Given the recent subzero temperatures we’ve been living with here in London, we thought we’d do a winter themed blog entry. Two super cool Funky venues not to miss are Icetank Studios and ICEBAR…

ICEBAR

We had a chance to visit ICEBAR last week and it is certainly not one to miss. The main bar is very chic, perfect for a night out or an after work drink. ICEBAR is very versatile – The Moose Dining Room, Wolf Bar, and Reindeer Lounge are available for anything from meetings to receptions to product launches to private events. Any of these rooms would be great for a new take on the corporate event space – and you receive a ticket to the ICEBAR with your booking!

The venue’s namesake is certainly nothing to miss – kept at minus 5 degrees all year round and made of ice flown all the way in from Sweden and reconstructed annually – ICEBAR is, simply put, really cool! Tasty cocktails are served in your very own ice glass and can be enjoyed as you lounge in your toasty parka. The theme of this year’s ICEBAR is Galactic Frontiers and the launch event was out of this world - featuring pearlescent tequila jelly shots, dry ice frozen margaritas, intergalactic DJs, and outer spaced canapés! This is great snapshot of what ICEBAR can do and the friendly team there would love to make your event their next smashing success! For more information, check out their Funky Profile here…

Icetank

Our next venue is a refreshing, truly blank canvas space – clean, white, and bright. Icetank prides itself on its flexibility and diversity. Playing host to large-scale press events as well as intimate private dining experiences, even corporate away days, Icetank is able to shape itself into whatever is needed for your event.

From a tree lined dining room to a ceiling adorned with dangling shoes, Icetank is ready to help you turn their space into whatever you fancy – sky’s the limit! Recent favourite events include an intimate wedding reception with mood lighting and a photomontage of the happy couple displayed on plasma screens. Icetank is a new venue and would love to show you what they’re all about so drop Amelia or Jo a line if you want to check it out firsthand – studio@icetank.com. Also don’t forget to take a look at their Funky profile here…

We had a quick chat with one of our fantastic riverside venues, The Electric Barge to give you the scoop on the best river routes and their charity scheme that means you’ll not only be giving your guests a fantastic event but to a good cause as well…

What events is the Electric Barge perfect for?

Any type of event really! The boat is a flexible space to hold parties, meetings and receptions. There is a fully stocked bar on-board and two large decks to appreciate the moving scenery. The boat cruises through a largely unknown part of London to reveal all of its hidden treasures!

You run a charity scheme, can you tell us more about that?

We run the boat as a Floating Classroom which provides Science, History and Nature classes for school children. Our educational programmes are focused around the canal and are designed to be interactive and fun. This year, we were ‘highly commended’ by the Charity Awards and are nominated for the Third Sector Excellence Awards for our film-making workshops.

We privately hire the boat to subsidise our charity so all of the money we generate is going to a good cause. Every year, we welcome on-board 3,000 children and hope to continue to bring on more!

You offer a variety of catering options, if a menu could sum up The Electric Barge what would it be?

I think the best menu that sums us up is from our diverse buffet menu consisting of classics (Italian) to the more unusual (Peruvian). Like our buffets, we are flexible, unique and tailored to the individual as well as providing an unforgettable experience.

What are best routes and views for Funky Users to choose from on the Electric Barge?

The best and most popular route for parties is going east along the Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock. This route cuts through Regent’s Park and London Zoo, so you may encounter a strange animal or two along the way. You will get to see the back gardens of expensive mansions that you would not otherwise see.

For more information on The Electric Barge take a look at their Funky Profile here…

The past month or so have seen us give a big Funky welcome to some of London’s finest Cultural venues, make sure you check them out!

The Barbican

One of the city’s most exciting cultural hotspots The Barbican’s exhibition programme and theatre productions are a highlight in any savvy art follower’s calendar, but it could also be the ideal space for your event. From corporate hospitality to an awards ceremony The Barbican has a wealth of spaces and the expertise to make your event perfect.

Museum of London Docklands

A stone’s throw away from the Olympic Park and filled to the brim with objects documenting the capital’s history, you can hold a truly unique event that could include object handling, complimentary talks and even a guided tour. All this and catering by Ampersand will have you feeling spoilt by the museum’s event team.

