Month: May 2023

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Meeting in the North East? Try Newcastle

Newcastle is a popular city in the north east of England. This vibrant location is known for its friendly atmosphere, captivating charm, prevalent football culture, and many historical landmarks. It is beautifully situated on the River Tyne and offers a selection of restaurants, bars, venues and activities for business travellers to experience.

Here, we share more reasons to meet in Newcastle!

Abundance of North East nature

From the small, peaceful Leazes Park to the Exhibition Park, Newcastle’s green spaces are vital to ensure city-goers can enjoy the outdoors, alongside a bustling city life.

Newcastle is beautiful and blessed with a selection of parklands and open green spaces to enjoy. The Northumberland National Park is right on the city’s doorstep and provides the perfect opportunity for a walking meeting or some post-conference fresh air.

The city is also home to the beautiful Jesmond Dene Park. This picturesque little park is sprinkled with paths, water features and picnic spots.

Culture

From art galleries to industrial buildings, Newcastle’s culture helps visitors to get a feel for the heritage of the beautiful city. One of the city’s leading attractions is the Baltic Centre. Opening in 2002, this Exhibition Centre offers visitors insight into the city’s contemporary art.

The Discovery Centre is another perfect way for visitors to understand the Newcastle’s history and the story of its industrial revolution. Culture has played a key role in the city’s growth over the years, and by being known as the social hub of the North East, Newcastle has transformed itself into one of the UK’s most popular locations.

The food and drink scene!

Newcastle has a wide selection of food and drink locations. From pubs to 5-star restaurants and famous cocktail bars, this English city has something for everyone’s taste!

House of Tides is one of the city’s most popular dinner destinations. Located in an old historic building, this Michelin-star restaurant provides fine dining food with a tasting menu to die for!

If you’re looking for more classic and traditional food, 21 and the Broad Chare provides some pub staples and the meals you’ve been craving! For a taste of Newcastle, the Saltwater Fish Company offers some of the city’s most beautiful seafood and is not one to be missed!

Jalou, Aveika and Central Oven & Shaker are all amazing, unique cocktail bars to visit in Newcastle during your stay, and if your delegates fancy more of a traditional pub environment then the brewpub and eatery, Bridge Tavern sat under the North East’s iconic The Tyne Bridge, is the place!

Gorgeous venues

Royal Station Hotel

As in the name, the Royal Station Hotel is located next to the central station in the city. With 145 bedrooms and 10 grand meeting rooms, this venue is ideal for large groups of delegates, with plenty of spaces to choose from.

The hotel has excellent transport links with the nearest airport being only a 20-minute drive away, on top of this, its central location provides a perfect base for guests to discover the city. The Royal Station Hotel boasts its elegant Victorian-style structure and provides an ideal space for meetings and conferences.

Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

The Hilton Newcastle Gateshead is a sophisticated hotel providing comfort to guests throughout their stay. Situated on the banks of the notorious quayside, the hotel provides beautiful views of the river and a relaxed atmosphere for guests.

The hotel has a central location allowing guests to have access to local bars restaurants and entertainment centres throughout their stay! With 254 bedrooms, 13 large meeting rooms, a swimming pool, steam room and sauna on-site, guests will always be amused!

Grand Hotel Gosforth Park Newcastle

The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park is a large venue located on the outskirts of the city. Situated near Gosforth Park and Gosforth golf club, it is surrounded by green spaces and areas of nature to enjoy.

The Grand Hotel is 11 minutes away from the nearest airport and is equipped with a restaurant, gym, swimming pool and squash court on-site to entertain guests! The hotel has 232 bedrooms and 14 spacious meeting rooms which are perfect for any event from large conferences to small intimate team meetings!

Newcastle is a beautiful city that will capture your heart, providing the perfect location for delegates to get together! From its range of venues and picturesque green spaces to luxury cocktail bars and culture, Newcastle has something for everyone!

