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Celebrating Summer

February 2024

It is never too early to start planning a memorable way to celebrate summer with guests, colleagues or friends. Our member venues have an array of locations, activities and ideas for you to choose from. You and your guests could enjoy picturesque lawns and terraces, providing perfect backdrops for receptions, celebrations, and parties. Why not throw a decadent al fresco banquet within the grounds of an architectural masterpiece. Alternatively immerse yourself in a fantastic season of exhibitions, performances and events, there really is so much to look forward to this summer.

The Courtauld Gallery

Image credit: The Courtauld Gallery

Located in a private corner of Somerset House's Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, the Courtauld sunken terrace offers an intimate outdoor space for guests to enjoy warm summer nights.

Package with an exhibition talk or a tour of The Courtauld's world-renowned collection for a unique art + al fresco experience. This summer, guests can choose to either celebrate 150 years since the First Impressionist exhibition with a tour the greatest Impressionist collection in the UK or explore London in a new light, with a private view of acclaimed photographer Roger Mayne’s iconic street scenes celebrating the lives of young people growing up in the 1950s.

The terrace hosts receptions for 60 and dinners for 40, with an adjoining indoor space in case of wet weather.

For further information, contact the Courtauld Events team – venuehire@courtauld.ac.uk  / 020 8138 4813

the Design Museum

Image credit: 1962 Barbie Dream House. Photo: Mattel, Inc.

On the 5th of July, the Design Museum is opening Barbie®: The Exhibition to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Barbie brand. This major exhibition will explore the design evolution of one of the world’s most famous dolls.

The Commercial Hire & Events Team are excited to announce that we will be offering an exclusive event package in conjunction with this exhibition. There will be delicious food, fabulous production and immersive entertainment all inspired by the exhibition.

What a memorable way to celebrate summer with friends or colleagues! Over the next few weeks, we will be revealing more on our social media channels. Make sure you are following along: @‌designmuseumevents Get in touch with the Event Team today to put your date on hold: venuehire@designmuseum.org

English National Ballet

Image credit: Thomas Alexander

Image credit: Thomas Alexander

Hosting a sunshine- filled drinks reception this summer? Our wonderful Roof Terrace is a great space for hosting drinks and networking, as well as social employee events. With fantastic views across London City Island’s Botanic Square gardens, and even of the IFS Cloud cable cars, our fourth-floor roof terrace can accommodate approximately 60 people standing. The space can be dressed by our wonderful suppliers in order to suit your needs. To find out more, please get in contact with us at venuehire@ballet.org.uk

Lincoln’s Inn

Image credit: Lincoln's Inn

Host your summer celebration at Lincoln’s Inn, the ideal outside venue, situated in the heart of London just minutes from Holborn and Chancery Lane station.

Our picturesque Lawns and Terraces can accommodate 150 to 450 guests, with stretch tent and open-air options to suit an array of requirements. The perfect backdrop for receptions, celebrations, and parties.

The North Lawn complete with stylish stretch tent provides a serene escape. Nestled in the estates grounds the tent can hold up to 300 guests and is available to hire from 18 June to 12 July 2024.

We also have our East Terrace, with its views across the beautifully landscaped gardens and historic grade listed buildings. It boasts an impressive backdrop of the Great Hall for up to 450 guests.

Both options are perfect for outside receptions, BBQs, cinema screenings, family fun days, team building events and private hire.

Contacts the Events team for more information and to make your summer party unforgettable. Book your date and let the summer celebrations begin!

Contact us on events@lincolnsinn.org.uk, or visit our website- https://eventvenues.lincolnsinn.org.uk/summer-garden-party/

Sir John Soanes’ Museum

Image credit: Celia Rogge

Summer is a truly unique time to host an event at Sir John Soane’s Museum. Soane’s clever use of coloured glass comes to life in the summer months, painting the Museum’s interiors in jewel-like tones. This enchanting glow evokes the Mediterranean sunshine Soane experienced on his inspiring Grand Tour of Europe and transports the visitor, through light, to the beauty of Italy and Greece.

Soane wished for the Museum to be visited on sunny days, refusing to allow visitors to see the museum in ‘wet or dirty weather’, so summer is the perfect opportunity for you and your guests to experience the space as Soane intended. Plan a summer Private Tour, Drinks Reception, or Dinner and invite your guests to immerse themselves in this remarkable, light-filled setting, a hidden gem in the heart of London.

