The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Symphony Hall is based in the same building as the ICC, and is an easy 10 minute walk from Brimingham New Street. It is easy to spot if you know to look for the Birmingham Library in the skyline, which is just opposite the hotel. The Hall is well signposted within the building, and is an impressive theatre with modern AV built in, and has a capacity for dinners for around 600-700. The venue can build over the stall-seats, which opens the hall up for different types of events, and would be very impressive. The Symphony Hall have started to target dinner enquiries in particular, but as a non-residential venue some bookers may be hesitant, however there is a huge amount of bedroom-stock within a 5 minute walk.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Symphony Hall is based in the same building as the ICC, and is an easy 10 minute walk from Brimingham New Street. It is easy to spot if you know to look for the Birmingham Library in the skyline, which is just opposite the hotel. The Hall is well signposted within the building, and is an impressive theatre with modern AV built in, and has a capacity for dinners for around 600-700. The venue can build over the stall-seats, which opens the hall up for different types of events, and would be very impressive. The Symphony Hall have started to target dinner enquiries in particular, but as a non-residential venue some bookers may be hesitant, however there is a huge amount of bedroom-stock within a 5 minute walk.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is based in the same building as the ICC, and is an easy 10 minute walk from Brimingham New Street. It is easy to spot if you know to look for the Birmingham Library in the skyline, which is just opposite the hotel. The Hall is well signposted within the building, and is an impressive theatre with modern AV built in, and has a capacity for dinners for around 600-700. The venue can build over the stall-seats, which opens the hall up for different types of events, and would be very impressive. The Symphony Hall have started to target dinner enquiries in particular, but as a non-residential venue some bookers may be hesitant, however there is a huge amount of bedroom-stock within a 5 minute walk.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
I recently went to Birmingham for a day of site-visits, I hope you enjoy my reports below! We have an individual target of 100 site visits per year, as part of our commitment to industry knowledge and personal development, so often get to spend the day out and about. Birmingham New Street looks like it will be very swanky when completed, so I think Birmingham could be a great option for bookers, especially if looking for a big-city option outside London (and away from London rates!)
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is based in the same building as the ICC, and is an easy 10 minute walk from Brimingham New Street. It is easy to spot if you know to look for the Birmingham Library in the skyline, which is just opposite the hotel. The Hall is well signposted within the building, and is an impressive theatre with modern AV built in, and has a capacity for dinners for around 600-700. The venue can build over the stall-seats, which opens the hall up for different types of events, and would be very impressive. The Symphony Hall have started to target dinner enquiries in particular, but as a non-residential venue some bookers may be hesitant, however there is a huge amount of bedroom-stock within a 5 minute walk.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
I recently went to Birmingham for a day of site-visits, I hope you enjoy my reports below! We have an individual target of 100 site visits per year, as part of our commitment to industry knowledge and personal development, so often get to spend the day out and about. Birmingham New Street looks like it will be very swanky when completed, so I think Birmingham could be a great option for bookers, especially if looking for a big-city option outside London (and away from London rates!)
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is based in the same building as the ICC, and is an easy 10 minute walk from Brimingham New Street. It is easy to spot if you know to look for the Birmingham Library in the skyline, which is just opposite the hotel. The Hall is well signposted within the building, and is an impressive theatre with modern AV built in, and has a capacity for dinners for around 600-700. The venue can build over the stall-seats, which opens the hall up for different types of events, and would be very impressive. The Symphony Hall have started to target dinner enquiries in particular, but as a non-residential venue some bookers may be hesitant, however there is a huge amount of bedroom-stock within a 5 minute walk.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
I recently went to Birmingham for a day of site-visits, I hope you enjoy my reports below! We have an individual target of 100 site visits per year, as part of our commitment to industry knowledge and personal development, so often get to spend the day out and about. Birmingham New Street looks like it will be very swanky when completed, so I think Birmingham could be a great option for bookers, especially if looking for a big-city option outside London (and away from London rates!)
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is based in the same building as the ICC, and is an easy 10 minute walk from Brimingham New Street. It is easy to spot if you know to look for the Birmingham Library in the skyline, which is just opposite the hotel. The Hall is well signposted within the building, and is an impressive theatre with modern AV built in, and has a capacity for dinners for around 600-700. The venue can build over the stall-seats, which opens the hall up for different types of events, and would be very impressive. The Symphony Hall have started to target dinner enquiries in particular, but as a non-residential venue some bookers may be hesitant, however there is a huge amount of bedroom-stock within a 5 minute walk.
