June and July have been months of discovery. Between venue site visits, industry FAM trips and a busy stream of enquiries, we have spent plenty of time exploring new spaces, reconnecting with familiar favourites and keeping a close eye on what is shaping the corporate events market this summer.
Here is what stood out.
One of the highlights of last month was visiting Olympia, where the transformation of the wider development continues to gather pace. Once known primarily as an exhibition destination, Olympia is quickly becoming a destination in its own right, with a collection of restaurants, bars and event spaces that make it genuinely compelling for corporate entertaining and private hire.
The most anticipated opening is Pillar Hall, a Grade II listed space with a double-height interior and a striking mezzanine level. Live music on Friday evenings and weekends adds an atmosphere that most event venues simply cannot replicate, making it an interesting option for client dinners, private celebrations and corporate hospitality.
The development is already home to several strong options for private dining and events: Idalia for modern British cuisine, Pepperbird for a jazz and rock-inspired speakeasy setting, and Upstairs at Pillar Hall for more intimate gatherings and live performances. Wolves of Tokyo, Lillie’s Wine Bar and Restaurant, and Bar Arriba round out a neighbourhood that is increasingly worth including on any London venue shortlist.
If there is one clear trend this month, it is the continued demand for rooftop venues and team socials. June and July are consistently the busiest months for outdoor corporate events and this year has been no exception. Rooftop drinks receptions, informal networking events and team celebrations with longer summer evenings as a backdrop have dominated our enquiry list.
We have also seen a noticeable increase in last-minute requests. Companies organising team socials with only a few weeks’ notice, bar takeovers and spontaneous celebration events. Flexibility from both clients and venues has become increasingly important, and the best London venues are adapting to accommodate it.
This month’s FAM trip took us to The Lensbury Hotel, set on the banks of the River Thames in South West London. Originally established in 1920 as a sports and social club, The Lensbury has evolved into one of the UK’s leading destinations for corporate retreats, residential conferences and team-building events.
The sporting heritage is central to what makes it distinctive. The All Blacks, Springboks, England, France and numerous other international rugby teams have trained and stayed here over the years. For organisations looking to combine high-quality conference facilities with exceptional outdoor space and a genuine sense of place, The Lensbury offers something that a city-centre hotel cannot.
If wellbeing and outdoor activity are part of the brief, it belongs on the shortlist.
We also headed north for the Atomicon Conference in Newcastle, which was a great opportunity to hear from industry experts, meet other business owners and explore a city with a stronger events offer than it is often given credit for.
We stayed at Matfen Hall, a 19th century country estate set in the heart of the Northumberland countryside. The hall has been beautifully restored to combine its original character with contemporary comfort, and the grounds, golf course and outdoor space make it a strong candidate for corporate retreats looking to get out of London entirely.
The venue that left the strongest impression was The Biscuit Factory. Best known as the UK’s largest independent commercial art gallery, it has built a serious reputation as an event venue in its own right. The building’s character creates a backdrop that a hotel conference room simply cannot compete with. The space accommodates everything from private dining and artist-led workshops to book launches, corporate events and weddings. It is exactly the kind of venue that guests remember long after the event itself.
This summer has reinforced what we see every year: the best venues evolve, and the appetite for memorable experiences continues to grow.
Christmas enquiries are already coming in alongside the final wave of summer events. If you are planning a corporate event and want the right venue found without spending hours researching, get in touch. We will come back to you with a tailored shortlist, availability checked and ready to go.