For further information please contact: events@soane.org.uk

Royal Museum’s Greenwich

Image credit: Royal Museums Greenwich

Summer is around the corner…

Whether you wish to host an elegant canapes reception on The Weather Deck of our epic Cutty Sark; throw a decadent al fresco banquet on Queen’s House’s architectural masterpiece, The Colonnades; hold a sunset reception in our one and only Meridian Courtyard, only meters away from the famous Greenwich Meridian; or treat your guests to star-gazing with a drink in hand on the terrace of The Peter Harrison Planetarium’s, you can be sure that you will give your guests a summer to remember! 

Join us at RMG to celebrate your next life milestone or company achievement. From weddings, to birthdays, to awards dinners, to product launches, to cocktails receptions we are ready to start dreaming your next event with you. 

Our experienced team is on hand and ready to start discussing plans for you next event. Contact them now at events@rmg.co.uk or on 0208 312 8517. 

Southwark Cathedral

Image credit: Southwark Cathedral

As the winter chill lingers, we at Southwark Cathedral are eagerly turning our thoughts toward the warmer, longer days of summer! Our team is ready to start planning your summer receptions, making your warm-weather aspirations a reality. Imagine sipping refreshing drinks, basking in the magnificence of our historic Cathedral.

The Churchyard and Millennium Courtyard are waiting to be the backdrop for your memorable gathering. The Churchyard can hold up to 700 for a standing reception and can be hired in conjunction with the Nave. The Courtyard can also be transformed into a marquee reception space, seating 80 and 400 standing. Whether you're planning a corporate networking event, a relaxed summer soiree, or a celebratory occasion, our versatile outdoor spaces provide the perfect setting for your summer festivities.

For further details: cathedralvenues@southwark.anglican.org

Wallace Collection

Image credit: Flora Yukhnovich in her London studio, February 2022. Photo Eva Herzog © Flora Yukhnovich Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro

The Wallace Collection has announced an exciting collaboration with British artist Flora Yukhnovich, renowned for her contemporary interpretation of Rococo paintings, which will be taking place from Wednesday 5th June - 3rd November 2024.

Flora’s paintings will temporarily replace two works by François Boucher at the top of the grand staircase on the landing of Hertford House, a unique space at the Collection which displays only works by this undisputed master of the Rococo. Flora's works will hang as part of the Collection’s display, immersed in the 18th century and conversing with the works by Boucher surrounding them.

The Landing is available to hire as part of the Drawing Room Suite for standalone receptions or pre-dinner drinks, with a maximum capacity of 150 guests. Hosting a drinks reception in the Drawing Room Suite between June and November of this year will give your guests exclusive access to view this unique installation.

For further details: Events@wallacecollection.org

Whitechapel Gallery

Image credit: Whitechapel Gallery

Extended daylight paired with the long-awaited warmth! Shall I compare thee to Whitechapel Gallery on a summer’s day? Enjoy this much-need additional sunlight by hosting a drinks reception, workshop or even a wedding party with us at our distinctive heritage building in Central London. 

Take your pick between the Clore Creative Studio, Study Studio, and Gallery 3 which all offer a versatile event space equipped with AV set up and furniture for up to 80 guests. Working with a list of experienced suppliers including our onsite Modern British Dining Room Townsend, your event will be well-taken care of by our dedicated team. We would love to be part of your midsummer’s dream! Get in touch with the Events Team today at hire@whitechapelgallery.org to find out more. 

Royal College of Music

Image credit: Royal College of Music

Following a recent £40 million redevelopment, the Royal College of Music’s stunning 1851 Courtyard is the perfect place for a sunny summer’s evening! And, should the Great British weather fail us, guests can continue the celebrations in the light, bright and airy RCM Café.

Perfect for intimate gatherings of 20 or with space for up to 280 guests across the indoor and outdoor spaces, the RCM can accommodate receptions of all size. Add a string quartet or jazz band of our talented students to provide the sounds of the summer, and this is the perfect spot for a sunny celebration in the heart of South Kensington.

For details of our Courtyard or our other beautiful spaces, get in touch at venuehire@rcm.ac.uk

Royal Geographical Society

Image credit: Digby Oldridge/PR Eye

As the weather starts to heat up, so does a fantastic season of events at the Royal Geographical Society!