Birmingham Town Hall
After being refurbished for 11 years, Birmingham Town Hall is a charming period venue with modern touches, and is a 5 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The venue centres of the main hall itself, which is white and blue, and has plentiful natural daylight. The venue has several other spaces which can be used for catering or syndicates, and a VIP lounge. The main hall has a balcony which can be utilised as the main seating area for presentations, while the stalls are used for exhibition space, as the venue has an intimate air which could help this work.
Hotel La Tour
Hotel La Tour is only a few years old, and is still a fresh new option amongst Birmingham hotels. The interior is crisp and modern, and is sleekly designed to highlight and utilise modern technology, such as automated check-in screens and digital amenities. The meeting space is in a dedicated hub on the first floor, and is segregated from the bedrooms to lessen any chance of guests wondering in. The main meeting rooms can be combined or separated, while the boardrooms offer syndicate space.
The boardroom syndicates aren’t fixed, but the hotel are reluctant to change the layouts for meetings that are less than three or more days long. Also, the meeting space is rather limited so clients who particularly want to book this hotel should maybe plan to book early, during the enquiry’s lifetime.
Conference Aston
Facing the same preconceptions as other university venues, Conference Aston actually offers a dedicated building purely for conference space and hotel-standard bedrooms. The lounge, restaurant and largest meeting room are based on the ground floor, while the syndicates are mostly on the first floor. The meeting space is decorated in a utilitarian manner, with splashes of vibrant colour here and there, while the centre of the building is a charming courtyard which can be used in summer for either informal break-out space, or BBQ’s.
Although the venue is located on the main campus for Aston University (just a 10 minute walk from the city centre), Conference Aston is based in a dedicated building, purpose-built for corporate events and functions, so some bookers who might be put off by the university label could benefit from a site visit. Also, as a non-profit, rates seem to be highly competitive.
Thinktank
Thinktank is based within the Millennium Point development, a cavernous modern mixed-use building shared with the City of Birmingham University, and other outlets. The venue offers three meeting rooms (two of which can be combined), a catering area, an auditorium, and the museum space itself that can be used for drinks receptions, as well as a large exhibition space. The meeting space is pleasant, however the only room in the venue with natural daylight is the catering room.
Fazeley Studios
Fazeley Studios is a rather unlikely venue, a converted chapel with a discreet entrance housed in what seems to be a non-descript side street around 10/15 walk from Birmingham New Street. Once inside however the venue is charming, and has been thoughtfully decorated to highlight its heritage whilst still modern and fresh. The largest meeting room of the venue has its own dedicated street access, so can be used for car launches etc., or meetings where a set needs to be transported.
The venue has a café/restaurant on site, which is open to the public. Personally when I visited I felt that this added a nice left-of-centre boho air to the venue, but some clients may want a more corporate feel to their meeting venue. Having said that a think most bookers visiting the venue would enjoy its atmosphere. One other consideration was the discreet street entrance off a non-assuming street makes me think that organisers should take extra care that delegates have clear directions to the venue.
The Custard Factory
The Custard Factory really impressed me as a quirky non-traditional venue, and the venue is really three or four venues in one, as the meeting spaces are somewhat separated from each other, and have a different feel. The Custard Factory complex also houses office space and alternative-themed shops, which gives the locale a similar feel to London’s Camden or Brick Lane, or Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Old Library in particular is a really charming hidden gem, with period decoration and spades of natural daylight.
The Custard Factory does seem to be more suited towards clients who are looking for something a little alternative or edgy, rather than a normal corporate venue. That said however, the Old Library in particular does have its own dedicated entrance, so a site visit may bring clients round.
The Paragon Hotel
The Paragon Hotel is based close to Digbeth High Street, and is a 15/20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street. The hotel can offer quite a large range of meeting space, with a flexible main room and several medium and smaller syndicate spaces, some of which have in-built screens. The bedrooms in my opinion were a little on the small side, but as an older property room sizes can vary, and the competitive rates of the hotel may compensate for this. The hotel is a good quality three-star option, particularly for clients who are rate-driven and looking for competitive rates, in comparison to the slightly swankier but costlier city-centre hotels.
