Wharf Life's Party Season Supplement, Oct 1-15, 2025
how Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is preparing a season of celebration and song as Christmas draws near
by Jon Massey
Entertainment is what sets Boisdale Of Canary Wharf apart. The bar, restaurant and music venue has a long history of presenting high quality acts on its stages and the Christmas season is no exception.
The 2025 offering sees dates in December packed with Festive Lunch shows from Stephen Triffitt or Frank Cognoscenti singing the songs of Frank Sinatra.
There are also plenty of Festive Dinners where Ol Blue Eyes will be joined by Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr as The Definitive Rat Pack returns to the Wharf for a seasonal blast. For nearly a decade and a half, the venue has been welcoming parties of all sizes for celebratory lunches and dinners as the nights draw in.
what’s on the menu?
The team have been busy in the kitchen creating three set menus for festive dining.
Menu One includes three courses for £64.50 and boasts starters such as Duck Liver And Armagnac Parfait or Cider-Baked Beetroots with Wiltshire Goats Cheese followed by mains of Norfolk Bronze Turkey Wrapped In Parma Ham or Smoked Haddock, Seatrout And Prawn Fishcake. This is topped off with Black Cherry And Amaretto Christmas Pudding or Hazlenut And Praline Baked Cheesecake.
Menu One introduces the likes of steak and venison into the mix for £74.50 per head, while the Christmas Signature Menu costs £110 and includes a Roast Dry Aged Chateaubriand for the table to share.
what’s the capacity?
In addition to welcoming tables of two or more for its shows, Boisdale boasts a wealth of flexible spaces designed to handle private parties of between 12 and 500, depending on need.
The venue has four private dining rooms featuring paintings by Scottish artist Jack Vettriano, images by Paul Gauguin, a tribute to Johnnie Walker Blue Label and rare press photographs from the 1960s and 70s.
Boisdale has long been a specialist in large-scale parties, regularly hosting extensive events across its two floors, terrace and cigar lounge.
The venue is able to offer full event management as well as bespoke live entertainment for up to 250 people seated or 500 standing.
Those seeking more information can send an email to events@ boisdale-cw.co.uk or call 020 7715 5818. Private dining spaces can be booked online.
what else is on?
In addition to the sweet sounds of Sinatra and crew, Boisdale will also be offering less formal celebrations on selected dates at its first floor Hine Bar.
These festive offerings will be provided by venue stalwarts Mi Soul Radio DJs and Saxon Sound System on Friday and Saturday nights in December with entry starting at £10 for early bird bookers.
one very special night Bookings are now also being taken for those seeking to secure a table at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf for NYE With Fil Straughan.
Guests are promised a one-stop destination complete with pre-drinks, world-class food, live music and an after-party that is set to continue well into the early hours. Throughout the night, Mi Soul Radio DJs will keep the crowds entertained.
After midnight strikes, soul singer and former Britain’s Got Talent star Fil will return to the stage for a second set of powerful R’n’B as the world welcomes in 2026 and where better to do it than Boisdale – a cocktail for the senses in every way.
Prices for New Year’s Eve tickets including dinner and the show start at £159 per person.
key details
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is located above Cabot Place with views over Cabot Square from its terrace and upper floor.
The venue is a short walk from all three of Canary Wharf’s stations, connecting it to the wider east London area and beyond. It also benefits from a late licence allowing organisers maximum flexibility.
For more information go to boisdale.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about Boisdale at Christmas
ready to
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf o ers party planners a wide range of spaces to choose from
Price of a three-course festive set menu at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf in Cabot Place
£64.50
Soul singer Fil Straughan will headline the bill for New Year’s Eve
Price for Park Kitchen And Bar’s three-course festive set menu, available from November 10
warm
how Park Kitchen And Bar at
by Jon Massey
Corks will be popping from November at Sadler’s Wells East, with all diners who reserve a table at the venue’s Park Kitchen And Bar in November and December set to be greeted with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
Opened this year as part of Stratford’s vibrant East Bank, the restaurant has just unveiled its three-course festive set menu, available throughout November and December for £35 per person.
what’s cooking?