This summer, we have a special events package for a limited time only. Our Annual Earth Photo exhibition will be back from 18th June to 21st August. During this time, we are offering a rare opportunity to book a Private View of the Earth Photo Exhibition and a Drinks Reception for you and up to 100 guests in our beautiful pavilion!

Earth Photo 24 is a stunning exhibition of some of the most powerful contemporary environmental photography. A collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Forestry England and Parker Harris, Earth Photo celebrates photographic and film work that conveys the world around us and makes us think differently, capturing nature, people, place and space, forests, the land and seascapes, and the varied impacts of, and adaptations to, climate change.

Drop us an email at venuehire@rgs.org to book a Private View now! 

Museum of Brands

Image credit: Museum of Brands

Summer Fun at the Museum of Brands

Make your summer party one to remember this year with exclusive hire of the Museum of Brands. Perfectly located in the heart of Notting Hill, the Museum is the ideal setting for outdoor fetes, company gatherings or retro picnic for up to 150 colleagues and clients.   Start your evening sipping botanical cocktails, tuck into our delicious food, and schmooze your guests while watching the sun go down in our sub-tropical garden.

Should the British Weather let you down, we will not: our conservatory and Brands hall provide a great indoor alternative for cooler evenings, while our brand heritage collection of design classics and iconic childhood favourites will delight and inspire your guests – from Spaghetti Hoops to Spice Girls memorabilia we truly have something for everyone!

Whatever summer celebration you are planning this year, get in touch and our friendly team will help you curate your perfect event.

RIBA at 66 Portland Place

Image credit: Matt Chung Photography

Press play on summer at 66 Portland Place, the home of RIBA!

This summer, the team has put together a competitively priced package that prioritises fun and games and foodie delights to enjoy with friends, colleagues and clients. From £90+VAT pp (based on a minimum 350 guests) you’ll have access to the flexible Florence Hall, as well as the urban terrace just outside. A private barbeque on the terrace, as well as one of the fully stocked bars, means guests can bask in the summer sun and have some fun with garden games to add some friendly rivalry to proceedings!

If a downpour is forecast guests can retreat inside to the impressive Florence Hall for food and fun, and if you have more than 200 guests attending your get-together, you’ll have access to the chic RIBA Gallery and 1st floor landing at no additional charge. Create a chill-out space, a VIP area, or add more bars – the choice is yours.

No party menu is complete without dessert and Company of Cooks has saved the best until last with an interactive Eton mess station so guests can get creative and make their own!

If you’re ready to hit play on some summer fun at 66 Portland Place, get in touch with the team now: venues@riba.org  / 020 7307 3888

Science Museum

Image credit: Roberts Creative

The Smith Centre at the Science Museum is a standout setting for exclusive summer celebrations with its beautiful open-plan outdoor courtyard available to host drinks receptions and intimate dinner parties.

The Smith Centre occupies a building originally constructed in 1890 and reflects this history in the design of its event spaces. With four rooms of varying sizes from small meeting spaces to an ample-sized salon for up to 200 guests, you can hire the Smith Centre for a daytime meeting and make the most of having your team together by hosting an evening drinks reception or throwing a party in the courtyard.

The secluded nature and open-plan design of the courtyard means it’s also ideal for private dining or more relaxed get-togethers, with the rooms inside an ideal wet weather option.

Whether you choose to embrace the courtyard’s original features or transform it with props and lighting, it’s a wonderful setting to enjoy some summer fun with colleagues or clients.

To enquire about using the Smith Centre and courtyard for your summer event, contact the team by emailing venuehire@sciencemuseum.ac.uk  or call 020 7942 4340

Roundhouse

Image credit: Roundhouse

After 10 long years, Fuerza Bruta is finally returning to its London home – Roundhouse, with its incredible new show AVEN, a rollercoaster ride of euphoria, optimism and desire beyond your imagination that will push every limit.

There is nothing else like this on the planet. It’s the ultimate spectacle of dance, music, movement, and passion, and will fill your heart with joy this summer. This breathtaking experience will demonstrate the technical versatility of the venue and we can’t wait to show everybody what is possible in the space.

Welcome to AVEN – a celebration of adventure and paradise. A place that exists in our minds. A space without a floor. Without boundaries. A show that seeks happiness and pushes every limit to find it. It’ll sweep you up and fill you with an unstoppable force – are you ready?

Catch the show that will leave you breathless for more – available for 8 impossibly happy weeks only from 9 July 2024.

