When is the best time to start planning your next big event? The answer is NOW! Story Events have pulled together our top five venue recommendations for your next show stopping gala dinner. There are some exciting updates coming to these wonderful venues in 2023 so keep reading to find out more!
Natural History Museum
Maximum Capacity for a seated dinner:
650 for dinner or 450 for a dinner and dance.
Is there any in-house production for staging?
The Natural History Museum is a dry hire venue and is open to the public during the day. Therefore all production would need to be brought in via the venues trusted approved production suppliers.
Exciting updates for 2023!
Work has begun on the redevelopment of the Natural History Museum’s gardens as part of its Urban Nature Project. This is the first step in transforming the five-acre site into a free-to-visit green space in the heart of London. The designs include a new permanent structure in the east garden, the Garden Building. The proposal is for the Garden Building to have a dual function: as a cafe and as an evening function space. The Garden Building has been carefully designed to work sympathetically with the Grade I listed Waterhouse building and the more modern architectural style of the Palaeontology Building. Sustainability underpins the design, which incorporates rainwater capture, ground source heat pumps and more to minimise the carbon footprint throughout the lifetime of the building. The gardens plan are due for completion in early 2024.
Tower of London
Maximum Capacity for a seated dinner:
240 on round tables in the New Armouries.
Is there any in-house production for staging?
The Tower of London has a dedicated approved suppliers list meaning they can suit different size groups, styles and budgets.
Exciting updates for 2023!
With the Tower of London being almost 1000 years old dancing has not always been possible. However, the venues newest space, The Reveller, has changed that. The Reveller, located on the Wharf of the Tower of London, combines the old with the new with incredible surroundings such as Tower Bridge. For events in 2023 guests can enjoy a beautiful dinner within the walls of the New Armouries followed by after dinner entertainment in the Reveller.
The Roundhouse
Maximum Capacity for a seated dinner:
850 – consisting of round tables of 10-12 guests. For a seated dinner clients have the option to split the main space to accommodate both a drinks reception on the balcony and then a dinner in the main area.
Is there any in-house production for staging?
An impressive 20ft x 40ft stage is included with the venue and can be shaped to your event requirements. In addition to the stage, The Roundhouse also has a large sound and lighting package to offer which includes 3 experienced technicians to help with tech support on the day of the event.
Exciting updates for 2023!
In September 2022 the Roundhouse launched their new brand designed by Studio Moross. The Roundhouse has created a lively, energetic, and modern new brand with a nod to the past that looks to the future, fitting for a youth-powered venue. Work on this new look visual identity was completed in preparation for a big year as the venue prepares for the opening of their new state-of-the-art creative centre! The new building will be called Roundhouse Works and is opening in early 2023. The creative centre will be a base for young people to explore their creative interests, meet new people, and collaborate. The building has a focus on developing leadership skills and supporting young people with their early careers or their creative businesses facilitated by the Roundhouse.
Within the new building of Roundhouse Works there will be additional spaces for events such as green rooms, production spaces and dressing rooms. There will also be a bar which faces the Roundhouse marquee and can be used for summer parties using that area as an outdoor space!
Royal Horticultural Halls
Maximum Capacity for a seated dinner:
The Royal Horticultural Halls has two spaces that work well for gala dinners.
Lindley Hall
Dinner with Reception (450), Dinner Dance with Reception (350) or Dinner Dance only (480).
Lawrence Hall
Dinner (900) or Dinner Dance (750).
Dates available to hire the Lawrence Hall are limited to school holidays only.
Is there any in-house production for staging?
Lindley Hall does not have a stage already built as part of the venue hire package. However the space has a range of in-house AV that clients can use at an additional fee. These AV elements include a plug in PA system, into Intelligent lights, table pin spots, 18 wireless uplighters and a projector screen located in the North Annexe.
The venues approved production suppliers are able to build a stage in the space to meet clients production needs.
Exciting updates for 2023!
In 2023 The Royal Horticultural Halls will be working hard to update some of the lighting within Lindley Hall. On top of this the venue will be undergoing a small refurb which will include refreshing the floor and repainting the space.
The Garden Museum
Maximum Capacity for a seated dinner:
120 on round tables with a stage or 140 with no stage.
Is there any in-house production for staging?
The Garden Museum has a natural elevated stage in the room, so it is not essential to build a stage. If an event does require a purpose built stage, then the venues approved production suppliers can do this.
Exciting updates for 2023!
The Garden Museum is a green oasis in the centre of a vibrant modern city. The venue acknowledges the impacts of the events industry on the environment. Accordingly, they do not allow the use of oasis blocks in floral displays or centrepieces within the venue. Their approved florists work hard to create beautiful displays whilst respecting the sustainable ethos of the Garden Museum.
Top Tip
Such prestigious venues get booked up far in advance, so it is worth exploring what is out there and starting to hold dates. To find out how Story Events can help you plan your next event at amazing venues like the ones detailed above, do not hesitate to get in touch with the team here.