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Why consider Cardiff for your next event…

Cardiff

If you fancy planning a meeting a little off the beaten track, the beautiful city of Cardiff should be high on your list of destinations. The Welsh capital is a bustling city with an abundance of culture and historical values as well as a range of activities to keep visitors busy!

From castle tours to white-water rafting, the list of must-sees and do’s for considering this city as a destination is endless! Keep reading to find out some of the reasons to you should consider Cardiff for your next event!

Delicious Cuisine 

Cardiff is known for its immaculate cuisine, with a selection of delicious dining and drinking options, the city has something to offer everyone – Whether you’re a cocktail lover or a pub diner enthusiast.

For an unforgettable culinary experience, look no further than the Pasture Restaurant. This chic, 5-star restaurant is in the heart of Cardiff and provides a relaxed atmosphere for guests. The Pasture offers an enticing menu serving mouth-watering charcoal grilled steaks as well as craft beer and tasteful cocktails.

If you’re looking for traditional Welsh cuisine, look no further than the Potted Pig. Located underground in former bank vaults beneath the city, this restaurant and gin bar create an unforgettable experience for guests. Serving a mix of traditional and modern food, the potted pig is loved by locals and tourists alike.

If you are a craft beer lover, don’t miss out on the Tiny Rebel Cardiff. This craft brewery opened in 2013 and provides service second to none in the city. With a tasteful brickwork interior and regular live music performances alongside a selection of delicious beers and bar food, this bar is a great choice. Don’t miss their award-winning catch red ale, a true Welsh gem!

Lastly, if you’re after a delicious fruity cocktail, the Cocktail Club Cardiff is the place to be! Set across three floors, the well-known cocktail bar has something for everyone’s taste! The bar also serves a bottomless brunch including bingo, entertainment, and a selection of prizes to be won! The cocktail club is the perfect place to let your hair down in the city!

These are just a few options to consider if you wanted to take your event out of the main venue for evening entertainment.

Cultural Attractions

The vibrant city has endless cultural attractions to see, from a visit to the glorious castle, to a walk along the river Taff. If you want to build some tourist attractions into your event then Cardiff has you covered.

For those who are curious about Welsh history, St Fagan’s – The National History Museum – is the ideal location to explore the history, architecture, culture and traditions of the Welsh. This is a beautiful open aired museum spread across acres of parkland, also including a farm, old fashioned shops and a pottery making class for tourists!

Lovely Beaches

Barry Island is located very close to the city centre, only a short train ride away. This is a big tourist attraction in the area, featuring a large promenade and a beautiful sandy beach in Whitmore Bay. The area includes obligatory amusement arcades and 24 vibrantly coloured beach huts available for daily hire as well as a climbing wall and various events through the year!

The famous UK television show Gavin and Stacey was filmed in Barry Island so some fans may eagerly recognise it!

Let’s not forget the Venues!

ICC Wales

The ICC Wales is in Newport and is a top contender for one the best meeting facilities in Cardiff! The venue is a popular choice for conferences, exhibitions, and events. It provides a flowing, positive experience for attendees due to its state-of-the-art advanced technology, cutting-edge facilities and versatile spaces.

With its 15 spacious, elegant meeting rooms and a selection of onsite amenities including a coffee shop, an adventure golf centre, tree trekking facilities and more! The ICC Wales attracts global gatherings, ensuring a successful and memorable event.

Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre

With an excellent location in the centre of the vibrant city, Holiday Inn Cardiff is located perfectly for sightseeing and exploring what the city has to offer! The hotel boasts 157 comfortable and relaxing rooms to accommodate guests as well as 11 spacious meeting rooms. Perfect for conferences, group meetings and team building events in the city.

The hotel is known for its friendly staff and reliable reputation amongst guests who can make use of the selection of amenities available including the on-site restaurant, the stylish bar, and the onsite gym. Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre is a comfortable hotel providing a pleasant and enjoyable stay for visitors.

The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel Cardiff is Cardiff’s finest hotel, a unique boutique hotel situated in the bustling city centre. With its stylish eye-catching interior and luxurious atmosphere, this hotel is ideal for travellers looking for a unique experience during their stay!