For starters, diners can choose between Roasted Heritage Beetroots, served with cauli ower purée and maple-roasted walnuts and
Wells East is all ready to welcome festive diners
vegan feta crumble, locally produced Foreman’s Smoked Salmon with herb and lemon mascarpone and a refreshing pickled cucumber or Ham Hock And Leek Terrine with mulled wine gel and soda bread.
Moving on to mains, there are three options for diners. Park’s Roast Norfolk White Turkey comes with all the trimmings, namely goose fat roasted potatoes, Chantenay carrots, sautéed Brussels sprouts, turkey sausage roll, pigs in blankets, port and cranberry compote plus lashings of rich gravy. Also on the menu are Tandoori Cauli ower with mango coconut yoghurt and Hake Kiev with creamed potatoes. For dessert, there’s a rich Chocolate Mousse with mandarin gel and dark chocolate ganache.
easily accessible There’s no minimum number for
reservations at the Park Kitchen And Bar, making it ideal for smaller gatherings of friends, family and colleagues. The venue is within easy walking distance of all of Stratford’s stations including access from Tube, DLR, Elizabeth Line and rail services.
Overlooking the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it is also surrounded by attractions including V&A East and West eld Stratford City. dance there
While Park Kitchen And Bar is a destination in its own right, it would be remiss of us not to mention the forthcoming seasonal show at Sadler’s Wells East.
Running from November 26 to January 4, Ebony Scrooge is a comic, hip hop retelling of Dickens
A Christmas Carol by dance powerhouse ZooNation where a nightmare fashion boss cancels all festive
celebrations in favour of her clothes show. Tickets start at £15 online via sadlerswells.com and performance times vary. A show to perfectly pair with a Christmas dinner at Park Kitchen.
key details
Park Kitchen And Bar is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9.30am to 10pm and from noon to 6pm on Sundays. Reservations can be made online. For all bookings of eight guests or more, please call the team on 020 7863 8147 or email an enquiry to pkb@sadlerswells.com Go to parkkitchenandbarstratford.com
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Sadler’s Wells East
Sadler’s
Park Kitchen And Bar at Sadler’s Wells East is preparing for its rst festive season with menu of seasonal treats
Park will be serving up starters of locally produced Foreman’s Smoked Salmon
Discover the flexibility and value available at The Fox Excel in Royal Docks - Page 22
The venue offers a full bar service including cocktails
Maximum capacity for a seated dinner at The Fox Excel, rising to 800 for standing receptions
The Fox o ers a wide range of spaces and options for event organisers
booking up the
how The Fox Excel is rewarding Christmas party organisers who book in early with an Advent Calendar of festive perks and a wide selection of options to suit groups up to 800
by Jon Massey
Christmas Is Closer Than You Think” is the tagline for The Fox Excel’s 2025 seasonal campaign and with good reason. The message is both a call to action on timing and a reminder of what’s on offer within easy reach of east London businesses at the Royal Docks venue.
The warehouse bar and restaurant is located in an historic building right next to exhibition and conference centre Excel London – benefiting from the same rapid transport connections across the capital.
The Fox is a versatile space that can accommodate up to 800 guests standing or 300 seated in total and also boasts several distinct spaces that can be hired for smaller parties between 20 and 100. There’s even a sizeable terrace where guests can sup mulled wine as the weather gets chillier.
For 2025, its Christmas offering is built around two core menus, both available from November 18 until Christmas Eve.
The Festive Finger Buffet costs £27.95 per person and includes the likes of Mini Turkey And Cranberry Sliders, Pigs In Blankets, Tempura Prawns and Jackfruit Wings.
The Fox’s Christmas Set Menu costs £24.95 for two courses or £29.95 for three and features starters of Smoked Salmon and Roasted Red Pepper And Tomato Soup followed by mains of Roast Turkey, Rump Steak and Butternut Squash and Lentil Wellington. Desserts include Traditional Christmas Pudding and Lemon Cheesecake.
The venue itself, housed in a warehouse building that dates from the 1850s, is versatile and able to accommodate small, medium and large celebrations.
Facilities include the option to have a fully-equipped stage and AV set-up for bigger events plus pop-up bars
>> a little extra
Get a little reward for being ahead of the curve with The Fox’s festive Advent Calendar, now available on the venue’s website with surprise o ers and festive perks up for grabs – think welcome zz and bonus menu upgrades...
and even late-night DJs. With only a little over two months until the start of party season, December dates are already getting booked up – party planners are advised to act sooner rather than later.
