Conference News Summer 2023 | Page 49

49 Partner Content
Saddlers Hall
Barber Surgeons ’ Hall

A PIECE OF HISTORY IN EVENTS

Understand how heritage venues can transform events
s the events industry invests in technology to meet the needs of organisers , there is an importance in preserving the heritage of historical venues , many of which have been a part of London ’ s landscape for many centuries .
Leading the charge is catering company , Party Ingredients , a team of specialist event professionals with 40 years of experience , who are dedicated to delivering great occasions . Holding the keys to many of London ’ s sought-after venues , from ballrooms to secret gardens with capacities ranging from dinners of 20 to receptions for 1,500 , the company excels in creating bespoke experiences to meet every client ’ s needs . Its British hospitality and meticulously delivered events has led the company to join forces with fellow British caterer , Searcys , one of the UK ’ s oldest catering companies , who shares the same ethos for high quality events which champion seasonal British menus .
A unique space for events Within this portfolio is a collection of Livery Halls in the City of London ; ancient companies dating back to medieval times , also known as
Apothecaries Hall
guilds . These livery companies were key to London ’ s landscape , each associated with a specific trade such as saddlers , carpenters and apothecaries , and over time have evolved into charitable institutions , providing support , scholarships and other services to their members .
Party Ingredients manages five of these venues , working closely with the livery companies to provide catering services for events and functions , whilst maintaining the heritage of these British institutions . It ’ s key to preserve its character and charm while adapting the spaces to meet the needs of event organisers .
Combining the two worlds together includes spotlighting key original features of the venue – such as wood panelling , artefacts and artwork – whilst incorporating new additions through dedicate renovations . An example includes the Apothecaries Hall , which underwent a renovation that transformed the ground floor into a
champagne bar , reimagining the space to create a new offering , whilst still in-keeping with the overall history of the building .
Not only should heritage be embraced through design but also through the events held there . Party Ingredients encourages hosts to take advantage of their surroundings by choosing event themes which would suit ( such as Great Gatsby ), and to utilise as many rooms as possible to showcase the halls to guests . This could include a drinks reception to discover hidden secrets or a tour of the building to uncover its many stories – perfect for guests to recite facts back at the dinner table .
For today ’ s livery halls , several in the city have become popular event venues , opening their doors for corporate and private bookings . This events revenue in turn allows them to raise funds for various charities , with over £ 72m donated in 2020 * ( Philanthropic Giving by Livery Companies , February 2021 ).
It is this deep understanding of the traditions and history which has made Party Ingredients a trusted partner for events in historical venues . Proudly British , the company aims to fly the flag for British venues , preserving these pieces of our history whilst allowing new guests to discover and enjoy the venues . CN
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