The elegant hotel has beautifully designed rooms with glamorous furnishings throughout to add to the sophisticated vibe! With 169 modern bedrooms and 2 spacious meeting rooms the hotel boats plenty of space for both meetings and conferences. Bringing elegance into historical buildings, the Parkgate Hotel is a classy venue, providing a bar, restaurant, and thermal suites for guests to indulge in.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

The Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff is in the heart of the Welsh city. Having such a central location makes this venue ideal for hosting events and conferences as it is easily accessible for delegates staying in various locations across the city. The hotel is in close proximity to many major tourist attractions, shopping centres, and entertainment venues, providing a thrilling stay for guests.

The hotel features 215 modern rooms as well as 6 large meeting spaces, ideal for group training events, conferences, and small group gatherings. The hotel boasts an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness centre for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Cardiff is a truly vibrant city with a grand selection of venues and activities to try out during your stay! Endless entertainment and a selection of beautiful hotels will leave you eager to return to this beautiful city!

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Are you ready to start thinking about Christmas parties?

Christmas Parties

We’ve had the Coronation of the King, Eurovision and the BAFTAs, all in the last couple of weeks. Now it’s time to start thinking about Christmas parties.

Yes, we know it’s only May, but we also know that Christmas always creeps up on us. Therefore, getting your Christmas party venue organised early is vital, especially if you have your eye on a popular venue.

Things to consider when planning for Christmas Parties

With everyone having hectic schedules, getting a date in the diary is a must!

When looking at options for your venue, there are a few key factors which you should consider. These factors include the layout and size of the venue, it’s location, accessibility, availability and of course the cost of the venue. By carefully considering all of your options, you can create select the perfect venue to ensure that the event is a huge success.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite venues which would be ideal for a festive Christmas party. Please note this list is by no means exhaustive, and our friendly Venue Procurement Team are on hand to help.

The Grand Hotel York

The Grand Hotel York is a stunning 5-star hotel in the heart of the historical city. This beautiful Edwardian building offers luxurious accommodation and a range of dining options. With its elegant interiors, the Grand Hotel York provides the perfect setting for a Christmas party that will impress your guests.

The hotel offers festive packages such as exclusive party nights. With its central location and exceptional facilities, the Grand Hotel York is a great choice for a memorable Christmas celebration.

Ellenborough Park

Ellenborough Park is country estate situated in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. The hotel boasts stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and excellent dining options. With it’s beautiful scenery, impeccable service and attention to detail, Ellenborough Park is sure to provide a magical Christmas celebration for your guests.

Pavilions of Harrogate

Pavilions of Harrogate is a stylish venue located in the heart of Harrogate. The venue boasts modern and flexible event spaces, perfect for hosting Christmas parties of all sizes. With its stunning scenic surroundings, Pavilions of Harrogate offers a unique and memorable setting for your Christmas celebration.

With established catering services available, Pavilions of Harrogate is the perfect choice for a fun and festive Christmas party that your guests will love.

BMA House

BMA House is a stunning building located in central London. It is a prestigious venue for Christmas parties with flexible event spaces for all group sizes. With its beautiful architecture, the venue provides the perfect setting for any festive event. BMA has an expert in-house catering team, creating delicious meals over the festive period. BMA House truly is an ideal choice for a memorable and magical Christmas celebration.

Wychwood Park

Wychwood Park is a modern venue set in the stunning Cheshire countryside, offering a unique and picturesque location for a Christmas party. The venue boasts a selection of spaces, including a grand ballroom and private dining rooms. With its expert service, Wychwood Park is the perfect choice for a festive celebration with friends, family, or colleagues.

Wyboston Lakes

Wyboston Lakes is a versatile and modern conference venue, set in 380 acres of stunning countryside on the outskirts of Cambridgeshire. The venue boasts a variety of event spaces, from large conference halls to smaller meeting rooms and private dining areas. Their festive packages include Christmas party nights, festive afternoon tea, and private dining options, catering for groups of all sizes. With excellent dining options and a range of activities available, Wyboston Lakes is the perfect choice for a fun Christmas celebration.

