Venue
Spotlight By Conference Care
This Month's Feature
Hottest Venue
Social Space
Accommodation
The Roundup
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REBECCA HOLLIS FEATURED VENUE
Becki explores the historic and versatile venue Arding & Hobbs, including the Arding Room, the latest offering from workspace provider X & Why.
See a beautiful rooftop garden, a stunning skylit event space, and tonnes of versatile workspace all in one centrally-located, repurposed retailer.
In this issue, we’re offering up a sweet selection of exciting venues, from rooftop spaces and long-awaited openings to immersive towns and outdoor venues for a summer or Christmas party you’ll never forget.
Meanwhile other members of our team travel around the country, checking out some truly stunning venues for you to sink your teeth into.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a location and get started...
SALLY MCNAMARA ACCOMMODATION
Sally takes us to a serene, green accommodation solution in London, offering an oasis of calm and tranquillity amongst the hustle and bustle of the city.
JOANNE COE HOTTEST VENUE
Jo takes a look at the Hoxton Edinburgh following on from her hard hat tour to see how the final product stacks up in the long-awaited hotel offering!
LEWIS HALL SOCIAL SPACE
Lewis visits Phantom Peak in London, an immersive experience like no other, and a venue built to feel like you ’ ve stepped into a video game!
Arding & Hobbs
X + Why offer a variety of workspaces across the country, and you couldn’t ask for better working environments Their designs are visually pleasing - open, bright, and unique - enough to keep your attention but not divert it
One of their latest offerings is Arding & Hobbs, a repurposed department store Built into the historic space in Clapham Junction, the venue combines beautiful period architecture with all the amenities of a modern workplace However, it’s not just a workspace With 90,000 sq ft of space, including a rooftop pavilion and terrace, there is so much event potential. Everything, from the smallest team meeting or conference to rooftop cocktails or an awards dinner, would work in a space like this How? Partly because of the venue’s flexibility, partly because of its location
Connectivity is a key selling point for Arding & Hobbs It’s positioned opposite one of London’s most active stations, making it a hub for those across the city, as well as outside of it For those looking for a green option, there is a bicycle entrance with 156 spaces, as well as electric bike and scooter charging points
VENUE TYPE: Workspace
LOCATION: 10 St John's Rd, London, SW11 1PN
EVENT CAPACITY
300+ delegates
The first part of this fantastic new venue we want to shine a light on is the Rooftop Terrace. This space has sweeping views over South London - perfect for cocktail receptions or evening entertainment It’s surrounded by lush planted areas, greenery, and cosy corners for mingling The terrace can comfortably host up to 100 standing guests and is equally impactful during the day and the night. It’s the standout gem of Arding & Hobbs, and we’d highly recommend utilising the space if you get the chance
There are several flexible event spaces located across several floors These can be used as workspaces, as is X + Why’s speciality Otherwise, each floor can accommodate up to 150-180 guests with seating for dinners, or theatre setups, boardroom style and social layouts
There are also meeting & conference rooms, supporting 4-52 people, equipped with AV kit, breakout spaces, and optional catering Everything you need for a professional meeting environment.
The next section is The Arding Rooms, an incredible event space with historical charm Set out in theatre style, it can host 150 seats, but can be arranged in a variety of setups The standout feature of the room is its original stained-glass domed atrium, which casts a beautiful filtered light on the space. It’s a perfect spot for private dining, and the on-site catering has a huge selection of delicious, seasonally inspired small plates, mains, and brunch to keep you satisfied.
REBECCA HOLLIS, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on rebeccah@conferencecare com or call 02476 369 720
The building is also home to the Botanica Hall Cafe, Third Space gym, and a selection of shops Your attendees can have access to all the amenities they need without leaving Arding & Hobbs
This space is just one of many under the X & Why umbrella. They also have other venues across the country, including the Foundry in Birmingham, 100 Embankment in Manchester, Unity Place in Milton Keynes, and Bridgewater Place in Leeds Each of these venues has its own unique, distinct style, from sleek and modern to historical and retro Wherever you choose, however, you can be guaranteed of the quality of an X & Why venue, which is of the highest standard.