Those planning parties can email the team direct via events@foxexcel.co.uk.
key details
The Fox Excel is located in Royal Docks, a few minutes’ walk from Custom House station for DLR and Elizabeth Line services.
The latter places the venue just three minutes from Canary Wharf by public transport and offers rapid connections across London.
Go to foxexcel.co.uk for more details or call 020 7473 2288
Scan this code to nd out more about The Fox Excel’s o erings
Fresh pasta and warming bowls of comfort and joy; Emilia’s Crafted Pasta is the ideal spot to catch up with friends, family and colleagues - Page 37
The venue o ers nger food and set menus for seasonal parties
ROLL UP! ROLL UP!
THIS DECEMBER, EXPERIENCE AN INDOOR FUNFAIR AT MAGAZINE LONDON, JUST 5 MINUTES FROM CANARY WHARF, WHERE VIBRANT CARNIVAL ENERGY MEETS ELEGANT RIVERSIDE DINING. SIP COCKTAILS AT THE THEMED CAROUSEL BAR, REVEL IN CLASSIC FAIRGROUND ATTRACTIONS WITH A MODERN TWIST, AND ENJOY A TWO-COURSE BANQUET WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF THE THAMES AND THE CITY. JOIN US THIS CHRISTMAS FOR A NIGHT OF THRILLS, LAUGHTER, AND EXCITEMENT!
SHARED PARTY DATES: PACKAGES JUST £120 + VAT PER PERSON.
YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
•PANORAMIC THAMES VIEWS
•SPECTACULAR INDOOR FUNFAIR
•SENSATIONAL TWO-COURSE DINNER
•INTERACTIVE DESSERT STATION
•LIGHTSHOW, DANCE FLOOR AND DJ
Capacity of Emilia’s Crafted Pasta in Canary Wharf when hired exclusively for an event
how Emilia’s Crafted Pasta is serving up warm welcomes and bowls of pasta, plus a special o er
by Jon Massey
Italian-style hospitality is on the menu at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta in Wood Wharf this Christmas. The George Street restaurant is an ideal venue for intimate gatherings with family, friends, or colleagues where guests can catch up over a warm bowl of pasta overlooking Harbour Quay Gardens and the waters of West India Docks beyond.
The company’s Canary Wharf branch was the third of its ve locations to open – built on the shoulders of venues in St Katharine Docks and Aldgate – and boasts a cosy, trattoria-style interior with terracotta walls, hand-painted tiles and an open kitchen.
on the menu
Christmas is about sharing and Emilia’s o ers a wide selection of antipasti for the table including the likes of Burrata With Heritage Tomatoes, Cured Meats and Sourdough Bruschetta.
The core of the restaurant’s o ering is its pasta, made fresh on-site every day from natural ingredients. Every sauce at the restaurant is expertly matched with a particular kind of pasta to maximise avour.
Popular dishes include the likes of Tru ed Cacio E Pepe served with Casarecce pasta and made with Pecorino DOP as well as Emilia’s Four-Hour, Slow-Cooked Béchamel Bolognese on thick ribbons of Pappardelle.
There are also vegan and vegetarian options as well as a range of indulgent desserts, with Christmas specials currently in development for this year’s celebrations
something to drink?
The restaurant o ers a range of Italian-certi ed wines as well as cocktails and craft beers (including its own brand IPA). Emilia’s also o ers a bar menu with snacks to accompany its drinks.
serving up joy and
>> a little extra Christmas is a busy time at Emilia’s and early reservations are advised. The restaurant is o ering festive group parties (8+) that book by October 31 a complimentary mini-panettone or pandoro for each guest. O er is vailid on bookings from November 17 to December 24. Use code CHRISTMAS25 in booking notes to claim. Terms apply
booking for groups
Emilia’s can cater for festive celebrations of all sizes – from intimate parties to lively gatherings.
For those planning a larger celebration this year, the Canary Wharf restaurant is also available for group dining or full exclusive hire, with space for up to 70 guests.
