Theatre, while the over 400 capacity category was won by Illumniate at the Science Museum.
Illuminate opened in March 2018 on Levels 4 and 5 of the museum. This multi-functional venue has dynamic light and dark theming with a blackout space on Level four and a larger space on Level five framed by a stunning view of London’s skyline – the panoramic window was a conditioned precedent of the whole project.
Best New or Refurbished Venue was won by Alexandra Palace Theatre & East Court, which reopened in December 2018 following a £27 million restoration.
The QEII Centre (main image) won Best Event Venue (over 1,000 capacity), Ministry Venues won the 500 to 1,000 capacity category and The Banqueting House won the less than 500 capacity category. Most Versatile London Venue went to the Royal Horticultural Halls.
Best CSR or Sustainability Initiative was awarded to Barbican whilst Old Billingsgate scooped the Best Venue Space in the City award.
Most Unusual or Unique Venue (up to 250 capacity) was awarded to Wellington Arch (pictured above), while Lord’s Cricket Ground scooped the over 250 capacity award in the same category.
Venuefinder will be hosting its own Awards & Variety Night, planned for October next year, providing more opportunities for venues across the country to showcase excellence.
By Mike Fletcher