Conference News Supplements Christmas Supplement | Page 12

12 Christmas Parties ‘Tis the season…to book a unique venue Lisa Hatswell, MD, Unique Venues of London, scans the chimney tops of London for some unique Christmas venues hile the happiest time of the year may not be here just yet, it is certainly time to start booking for Christmas events. From traditional nativity paintings to a less traditional 178-metre-long slide, there are a range of unique settings in which you can host a Christmas party that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are looking to organise a quaint company gathering or an all-out bash for hundreds of attendees this festive season, here are six stunning destinations that will leave guests feeling merry for months to come: The National Gallery A world-famous landmark that is home to some of history’s most prestigious artworks, the National Gallery is both an elegant and unusual option for a Christmas party venue. For events of 20 to 200 attendees, the National Gallery is the ideal setting for drinks, dinner and dancing the night away until the early hours. Guests can begin their night on the Portico terrace with eggnog cocktails while marvelling at the public festivities in Trafalgar Square and its iconic Christmas tree. As dinner approaches, art experts will be on hand to inspire with masterpieces telling the Nativity story over the centuries, after which attendees can dine among glistening gold frames and paintings of ethereal angels and starlit skies. Royal Horticultural Halls The Lindley Hall is perfect for larger party guest numbers accommodating up to 480 for a dinner dance and 650 for a standing reception. With one of the largest uninterrupted floor spaces in London, this blank canvas venue is perfect for a Christmas party with a theme: from the Greatest Showman to the Great Gatsby, Game of Thrones to Arabian Nights, the venue has a long list of accredited suppliers that can make any unique Christmas party a reality. Southwark Cathedral If a dry hire in a marquee is a repeat of last year’s option for Christmas party organisers, then Southwark Cathedral’s Garry Weston Library offers the alternative. The Library is available for intimate Christmas lunches and dinners throughout December with Christmas decorations to warm the hearts of all those with a watchful ‘Greta Thunberg’ eye on sustainability. And at a time when the Illuminated River project comes to town, the views from the Library straight on to the illuminated London Bridge itself will delight guests who will be pleased to get away from seeing London through the plastic panels of a white canvas. Kew Gardens Whether your company does Christmas by cosying up for dinner and a few mulled wines, networking over festive treats or dancing the night away, Kew Gardens has the right venue. From the warmth and intimacy of the Cambridge www.conference-news.co.uk Cottage to the aesthetic of the Nash Conservatory and the unlimited possibilities of the Orangery, these world-famous botanical gardens offer a host of spaces to chase away those winter blues. ArcelorMittal Orbit If you are looking for both an inspiring setting and unique venue for a corporate Christmas party, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is sure to make a huge impression. As the UK’s tallest sculpture, it offers incredible panoramic views of the London skyline and is home to the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide, which guests can enjoy at the start of the event. With a capacity of up to 270 guests for standing receptions and 160 for seated dinners, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is licensed until 2am and offers exclusive Christmas party hire, a two-hour unlimited drinks reception and a DJ to celebrate the night away. Tower Bridge Located right in the heart of London with unparalleled views of the City, Tower Bridge is the ideal venue for setting one’s festive spirits alight. Event organisers and their guests will experience the glitz and glamour of the high-level walkways and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the City while feasting on exquisite Christmas menus upon a glass floor that floats above the river. The venue’s cosy Engine Rooms, which house the old steam engines that previously powered the bridge lifts, are also a perfect space for escaping the wintery chills.