Unique Venues of London (UVL) is a collective that brings together over 80 of London’s most remarkable venues, all renowned for delivering exceptional service and hosting distinct, memorable events.
Membership by Invitation
Membership of Unique Venues of London is by invitation only. It is extended to venues located within the M25 that have operated an events business for more than 12 months and that champion excellence in event delivery. Prospective members must meet our Membership Criteria and must receive approval from our Board followed by ratification from existing member venues.
Annual membership fees are scaled according to each venue’s annual turnover, allowing for inclusive representation of venues, regardless of the organisation’s size or capacity. Membership symbolises a commitment to quality and distinction in the London venue industry.
New Member Criteria
Prospective member venues must fulfil all requirements listed in sections 1, 2, and 3, with section 4 acting as an overarching guideline.
Subject to these criteria, prospective members are invited to submit a detailed application form. Prospective new members are assessed through the year and are invited to present at one of our member meetings (up to three prospective member presentations per meeting). Additional presentation opportunities are scheduled as necessary by the Board of Unique Venues of London.
Upon confirmation, membership commences at a mutually agreed-upon time, subject to the submission of all required documentation. All criteria must be adhered to for ongoing membership.
1. Demonstrating Uniqueness
1.1 Primary Purpose
The primary purpose of the prospective new venue or business operated by the prospective new venue must be other than Corporate Hospitality, Hospitality, Entertaining, Catering, Events, Meetings or Conferences. For the avoidance of doubt, Hotels, Nightclubs, Bars, Restaurants, Purpose Built Event Spaces/Conference Centres, Theme Parks, Retail Outlets, Coworking Spaces, Livery Halls, Town Halls and Civic Centres are not considered suitable for membership of Unique Venues of London.
In addition, prospective member venues must have demonstrable differences from other venues within the membership and will be required to declare the primary purpose of their company or organisation selected from the list below:
1.2 Revenue Declaration
Prospective Member Venues must make a declaration that the turnover generated from their primary purpose is greater than that generated from events. They must also formally declare their turnover on an annual basis. Annual turnover generated from events however must exceed £75,000 annually. For clarity, this includes but is not limited to Corporate Hospitality, Hospitality, Entertaining, Catering, Events, Meetings or Conferences.
1.3 Public Accessibility
Venues must be open or accessible to the public, with either free or ticketed entry (tours by appointment are acceptable).
1.4 Event Space Quality
Membership is based on the quality of event spaces, not simply on location, status, or reputation.
1.5 Distinct Qualities
New members must offer something to Unique Venues of London not offered by its existing member venues in terms of event spaces, capacities or capabilities.
1.6 Commercial Hire
Venues must have event spaces that are available for commercial external hire - for the avoidance of doubt, prospective new venues with event spaces available only to sponsors or members (either corporate, individual or other) are not considered suitable for membership.
1.7 Event Revenue Composition
Commercial external hires should represent the majority of the venue’s revenue that is generated from events, with internal and member-only events being the minority of the venue’s revenue generated from events.
1.8 Individual Applications for Multi-Venue Organisations
Venues that are a part of a larger organisation but are located in different geographical areas must apply individually. For the avoidance of doubt, venues that are in the same immediate geographical location and marketed or promoted as one collection of venues shall be permitted to apply for membership as one venue under one designated venue name.
1.9 Sports Associations
Venues associated with sports must demonstrably represent the sport’s home in Great Britain and may also be associated with a club. Prospective new venues associated solely with a club, league or division will not be considered suitable for membership.
1.10 Performing Arts or Film Venues
Venues that would consider Performing Arts, Theatre, Arena, Recording, Film Studio, Set, or Cinema to be its primary purpose must not be part of a chain and must offer distinct qualities beyond standard facilities.
1.11 Attractions
Should the prospective new venue consider its primary purpose to be an Attraction, it must not be franchised or replicated within Great Britain whereby the attractions are identical or demonstrably similar. Should franchise or replication occur post becoming a member, memberships will cease.
2. Ensuring neutrality and fostering networking and problem solving opportunities for its member venues and their representatives
2.1 Venue-Focused Membership
Membership is assigned to the venue, not individuals representing the venue.
2.2 Representation Requirements
Representatives attending Unique Venues of London meetings should be wholly employed by or exclusively representing the interests of the venue.
2.3 Member Benefits
Benefits, including voting rights, apply solely to the member venue.
3. Demonstrating Excellence
3.1 Established Event Business
Venues must have operated an events business for a minimum of 12 months, hosting at least 5 external income-generating events within this period, with turnover from these events exceeding £75,000. They must also be able to demonstrate event management expertise and consistency of delivery.
3.2 Client References
Prospective venues must provide 2 client references from external events held within the same 12-month period as referenced in 3.1.
3.3 Compliance Documentation
Prospective members must provide documentation of legislative compliance, including:
4. Compliance
4.1 Commitment to Diversity
Prospective new venues should be aware that even if they meet the criteria outlined above, the Board of Unique Venues of London will base their endorsement of each applicant on the proactive prioritisation of the diversity of the Company in terms of geographical location, primary purpose and size of business and that the Unique Venues of London Vision, Code of Practice and Articles of Association will be the priority at all times.
4.2 Priority of Unique Venues of London Vision
For clarity, even where the prospective member meets all other criteria, clause 4 takes precedence.
4.3 Governance
Prospective venues should be aware that their application and membership will be governed by the Unique Venues of London Articles of Association at all times. These Articles of Association are available on application and accessible to members on the Unique Venues of London website.
To submit interest in becoming a member of Unique Venues of London, please click here and complete the initial registration form
Unique Venues of London
Henwood House
Henwood
Ashford
TN24 8DH
enquiries@uniquevenuesoflondon.co.uk
07808 646657
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