For more information please contact: hire@roundhouse.org.uk

Chiswick House & Gardens

Image credit: Chiswick House & Gardens

Did someone say Summer?! It’s never too early to plan for event! Whether a summer party or an outdoor cinema screening, here at Chiswick House and Gardens we’d love to accommodate you and your guests in the British sunshine! Surrounded by 65 acres of award-winning gardens, it really is an exquisite venue and one that will guarantee to wow your guests. Spoiled for choice, our spaces include; The House, The Courtyards, The Garden Pavilion, The Walled Garden and the Cricket Ground - there really is something for everyone’s style and guest numbers, with room for up to 3,500 guests. Our friendly and dedicated team will be sure to find the right space for the event you’ve been dreaming of.

We love to welcome old and new friends, so please don’t hesitate to contact our team at events@chgt.org.uk- we look forward to seeing what our Summer brings us

Central Hall Westminster

Image credit: Central Hall Westminster

Our Great Hall, freshly enhanced for your summer events.

The Great Hall is back and better than ever!

We took a brief hiatus in January for a grand makeover. Thanks to our production partners White Light, our pride and joy, the Great Hall, now boasts a brand-new, top-of-the-line PA speaker system. This is a permanent fixture promising an elevated sound experience from every seat in the house as well as a reduction in cost to turn around the varied events we hold.

We have also utilised this closure to revamp and tidy up the Great Hall's wiring and give the space a fresh look. These final touches have ensured we’re performance-ready for years to come.

Finally, the Goods Lift, a pivotal part of our event delivery, has had a major facelift. Embracing cutting-edge technology, we have refurbished the lift, doors, and shaft so we can continue to deliver your events seamlessly.

Now we proudly resume operations, the Great Hall is ready for your next event! We’d love to invite you in for a visit to experience our new facilities.

To enquire about booking with us, please contact the team by filling our enquiry form here or calling 020 7222 8010

Natural History Museum

Image credit: © Trustees of the Natural History Museum

Summer at the Natural History Museum

London’s Natural History Museum is proving to be the ultimate venue location this year, as its highly anticipated gardens will be opening for the first time this summer!

A landmark development for the iconic South Kensington site, the five-acre land around the grand building is currently being transformed into the ultimate green garden, with sustainability and accessibility at its core. The ground will be complete with the Garden Kitchen, an exciting new café and events space nestled in the heart of the green oasis.

Alongside this, the Museum will also be reopening its contemporary Darwin Centre and courtyard this summer, perfect for informal drinks to formal dinners! In contrast to the building’s Romanesque architecture, the steel beams and reflective glass of the Darwin Centre provide a bright and modern twist to any event.

For more information, visit www.nhm.ac.uk/business-services/venue-hire, or speak to the team on +44 (0)207 942 5434.

RCP London Events

Image credit: RCP London Events

Summer parties at RCP London Events

Summer parties are popular at RCP London Events (Royal College of Physicians), as our event spaces include a magnificent garden adjacent to Regent’s Park. Our Medicinal Garden contains over 1,100 plants with links to medicine and, in summer, it is the ideal location for creative events, receptions and al fresco dining.

Summer events in the Medicinal Garden come equipped with lovely décor that will allow you to fully enjoy its beauty and long, warm summer nights, such as rugs and picnic blankets with cushions, benches, solar night torches to add a creative, suggestive element, and a stretch tent with fairy lights. Entertainment and additional lighting or decorations are also available to create a memorable experience that will ignite all senses.

Food is an important element of any summer party - and this is no exception when it comes to summer events hosted at RCP London Events. In collaboration with our catering partner Company of Cooks, we have created three creative summer party packages to entertain and inspire delegates. Choose between the best-selling Pizza Party Package, the sizzling BBQ Party Package or the colourful and fun Interactive Food Stalls.

Each package comes with a vast range of plant-based, vegetarian and vegan options as well as dishes prepared with sustainable meat and fish. They are available from April to September, and can be updated with premium drinks packages, including our Sustainable Drinks Package (including sustainable wines, Toast’s planet-saving beers, sustainable soft drinks and eco-friendly nibbles), or mocktails and cocktails, served from our new Secret Garden Bar.

