With summer (supposedly) underway and a fair few bank holidays on the horizon, here at Funky Venues we wanted to show you how to get a seaside feel even when you’re sweltering in the capital by tapping some of London’s finest aquatic gems.

The Drift

First up there’s Funky newcomer, The Drift. Tucked down the side of Heron Tower, a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street Station and with the tower being the home of Europe’s largest privately owned aquarium; the sea theme fits perfectly. A combination of its glass façade, tiered levels and exceptionally high ceilings quickly give the feel of a terrace or balcony but inside with the protection of roof- perfect for our rather changeable summers!

Open from 7.30 in the morning The Drift is definitely a multi-tasker and ideal for a plethora of bespoke events. If you’re sick of holding breakfast or lunch meetings in a grey office The Drift’s Bishopsgate location and its more intimate nooks could be perfect for you to host corporate events with a difference. The larger spaces are just the ticket for dinner parties, wedding receptions or even fashion shows and pop up events. With an impressive cocktail menu it’s great to celebrate your hen do or birthday with a mixology class and some fantastic food.  And speaking of food the oceanic theme doesn’t stop with the treasure island-esque décor. Daily seafood specials and even a flambé menu ranging from flaming cocktails to cognac flambéed scampi will definitely provide an impressive dining experience.

One thing to point out though, if you’re looking to call for a plain space for a generic event The Drift isn’t for you. The team are a hundred percent at your disposal to give you best in bespoke services actively encouraging you to come down, get a feel for the venue and work out exactly what you want to make your event (whether an intimate dinner for fourteen or a party for 450 of your closest friends) perfectly tailored for you.

To find out more about The Drift click here…

National Theatre, The Deck

If you’re a Londoner and have seen the glow coming from the top of the National Theatre and ever wondered what was up there well we’re here to tell you it’s The Deck, one of the finest private hire riverside venues with one of greatest riverside views I’ve had the pleasure of seeing.

The key word for The Deck is flexibility; this box by river can pretty much be whatever you want it to be. Flooded with light, The Deck, like The Drift, definitely has the feeling of an outside space and, weather permitting, you can even slide back the glass doors and open out the riverside balcony even further. With the space having been used for media launches, film locations and, of course, for idyllic riverside weddings, the team at The Deck can manipulate the space for any theme, even changing the colour of the walls with lighting. The size is textbook for intimate private parties or VIP events and has the ability to introduce a circular bar into the space.

With one of the countries best theatres downstairs willing to open up their prop department to you, you can really work the space into your vision. Also, all profits made from The Deck go straight to The National Theatre making it ideal for any theatre lovers out there. The events team at The Deck can provide you with furniture, lighting and a menu designed by their in house caterers- their barbeque menu proving somewhat of a summer staple at events held in the space.

From impressing clients at corporate events to friends and family on your wedding day or finally finding that perfect view for a photo shoot, you’re sure to find what you need at The Deck.

To find out more about The Deck click here…

Sea Life London Aquarium

A short meander down the river from The Deck and you’ll find one of the capitals favourite tourist hot-spots, The Sea Life London Aquarium. After its 2009 refurbishment the aquarium, which is home to over 500 species of marine life, more often than not has queues out the front door. If you’ve ever wanted to see why it’s so damn popular, but away from the crowds (and possibly with a drink in hand) it could be the perfect space for your event.

Although clearly already themed, the venue can be decorated to your requirements to provide a truly unique occasion with undeniable wow factor. Free from the usual bustling crowds the space can be hired for private use for events ranging from pop-up galleries to private parties, all being held in the space’s varying zones.

Led down to the deep over the butterfly inducing ‘Shark Walk’, reception drinks can be held in ‘The Rainforest’ space, setting the tone for what is certain to be a more than memorable experience. Afterwards, guests can head to ‘Pacific Wreck’ for the main attraction as you’re finally submerged and able to view the sharks, turtles and incredible marine life. You can even hold a dinner party with shoaling fish as your living backdrop and give your guests a theatrical treat with divers writing messages in the underwater tanks. For corporate or media events you can have the divers swim with the sharks adorned with your logo.  The space can accommodate up to 500 people for cocktail and networking events and the innumerable aquatic encounters to be had will ensure a show-stopping evening your guests won’t forget in a hurry.

