Historic venues perfect for awards dinners
The events industry in London is constantly evolving, with new and exciting venues opening every year. The Collection loves a new opening, but sometimes you can’t beat a space with a story behind it. The grandeur of the past is always enticing and so we’ve given you a run down of our top historical venues for your awards dinner.
Venues don’t get much more historic than this, as the name suggests, Banqueting House was the original place to entertain in London. Originally called York Hall and later the Palace of Whitehall, the house was transformed by Henry VIII into a magnificent royal palace, fit for himself and his Queen, Anne Boleyn to host guests. The venue was the principal setting for the ceremonies of the Tudor, and afterwards, the Stuart monarchies. With an ornate and exquisite triple height ceiling, this venue can hold 380 guests for an awards ceremony.
First opened as “The People’s Palace” in 1873, Alexandra Palace provided the Victorians with an amazing recreation centre but sadly, 16 days after it opened, the Palace was destroyed by a fire. Luckily for us, the Palace was rebuilt and reopened in 1875! Nowadays, the venue has built a reputation as one of London’s premier venues boasting stunning views across London and numerous expansive event spaces, including the newly refurbished theatre. If you’re looking to build a set to impress, this blank canvas venue works perfectly.
Situated on the banks of the Thames near Monument station, Old Billingsgate was once the largest fish market in the world during the Victorian era. Magnificent triple height ceilings, towering pillars and elegant architecture surround the main hall which was the actual market with the fish being stored in the Vaults and Well below! This venue is one of the best located and most prestigious in London and is perfect for dinners for 1200 guests.
Historic doesn’t have to mean traditional! The Roundhouse in trendy Camden was built in 1846 and started life as as a turntable engine shed for the London and Birmingham Railway, with the triple height ceiling and exposed metal beams alluding to the venues industrial past. It’s now one of the best music venues in London and hosts a range of events, everything from plays to Christmas parties and all-out awards dinners. There’s plenty of scope for theming and production at this oh-so-cool venue which can seat up to 850 guests for a dinner.
Built between 1411 and 1440, the Guildhall was designed to reflect the power and prestige of London and its leaders and has been home to the City of London Corporation for over 800 years. This Grade I listed building boasts a number of beautiful event spaces including the world’s largest surviving medieval crypts, which are perfect for a drinks reception! The Great Hall or Library then offer an elegant backdrop to any awards.
Designed by John Nash and opened in 1828 this Grade I listed building has been the Institute of Directors since 1978. It boasts 7 ornately decorated event spaces ranging in capacity, as well as a newly refurbished 3rd floor conference suite. Host your awards in the main Nash room and then descend the decadent staircase to the Wine Cellar below for a few more drinks.
If any of these venues take your fancy or if you’d like to discuss your awards dinner brief with us in further detail please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0207 788 7018 or email hello@thecollectionevents.com