Book Arding & Hobbs
If you’d like to learn more about X + Why venues, or book your next event at Arding & Hobbs, contact our venue-finding team today to access the best rates on 02476 369 720, email enquiries@conferencecare.com or enquire via our website
VENUE TYPE:
Hotel
LOCATION:
5-21 Grosvenor Street,
Edinburgh
EH12 5EF
Scotland
EVENT CAPACITY
400 delegates
It’s been a long time coming, but the Hoxton Edinburgh is finally here, and it is well worth the wait
11 gorgeous Georgian townhouses, a few minutes from Haymarket station, make this hotel a perfect option for accommodation within the city Plus, its flexible and unique combination of spaces will give your event a warm and inviting feel all year round.
THE APARTMENT
There are two standout event spaces worth shouting about: The Apartment and The Get Together.
The Apartment is ideal for intimate gatherings and small-scale events It’s made up of four individually styled rooms that can be hired separately or as a whole, depending on the size and style of your occasion Each space is beautifully decorated - modern, yet warm and inviting. Even the most corporate event feels relaxed and informal here. The open-plan Pantry kitchen adds a stylish touch for low-key catering, making it feel like you’re welcoming guests into your own luxurious home, complete with champagne and nibbles
The Get Together is designed for conferences and larger events It consists of two adjoining rooms The Get Up and The Get Down which can be hired individually or combined. Together, they can accommodate up to 250 guests and include a private bar and stage The standout feature? A striking skylight that floods the centre of The Get Up with natural light, creating a bright and uplifting atmosphere from the moment you walk in We’re very excited to see an event take place in this space
SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE
26% of VFGs are Carbon Neutral of are Neutral
21% of VFGs are B-Corps VFGs are
GIVING BACK GIVING BACK
61% of VFGs distribute excess VFGs distribute excess food to the local community food to the local
INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE
13% of VFGs are Disability VFGs are Confident Employers Confident Employers
16% of VFGs are owned by a of are a woman/women
£ REWARDS FOR EVERY BOOKING
£
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SOCIAL SOCIAL SPACE SPACE
VENUE TYPE: Entertainment
LOCATION:
Canada Street
Surrey Quays Road,
London SE16 7PJ
EVENT CAPACITY
Variable
Tucked away in the heart of London, Phantom Peak is an immersive, open-world adventure experiencepart live-action game, part theatrical performance, and part theme park. It invites visitors to explore a fully built steampunk-style frontier town, complete with saloons, quirky shops, hidden trails, and a cast of live actors bringing the story to life
From the moment you arrive, you’re transported into another world. Visitors gather in the centre of the “Old Town” to hear the mayor’s welcome before being set loose to explore the town’s mysteries, complete challenges, and interact with its eccentric residents Whether you’re cracking codes, solving crimes, or helping a puppet find their purpose, each encounter feels unique and unscripted.
Every 3-4 months, there is a new ‘season’ of Phantom Peak This means new trails, new events, new mysteries, and new storylines. We visited during the “Burning Blimp” festival season, so the day was filled with carnival games and the whole town joining in an elaborate opening and closing festival ceremony
I won’t go into detail about what to expect from the trails, as that would spoil the fun of these hour-long quests. However, of the two that we completed, we experienced close encounters with several puppets, an exasperated lawyer, and an evil doctor who was far too keen to use a squirty water bottle on tourists
ACCOMMODATION
TEMPLETON GARDEN
It can be hard to escape the hustle and bustle in London Whether you’re attending an event, temporarily relocating, or just enjoying a short city break, it's hard tofind a peaceful refuge
Luckily, Templeton Garden provides one such space right in the heart ofthe city Located just outside of Kensington, a 5-minute walk awayfrom Earl’s Court station, this hotel offers156 beautiful roomsfilled with English charm and spectacular views
For a natural experience, there are a few Garden Suites available These spacious rooms come with either a private garden or direct access to the main garden itself. Plus, you can enjoy a king-sizefourposter bed after relaxing in your freestanding bath.
There are over ten junior suites, which are sophisticated, elegant, and spacious.