To find out more about The Sea Life London Aquarium click here…

For more information on any of the venues in The Funky Blog, visit their profiles on Funky Venues.

Everybody likes getting out of the office from time to time and with many venues specialising in meeting and workspaces there’s no reason not to. Fortunately, conferences like the above are a thing of the past. Phew! My aim this week: to find workspaces with that extra something special, here’s how I got on…

Central Working, Bloomsbury

Located off Tottenham Court Road, Central Working is in a convenient location for transport links whilst maintaining a sense of privacy. Once inside the building you can’t be seen by passers by, a pull for many of its well-known clientele. The main events room is a versatile, blank canvas style space, which has been used for a range of different events, from conferences and meetings to private screenings, exclusive club nights castings by film and modeling agencies. The carpeted floors, curtains, sofas and cushions provide a relaxed and comfortable working environment. The three meeting rooms are equipped with high-res screens, air-conditioning and plug points and each has its own unique themed décor. The vibrant colours, artwork adorning the walls and patterned carpets in each of these rooms make a nice change from the stereotypical office environment. The ground floor café is also handy for those just wanting to pop in for a coffee or to send a few emails and the friendly staff are great at making you feel right at home. All-in-all, Central Working is a pleasant and versatile working environment but also great for the likes of launch and events, away from prying eyes. 

For more information on Central Working, click here. 

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square

Billed as ‘London’s most famous church’, SMITF combines contemporary meeting and event spaces with 18^th Century architecture. Located beneath the church are three meeting rooms of varying sizes, each with plug-points, areas for flip charts and the capacity to project onto the walls. Each room is light and airy with a view of the light-well, which in itself is a wonderful part of the building offering a view all the way up to the top of the church. But it doesn’t have to be all work no play with brass-rubbing available and making an excellent team building exercise. St. Martin’s Hall, with its wood-panelling, spotlights and high windows is great for conferences and breakfast meetings, as well as receptions and parties. Plus, its self-contained toilets and cloakroom give extra privacy and ease to events. The largest space in this venue is the Crypt, by day it is open to the public and acts as the church cafeteria, but by night (depending on church events) it can be transformed into a unique party location. Just off the café space is the Gallery, which when hired comes complete with its own security. Normally used as an exhibition space, the art is left on the walls during events, set against the dramatic backdrop of the 18th Century brickwork and making for a stunning setting. Plus, all money raised from venue hire is put back into the church, so not only are you booking a great event space but you’re also helping the maintenance of London’s most famous church. Conferences with a conscience, genius! 

For more information on St Martin-in-the-Fields, click here.

The Innovation Space, Whitehall           

Found in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in the heart of Whitehall, The Innovation Space is a workspace unlike most others. With the aim of helping companies think outside of the box and harness creativity, The Innovation Space is an adaptable and flexible working environment. Comprising three break-out spaces, networking space, a theatre, a workshop and a think tank, the venue can be hired as a whole or as individual spaces. With the use of whiteboards, writeable glass, smart-boards, video conferencing facilities and a fully functioning cinema, along with the guidance of trained facilitators, companies are ensured to get the most out of their time in The Innovation Space. For optimum usage, the entire venue can be hired out for about 30 people and with the use of laptops and the latest MeetingSphere software in The Think Tank, groups that don’t already know each other have the basis for starting up effective working relations. Recently used to hold the launch of The Portas Review, the spaces can be used for a range of events and it has excellent transport links at only a twelve-minute walk from Victoria station. The bright colours, abundance of natural light and comfy furniture make The Innovation Space a welcoming and adaptable working environment, plus the friendly staff are always happy to help!

For more information on The Innovation Space, click here. 

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For more information on any of the venues in Hannah’s blog, visit their profiles on Funky Venues.  

Here at Funky HQ we’ve had a busy and exciting start to 2012 with a host of new venues joining the Funky family. Here are just a few of the latest venues to join, it’s safe to say there’s something to cater for every event type!