Sadler’s Wells

We also caught up with newbie Sadler’s Wells to discuss high standards, canapes and, although it’s technically still summer, Christmas…

What’s the most exciting event you’ve held at the Sadler’s Wells in the past 12 months?

There are so many to choose from! We have been thrilled to host a huge range of awards ceremonies, dinners, parties and international conferences throughout our event spaces. But if we had to choose, there is always something special about events in the 1500 seat main auditorium, and TEDxObserver filled it to the brim. Inspirational speakers from all over the world, great music (Lianne La Havas was incredible!), yummy food – an amazing day. You can check out Plan B’s talk here along with all the others.

What can Funky users expect from Sadler’s Wells’ event service?

You can expect to be left feeling totally assured that we will ensure the smooth and calm running of your event. Our service is tailored to you and we strive to deliver events that will exceed your expectations. This means delivering what we promise to a high standard, as well as making sure all the last little details are spot-on.

Sadler’s Wells is iconic for it’s dance productions, are there any highlights coming up you would like to tell Funky users about?

It might seem like it’s a way off yet, but we are already taking bookings for our Christmas show. We are so excited to be hosting the premiere of the brand new Matthew Bourne production of Sleeping Beauty. Expect a gothic twist on a classic tale told with Bourne’s trademark decadence and wit. We are offering exclusive show packages that include VIP tickets for the show, champagne on arrival, a private reception room and luxury canapés as well as a complimentary programme.

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

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. 

If you think history is just for classrooms and museums then you’re mistaken! London’s a city steeped in history and some of these historical landmarks are available for private hire. This week, I went to take a look at some of them… 

Sir John Soane’s Museum, Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Once the house of architect Sir John Soane, the door to number 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields is like a portal to another world and on crossing the threshold what lies before you is a breathtaking collection of one man’s life’s work. The Library-Dining Room is a marvellous assortment of paintings, bookcases (all in all there are almost 7000 books within the museum), vases and mirrors, set against crimson walls. The candlelight by which events take place in this room adds to its splendour and transports guests straight back to the 1800s. However, this room is just the beginning, and waiting at the back of the house, like a treasure chest of Egyptian, Roman and Greek antiquities, is the Dome, set above the sarcophagus of Seti I in the crypt below. In the Picture Room, paintings by the likes of Hogarth and Canaletto hang alongside sketches by Piranesi, and as if that’s not enough, there is then the surprising revelation of Soane’s model of the Bank of England and a view of the rooms of ‘Padre Giovanni’. With so much to see and the feeling that you are being transported to another time, Sir John Soane’s Museum is a venue that is full of surprises and it’s no wonder that it’s known as having London’s ‘most unexpected interior’. 

For more information on Sir John Soane’s Museum, click here. 

The Foundling Museum, Brunswick Square

Tucked away in leafy Brunswick Square,  The Foundling Museum is set over three floors and boasts an array of wonderful artwork, as well as a fascinating history. Originally a home for London’s abandoned children, The Foundling Hospital was established by Royal Charter in 1739 and was the project of Thomas Coram. Along with Coram, Handel and Hogarth were both key benefactors and their generous donations are still on show today through Gerald Coke’s collection of Handel memorabilia and various paintings by Hogarth, including a portrait of Coram. Although the original buildings were demolished, this 1930s rebuild retains many of the original 18^th Century features, including the staircase with a banister which no doubt saw many a mischievous child slide down it. Staying true to its history, The Foundling Museum remains a child-friendly venue with play areas and dressing up available. Also, the museum is currently home to a Quentin Blake exhibition, an illustrator synonymous with many a childhood! The rococo design, breathtaking paintings, grand piano and chandeliers of the Court Room create a true regency feel and combined with catering by Zafferano is a wonderful setting for dinners and drinks. Private hire guests are free to wander the museum at leisure and can take time out to escape to the top floor where they’ll find three plush armchairs, each with built-in speakers for guests to lose themselves in Handel’s music. This venue ushers you back to a time gone by and allows the splendour and decadence of the time to come to life. 

For more information on The Foundling Museum, click here.  