Either one ofthese rooms makesfor an incredibly luxurious stay, and would even serve well as an incentive packagefor your team.
There are over100 Classic, Double, and Single rooms These work great for business travellers and event delegates, as all rooms have a luxuriousfeel and contain a work desk & wonderful views.
20 twin rooms with a balcony option are available, as are an extra 20 Deluxe rooms boasting better views ofthe garden and premium décor.
Book rooms at Templeton Gardens today by calling 02476 379720 or email enquiries@conferencecarecom
THE GARDEN
THE JUNIOR SUITE
BALCONY VIEW OF THE GARDEN
TheGarden
Of course, the biggest selling point ofTempleton Garden is in the name - The Garden
This is a beautifully landscaped private courtyard sitting at the heart ofthe hotel. It isframed by period facades & lush greenery, inspired by Victorian Orangeries
There arefour stylish but understated patios that are the perfect backdropfor your morning cup of coffee or a great place to wind down for the evening
The most impressive achievement ofthis garden, however, is the quiet You are hard-pressed to hear traffic, and the space rarelyfeels crowded, even during prime usage
Dining
Book Templeton Gardens by calling 02476 369 720, email enquiries@conferencecare.com or via our website here
There are plenty of places to eat in the local area, but the food and drinks offerings at Templeton Gardens are delicious enough to stop you wandering too far There are three places to eat here - Pippins, Sprout, and Pip’s.
Pippins is the hotel's main restaurant It uses herbs grown in the garden where you have your morning coffee to season some truly spectacular dishes Depending on when you visit, you’ll be treated to a variety of special dishes and seasonal menus, including special Summer BBQ setups The restaurant faces the garden, with plenty of al fresco terrace seating shaded beneath the trees to make the most of the outdoor area
Sprout is an intimate cocktail bar, just off the lobby. Here, you can enjoy a variety of natureinspired cocktails (think the Botanist and you won’t go far wrong) Food is limited to small plates and bar snacks, including delicious spiced shrimp toast, crispy chicken wings with caviar, and so on This space is warm, welcoming, and earthy
Pip’s is a vintage-style cafe, dubbed as “Pippin’s laid back sister” Open from breakfast through to the afternoon, this is the best place to enjoy a coffee and a cake with a relaxed atmosphere
Templeton Garden has a local neighbourhood feel - Earl’s Court is walkable, afe, and close to shops, pharmacies, cycling stations and transport hubs It’s so close to Olympia London, the Royal Albert Hall and Imperial College ondon In other words, they have options to suit every traveller's preference, om short stay to long stay ” Want more recommendations from me? ontact me on sallym@conferencecare.com or
THE ROUNDUP
Liverpool & Stratford
Our venue-finding team know venue maps like the back of their hand. To ensure their knowledge is second to none, they get out there and experience these spaces firsthand. In our recent travels, we’ve had our fair share of site visits, and we’d like to share some of our standouts...
Liverpool & Stratford
Liverpool
See a venue you like? Book it for your next event here:
BOOKAVENUE
Georgie Foxall ventured out to Liverpool to explore some exciting venues. Here’s what she found...
Let’s start with something a bit different - Duke Street Food & Drink Market. Think London Borough Market, but on a smaller scale The venue has six independent kitchens under one roof, and the mezzanine is available for private hire. Great for foodies or anyone looking for something without a corporate feel. The venue is just around the corner from M&S Bank Arena, so it would work great in tandem with a larger event. Moorfields, Liverpool Central, and Liverpool Lime Street are all a 1015 minute walk away
Next up is our favourite venue from the visit - The Halyard. Located in the Ropewalks area, this lifestyle venue is a great space to meet, eat, and relax It’s a few minutes walk from Albert Dock, meaning it’s surrounded by bars, restaurants, and all sorts of attractions The venue itself is one of a kind - it’s part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, the only one currently based in the UK. While it wouldn’t be able to host a big conference, it’s perfect for smaller events, including breakfast meetings and small board meetings
The biggest surprise from the visit was Hope Street Hotel Walking into this venue is like walking into a modern art gallery with some incredible city views. It has 10 unique event spaces, with a capacity of 500+ combined, making it an extremely versatile venue Excellent for dinners, awards, or anything that needs a bit of a “ wow ” factor, but works equally well for small events and private meetings. This venue is also a 1015 minute walk away from Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street
Stratford-upon-Avon
Meanwhile, Emily Food was touring Stratford-upon-Avon, visiting some special venues Here’s what she found
Let’s start with the White Swan - a fantastic venue in a central location with plenty of warmth and character. It’s a great space for social gatherings, with a cosy pub feel. Its only real limitation is its size. With 40 bedrooms, this venue is well-suited to host smaller meetings and gatherings Its rooms, like its event spaces, have all of the charm of old England with all the modern amenities you’d expect. Delicious food, exceptional service, it’s all here in one warm package.
