BEST FOR… RIVER VIEWSThe River Thames has been the lifeblood of East London since Roman times. So whatbetter way to enjoy its landmarks than a luxury cruise aboard Silver Sturgeon? The 61-metre cruiser’s market is specifically businessto-business events – conferences, meetings and awards dinners. It holds 850 standing or 458 for dinner and has played host to bluechips including the Royal Bank of Scotland, Goldman Sachs, Shell and the BBC.
BEST FOR TRADITIONCity of London livery halls add an extra touch of pomp and ceremony to AGMs or formal dinners. Among the remaining 107 livery companies is the Honourable Artillery Company, whose duties include gun salutes at the Tower of London and guards of honour for state occasions.Its 18th-century HQ, Armoury House, is set within 2.5 hectares of garden. Next month it will open a US$13 million events venue, the Prince Consort Rooms, holding 600 theatrestyle or 450 for dinner. BEST FOR PRESTIGEBritain may no longer rule the seas, but buyers can still make waves at the Old Royal Naval College. In-house caterer Leith’s has launched a special package for organisers, which includes an official greeting by uniformed Greenwich sea cadets and entertainment from the Trinity College of Music string quartet. Dinners for up to 480 are held in the Painted Hall, where Lord Nelson lay in state after the Battle of Trafalgar. BEST FOR VIEWSRising to 180 metres above street-level, 30 St Mary Axe – affectionately known as theGherkin – is the place to wine, dine and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the capital. The London icon opened in 2004 and is now firmly established on the corporate entertainment circuit thanks to its prime location. Recent events include a Champagnereception for private equity house Candover. The Gherkin’s distinctive glass dome houses a 70-seat restaurant which, combined with the lounge bar, can accommodate 260 standing. BEST FOR LAUNCHESEast Wintergarden, Canary Wharf’s purposebuilt events centre, is dominated by a 27m arched glass atrium. The venue features 680 sqm of uninterrupted Italian marble floor and beechwood wall panelling. It holds 1,000 for cocktail parties, product launches and fashion shows, or 500 for gala dinners.Corporate events include a 300-delegate Bentley charity reception, a Reuters familyday for 1,000 and an Aston Martin conference.www.eastwintergarden.comBEST FOR PARTIESBuilt in the mid-1700s, the Brewery now combines purpose-built meeting areas withstylish bars and atmospheric dining spaces. Buyers can choose from nine spaces, thelargest can hold 900 standing or 660 seated. For smaller dinners, the Smeaton’s Vaultsholds 110 seated. This classic Georgian venue has hosted some of London’s premier events including BBC Sports Journalist Awards and ING’s Christmas party. Sporting parties for the English FA have also been held here.