Shoreditch Town Hall, Old Street

Built in 1866 and at one time serving as the town hall, this Grade II listed building is now available for private hire and is the epitome of Victorian vision. Designed to be the grandest town hall in London, Shoreditch Town Hall doesn’t disappoint. From the imposing exterior to the Council Chambers with its cove ceiling, stain glass windows and chandeliers, this venue is full of character and has a remarkable history. Climb the stairs to the next floor and you are met by the Assembly Hall, a stereotypical Victorian Music Hall, complete with a stage and gilding of trumpets and violins, making it easy to imagine it packed to the rafters for one of the many boxing matches or concerts that would have taken place. Even more fascinating is that it was also the setting for the inquest into the last Jack the Ripper murder… But more recently, the 90s saw the venue play host to the Whirl-Y-Gig trance gigs, proving this truly is a venue that caters for everyone! Shoreditch Town Hall has shabby chic down to a tee, with a versatility to hold anything from weddings, parties, meetings, music rehearsals and exhibitions in its many event spaces. The dry hire policy means event spaces can be transformed to suit the event but rest assured, the Dickensian grandeur of the building is stunning in itself. 

For more information on Shoreditch Town Hall, click here. 

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Funky Venues web editor Hannah Buckley is on a mission to discover the best venues available for private hire. Each month she sets out to visit and report on three unique venues, around a set theme. Read about her monthly ramblings here… 

Christmas may have come and gone but it seems the winter weather is here to stay… for the time being at least. There’s lots to love about about winter, and with this in mind I set off to find the best wintery venues the Capital has to offer… 

For a unique winter experience… ICEBAR LONDON, Piccadilly

Winter isn’t winter without a bit of snow and ice, so seeing as London has escaped any (as yet) this winter I set out in search of some at one of London’s ‘coolest’ bars. With a constant temperature of -5 ICEBAR LONDON is a truly unique sensory experience and it is clear to see why it’s so popular with tourists as well as Londoners, getting through 4,000 ice glasses each week! Armed with a thermal cape and gloves, which leave you looking somewhat like an Eskimo, guests have 40 minutes within the bar, which, apart from the floor (that could be dangerous), is made entirely from crystal clear Swedish ice. Chart music, colour changing lights and a menu boasting a wide range of delicious cocktails, all served in your very own ice glass, add to the experience. Once your ice experience is over you can warm up in the Wolf Bar, with the lounge style giving the space a relaxed and intimate feel. The ICEBAR LONDON experience is not to be missed and with the design of the bar changing each year, it’s the perfect excuse to make your visit a regular one!

For more information on ICEBAR LONDON, click here.

                             


For cosy fireside catch ups… The Cavendish Arms, Stockwell

Everyone knows that the pub is as much a part of British culture as the Queen, fish and chips and The Beatles, so it’s important to find one that makes venturing out into the cold worthwhile this winter. That’s where The Cavendish Arms comes in handy! Tucked away in Stockwell, this hidden gem boasts an open fire, comfy armchairs and deliciously wintery mulled drinks, making it an ideal place to relax with friends, whether over a quiet drink or to enjoy some of the brilliant entertainment, which includes comedy and acoustic nights. With bunting, framed pictures of the Royals and an eclectic range of ornaments, including gnomes, teacups and umbrellas, this venue screams out tradition, while giving it its own quirky twist. The friendly staff, interesting regulars and resident organist, who plays everything from Lady Gaga to Beyoncé (see below YouTube video), makes The Cavendish Arms a wonderful place to ward off those winter blues. 

For more information on The Cavendish Arms, click here. 
 

For a warm winter welcome… The Union Club, Soho

With a reindeer head and unique portraits adorning the walls, The Union Club feels a world away from its bustling Soho location. The low-level lighting, traditional log fire and eclectic array of ornaments, comfy chairs, and even a piano, give this private members’ club a real old-fashioned English feel. As soon as you step inside this Georgian townhouse you’re transported into what feels more like somebody’s (extremely grand and beautifully decorated) living room, rather than an exclusive London club favoured among celebrities. Here, friends and business associates alike come together in a place that is not only ‘union’ by name but union by nature, with a welcoming, warm and friendly atmosphere. The Union Club makes for the ideal place to escape the winter weather and hustle and bustle of central London. Long regarded as one of London’s best-kept secrets, word is now out and everybody wants to be a member of this prestigious private club. It’s not hard to see why…

For more information on The Union Club, click here.