Private Venue, Arts Charity, Cinema, Gallery Space…Rich Mix, located in the heart of Shoreditch, truly is a jack-of-all-trades. This versatile space, housed in a refurbished garment factory, is a quirky blank canvas for your next event, whatever it may be. Given their close location to the City, Rich Mix is ideal for a corporate meeting or presentation. Tiered seating, large screens and state of the art technology all on offer to make your business run smoothly, then why not unwind with a drink in their Mezzanine Gallery, an airy balcony space.

Rich Mix provides a way array of different rooms to fit your needs and the events team is happy to set you up with in-house bar staff and recommend one of their trusted caterers making it one stop shopping! One of their three uniquely decorated screens can be the site of your own private film screening – why not throw on your tux or favorite flapper attire and host a roaring 20’s themed night with a view of the upcoming Great Gatsby film!

Not only is Rich Mix a first class venue but also an arts charity. All profits go towards supporting education and community outreach to help foster budding local talent. A venue with values – what more could you ask for? Check out their Funky Profile here…(http://thisisfunky.com/funky-venues/listing/1636/rich-mix/)

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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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.