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.