*For more information on our summer packages contact us: events@rcp.ac.uk

Lord’s Cricket Ground

Image credit: MCC/Jed Leicester

As the country’s national sport, cricket is a massive part of the English summer and in Lord’s, London has one of the most famous and historic cricket grounds in the world. An exciting summer of cricket awaits in 2024, and whether you’ve never watched a match in your life, or if you’re a seasoned cricket-goer, a trip to Lord’s is undoubtedly one to tick off the bucket list.

In 2024, Lord’s will be hosting two of the most popular short-form competitions worldwide (The Hundred and the Vitality Blast), and the range of hospitality packages, seasonal suites and premium seating at these must-see matches offer outstanding views and exquisite catering served with impeccable attention and care. If you are interested in watching cricket in the ultimate style, visit lords.org/hospitality.

Lord’s also doubles up as an amazing event venue, and contains three impressive spaces – the Pavilion Roof Terrace, the Centurions Roof Terrace and the Harris Garden – which are perfect for al fresco parties and receptions in the summer. Visit lords.org/events to find out more.

Somerset House

Image credit: Somerset House

Set against the backdrop of Somerset House’s iconic 18th century façade and with sweeping views across the Thames, the River Terrace is one of their most exclusive, award-winning spaces and the perfect summer location for a standing reception for up to 500 guests. The stunning Seamen's Hall is also included in your hire as a wet weather contingency, with a capacity of up to 200.

This year, for the first time, Jimmy Garcia is bringing his Spanish heritage to the fore as he presents a specially created menu for the River Terrace, as well as Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel. The Terrace Bar is situated next to the River Terrace and both spaces can be hired for larger parties of up to 800 guests.

From the 8 June, Somerset House will also present the first exhibition on international fashion powerhouse Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, which celebrates 10 years of club to catwalk in 2024. 

Speak to the team on +44(0)20 7845 4618 or via events@somersethouse.org.uk and discover how you can make the most of their unique offering by incorporating the programme into your event.

Museum of London

Image credit: Museum of London

Celebrate summer in the City with a memorable party at the Museum of London. With greater capacity for daytime celebrations now that the museum is closed to the public, you can opt for a full day event to make the most of the longer summer days.  

Whether you are organising a company conference or away day, an informal gathering for your team or a big client party, the museum’s Terrace Rooms with their own private garden and patio are the perfect setting for an event in the summer. With drinks and canapes and your choice of either bowl food, a BBQ or food stations on offer you can keep the party going into the night!

The Terrace Rooms have capacity for up to 250 guests, and with both indoor and outdoor venue options, you can be certain your summer celebration will go ahead whatever the weather! For larger summer parties, the versatile Entrance Hall, showstopping London Ellipse Hall and contemporary London Wall Bar & Kitchen are also available to hire.

Packages start from £112+VAT pp (minimum numbers apply). To enquire and secure your preferred summer party date, get in touch with the team: venuehire@museumoflondon.org.uk  / 020 7814 5789

Museum of London Docklands

Image credit: Museum of London Docklands

There’s no better place to enjoy the summer sunshine than by the waterside! Set against the backdrop of West India Quay and the Canary Wharf skyline, the Museum of London Docklands is a standout setting for summer celebrations.

Versatile, warehouse-inspired spaces including the Riverside Room, Muscovado Hall, and the returning Rum Store (from July) feature original exposed brickwork and columns, as well as access to the quayside terrace, for an inside/outside summer party vibe. The waterside terrace is a hidden gem for summer events and a firm favourite with clients who want to enjoy the summer sunshine in style. Catering includes canapes and your choice of bowl food, BBQ, or food stations.

Up to 900 guests can be accommodated across the ground floor for larger parties, with access to the terrace for an additional 350.

Packages are available from £98+VAT pp (minimum numbers apply). To enquire and secure your party on the terrace, contact the team: venuehire@museumoflondon.org.uk / 020 7814 5789

Twickenham Stadium

Image credit: Twickenham Stadium

Twickenham Stadium have recently announced that their pitchside stretch tent is set to return to the stadiums west stand in time for summer 2024, providing an excellent addition to the range of events that are able to be held beside the famous pitch.

Between 24 June to 2 August, and 14 August to 30 September 2024, host unique awards evenings, dining events, summer parties, drinks receptions and more, underneath a canopy in the famous surroundings of the Twickenham Stadium bowl.

Learn more about how you can host a unique event this summer under the Twickenham tent, by visiting Twickenham Stadiums website or by emailing the team at conferencesandevents@rfu.com

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