Woodland Grange

Woodland Grange is a stylish conference venue set in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside. The venue offers a range of versatile event spaces, making it an ideal choice for a Christmas party of any size. With its beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities, Woodland Grange provides the perfect setting for a perfect and memorable Christmas celebration.

Getting organised in advance for the venue of your Christmas celebration can save a lot of stress further down the line! Each of these venues have unique features that will create a magical festive vibe and bring your vision to life.

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London venues with a Royal twist

The Coronation has spread a sense of unity and support across the country, with thousands preparing their own events to celebrate the occassion.

With the King’s Coronation, we thought it was only fitting to write this week’s feature about the glorious city of London and the marvellous venues that it has to offer.

We have handpicked a selection of some of our favourite London hotels with a royal twist in the name!

Tower Hotel, London

If you are looking for a hotel located in central London, with excellent amenities, the Tower Hotel is at the top of the list! This 4-star hotel boasts 801 glamorous rooms and suites as well as 19 spacious event spaces to host meeting and conferences. With spectacular views of the River Thames and the city’s skyline, it is a popular spot for tourists eager to soak up the city. The hotel has several bars and restaurants as well as gym and parking facilities. The hotel is within close proximity to attractions such as the Tower of London and The Shard, making it an ideal location for a visit to the city.

Royal Horse Guards, London

This magnificent hotel keeps up well with the royal theme with its grand, elegant interior. Situated near the Houses of Parliament, River Thames and London Bridge, the Royal Horse Guards is perfect for a sightseeing trip in the city centre. The hotel offers 282 spacious rooms and suites as well as 13 spacious meeting rooms, boasting stunning views of the city and its many attractions. There are fitness facilities, restaurants, bars and an outside terrace available for guests to use, making this an ideal hotel for delegates.

Clermont Victoria

The Clermont Victoria is a stylish, elegant hotel situated in the centre of London. With 345 bedrooms and 8 grand events room, this venue is perfect for groups looking to use the spacious meeting rooms for conferences and group training events. The hotel is 40 minutes away from the nearest airport and only a few minutes’ walk from Victoria underground station. Making it a highly accessible venue. The hotel features 2 on site restaurants and nearby parking for guests.

Kensington Hotel

Located in the heart of south Kensington, this stunning hotel has a sense of luxury through its inspired décor and sophisticated spaces. Being situated in one of London’s most charming and sought after locations, the Kensington Hotel is very in demand. There are regular transport links available close to the hotel. Guests also have access to spa treatments and a fitness studio during their stay. With 146 bedrooms and 3 intimate event spaces, this venue has a very personal atmosphere. Perfect for smaller group meetings of around 60 delegates.

The Royal Lancaster London

The Royal Lancaster London is a stunning 5-star hotel located in central London. With panoramic views of one of the city’s largest parks, Hyde Park, it is in a picturesque location. The hotel boasts 411 elegant rooms and 15 large meeting rooms, perfect for conferences and teambuilding groups. Guests can enjoy the delicious food at the hotel’s restaurant, sip on a range of cocktails at the stylish bar or relax using the spa. With its stunning views, the Royal Lancaster London is a perfect choice for a memorable stay in London.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tower of London

This beautiful hotel is both elegant and modern whilst being conveniently located in the heart of the City of London. The hotel boasts 583 comfortable bedrooms and suites, all equipped with modern amenities for guests to enjoy. The hotel includes a fitness centre, sauna, and steam room as well as an onsite restaurant. All of which are popular amongst guests. With its prime location and 12 spacious meeting rooms, the DoubleTree Hilton Tower of London is a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Choosing a venue in the city of London can be challenging due to the endless options, however there are plenty of hotels fit for royals! Careful consideration will help you narrow it down to find your perfect hotel, try some of these for a royal twist!