Kettner’s, Soho

With eight private dining rooms, a brasserie, a cocktail and champagne bar and a dedicated and experienced events team, Kettner’s is perfect for everything from press and product launches to dinners,  from breakfasts to weddings. Not only this, but in its time this gorgeous Georgian town house has hosted an array of well-known names, including Oscar Wilde, Agatha Christie and Edward VII. To take a look at what else Kettner’s has to offer, click here.

ME London, The Strand

Opening its doors in Summer 2012, ME London will bring a totally new experience to London. ME London is much more than a hotel, with meeting facilities, bars and restaurants, plus stunning views of the capital. With 2012 set to be a very exciting year for London, ME by Melia will make for an excellent place to stay in the very heart of London’s theatre-land. For more information, click here.

Livingstone Lodge, Kent

Set in 100 acres of Kentish savannah, Livingstone Lodge brings The African Experience to your doorstep. Its grounds are home to zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and ostriches, not animals you tend to see every day in Kent! Livingstone Lodge is available for stays of one night, giving you an authentic safari experience. For more information, click here.

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For more venue ideas visit Funky Venues.

Come back later this month for the next installment of Hannah’s Funky Blog. 

It’s a little known fact that some of London’s most iconic landmarks are available for private hire. My aim this week: to find some of London’s most recognisable buildings which double up as amazing venues, here’s how I got on… 

Paramount, New Oxford Street

At 385 feet above street level and boasting panoramic views of all of London, Paramount is not only set in a London landmark but is perfect for some landmark spotting! Located across the top three floors of the iconic Centre Point building, one of London’s first skyscrapers, Paramount is slap-bang in the centre of the city, meaning no matter which direction you face you can spot some of London’s sights. With the top floor as a Viewing Gallery, anybody visiting Paramount for dinner or drinks has access to the stunning views, being able to see out as far as the Olympic stadiums and beyond! The first floor, with a bar in the middle and seating around the outside allows guests to admire the sights whilst indulging in a sumptuous meal, a delicious cocktail or merely whilst having a well earned cup of tea. The events space on Level 31 is dedicated to private functions and is perfect for all occasions; the 10ft bar is the only fixed piece in this room, meaning the space can be dressed as desired, with the only constant being the backdrop of the London skyline. Paramount not only provides awesome views of the capital but is an experience in itself, it’s not everyday you enjoy a cocktail at 385 feet!

For more information on Paramount, click here. 

Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank

Sandwiched between Battersea Arts Centre and the Tate Modern on London’s South Bank, Oxo Tower Wharf is a venue that knows no constraints. Its prime South Bank location and versatility make this venue perfect for any event. Comprised of gallery@oxo, the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Walkway and an observation platform all of which are available for private hire, this venue has something for every event type. The blank canvas style of the Bargehouse means through the use of lighting and dressing the venue can be transformed to suit the host’s vision. The gallery@oxo is perfect for exhibitions and is a wonderful space for networking events and boasts a spectacular view of the river. With the Thames set to play a big  part in the Queen’s Jubilee, Oxo Tower Wharf is in a great location to watch the spectacle unfold and its two jetties are ideal for anyone looking to hire a Thames-side event space. All in all, Oxo Tower Wharf is a versatile venue with event spaces to suit every occasion and a wonderful riverside location.

For more information on Oxo Tower Wharf, click here.  

Searcy’s, The Gherkin, St Mary Axe

Standing tall (591 ft tall to be precise) in the heart of London’s financial district and offering breath-taking views over London, The Gherkin is one of the most recognisable buildings in the London skyline. On the top three floors of this London landmark you will find Searcy’s, The Gherkin, a private members’ club with a fine-dining restaurant, champagne bar and cocktail bar, as well as private function rooms and a viewing gallery. However, it’s not just private members who can take advantage of what Searcy’s has to offer, with all spaces available for private hire at weekends and from 18.30 Monday - Thursday! The top two floors are hired in conjunction meaning that guests are free to admire the view at leisure over the 39^th and 40^th floors. As if that’s not enough, there are also two private dining rooms, available for hire for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday - Friday. With London as the backdrop, this venue is extremely versatile and fit for any event type, from business meetings to weddings. Searcy’s, The Gherkin is a truly unforgettable venue!

For more information on Searcy’s, The Gherkin, click here. 

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