Next up is Cox’s Yard. This is a fantastic social space, complete with a variety of group activities, including interactive darts and shuffleboard The main private hire area (The Loft) can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it a great location for team-building and parties. Adjacent to Cox’s Yard, sharing the same riverside terrace atmosphere, is the Embankment, with a capacity of 500. Combining the two venues provides a great combo space for a large-scale event. Stratford-upon-Avon station is a 5-minute walk away with direct trains from Birmingham and London
Okay, it’s technically not in Stratford-upon-Avon, but we visited Coombe Abbey while we were in the area and had to give it a shout out. If you ’ re not already familiar with this venue, all it takes is one look for it to leave a lasting impression.
The marquee and main rooms throughout the hotel are big, bright, and impressive. Surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful countryside, there is so much event potential - you could host any type of event here and it would look spectacular
Around t
Meanwhile, the rest of our team has been out and about across the country, and wanted to highlight some standout venues
First, there is the Hotel Indigo Leeds. This is a brand-new opening and a super-stylish space that is well worth checking out. The venue includes 3 versatile meeting spaces, with a combined capacity of 115 guests The rooms are sleek, modern, and great for corporate meetings and small conferences Leeds railway station is a 6-minute walk away, and it is located just around the corner from the city’s Grand Arcade, with plenty of shops and attractions.
We also took a stop at our favourite Holiday Inn: Bristol-Filton.
Why is it our favourite? Its event space is fantastic, with a variety of high-tech meeting spaces for up to 250 guests Great for conferences and social events alike. The location is beautiful, especially with its newly refurbished spaces, and the team are incredibly helpful, providing next-level service If you ’ re looking for a location you can rely on, you can’t do much better than this.
Finally, we have to shine a light on Crossbasket Castle A 20-minute train ride or a 25-minute drive from Glasgow city centre. It's a hidden gem offering easy access and a peaceful retreat from the city.
Crossbasket Castle itself has a rich history and has been thoughtfully and beautifully restored with meticulous attention to detail One of the most surprising elements is the scale of the event spaces, something not immediately apparent from the castle's historic exterior
The recently opened hotel building complements the original castle with a 1920s-inspired design with a modern flair. A standout feature is Trocadero’s, a stunning venue-within-a-venue, aptly described by its strapline: “ pure escapism ”
PUT A PIN IN IT...
Which venues have got us excited?
Stay put for these exciting new openings and refurbs!
The Tower Suite, Tower Hotel 2026
The Tower Hotel’s largest event space will be reopening in 2026 after an £8.5m refurbishment It’s available for bookings now, and is one we ’ re keeping our eyes on. It’s a big open space with a lot of flexibility and in a prime spot in London, perfect for conferences or corporate parties, with stunning views for a cocktail reception or dinner
Clays, Soho Autumn 2025
We’re super excited to hear there’s going to be another Clays on the scene. If you ’ re familiar with Clays, either from Canary Wharf or Birmingham, you’ll know that this virtual shooting range is a venue that hits the mark every time. Great for team building or social gatherings, we’ll be checking this one out very soon!
The Medlock Late 2026
A brand new four-star hotel connected to the Etihad Stadium will be opening in Manchester next year. The venue will be part of the Radisson Hotel Group and will provide extra options for events held at the stadium, including extra accommodation and breakout spaces. We’re super excited to see this new edition.