Open daily from noon, bookings can be made on the restaurant’s website. Larger groups should contact the venue by email to woodwharf@emiliaspasta.com.
key details
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta is located in George Street in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf. The restaurant can accommodate parties of up to 70 people. For more information go to emiliaspasta.com
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Magazine London’s Urban Funfair is all geared up for shared parties and mass celebration this Christmas - Page 38
The restaurant is located in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf
Emilia’s Crafted Pasta o ers Italian-style hospitality in a cosy, warm trattoria
2,000
how
the Urban Funfair at Magazine London presents a world of games and entertainment for its guests
by Jon Massey
Events venue Magazine London is partnering up with specialist organiser Smart Parties to host the Urban Funfair Christmas Party in December.
Offering both shared experiences on selected dates and exclusive hire, we sat down with Smart’s head of ticketed sales, Lucy Gooby, to find out more:
what makes Magazine London stand out for Christmas parties?
“Magazine London is unlike anywhere else in the city,” said Lucy. “The space is vast, flexible, and contemporary, but what guests always comment on are the views.
“Our dining hall has floor-toceiling windows, so as the sun sets and the London skyline comes alive, it creates a really magical backdrop. It’s something that elevates the whole experience.”
what can guests expect from the Urban Funfair experience?
“This year’s shared parties will begin with a welcome into a carnival world—think carousel bar, dodgems, and vibrant entertainment,” Lucy said.
“Guests then move into the dining area for a festive two-course banquet prepared by our in-house caterers, Moving Venue.
“After dinner, the party continues with a themed dessert and coffee station, plus the chance to dance the night away with our DJ.
“One of our top tips is to let guests graze at the dessert station—it’s a brilliant way to keep the energy flowing back into the funfair.”
what works best for exclusive hire clients?
“We always encourage companies to make it their own,” said Lucy. “Some go big with live performers, branded funfair attractions or entertainment tailored to their theme.
“Others prefer a slick, paredback look with bespoke cocktails and subtle touches.
“Because we have Space One for dining and Space Two for the funfair and dancing, you can easily build an evening that suits your company’s personality.
“With a capacity for up to 2,000,
Urban Funfair at Magazine London isn’t just a Christmas party – it’s an unforgettable experience
Lucy Gooby, Smart Parties
it’s flexible enough to be intimate or on a huge scale.”
what’s new for 2025?
“We’re really excited about pushing the interactive side of the experience further this year,” said Lucy.
“The carousel bar is always a showstopper, but in 2025 we’re introducing refreshed funfair attractions and upgraded lighting design to make the whole journey even more immersive.
“We want every guest to feel they’ve stepped into a playground created just for them.
“Urban Funfair at Magazine London isn’t just a Christmas party – it’s an unforgettable experience”
when should companies book?
“With only two shared party dates – December 6 and 17 – availability is very limited,” Lucy said.
“Exclusive hire is already in high demand, so the earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have to tailor your party.”
Packages start from £120+VAT per person and include a two-course seated banquet and dessert and coffee stations to follow.
key details
Bookings for shared parties and exclusive hire can be made online or by calling the team on 020 7836 1033 for more details
Magazine London is a few minutes’ walk from North Greenwich Tube station on Greenwich Peninsula, placing it one stop from Canary Wharf and about 10 minutes from London Bridge and Stratford. Go to smartparties.co.uk
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a place to
Maximum capacity of Magazine London’s Urban Funfair for a standing reception
The venue boasts views over the Thames to Canary Wharf
Kick back for an intimate team lunch or hire the place for a bigger bash at Feels Like June - Page 40
Left, the Urban Funfair includes dodgems and games for guests to get stuck into
Right, the venue’s carouselthemed bar
12 GEORGE STREET, WOOD WHARF, E14 9QG
Maximum capacity for a standing reception at Feels Like June at Tribe London in Wood
Feels Like June can welcome up to 150 seated diners for a celebration
by Jon Massey
where are these wonderful things?
This is Feels Like June, located on Water Street in Wood Wharf. The venue recently launched its 2025 Christmas o ering.
tell me more...
The venue is on the ground oor of Tribe London Canary Wharf and can accommodate up to 220 people standing or 150 seated. It also boasts a heated outdoor terrace that can seat 100 or t 150 standing.
sounds like a place for a party...
Feels Like June is a great place for a standing reception and has put together a menu of canapés aimed at making event planners’ lives easier.
For 2025, bites include the likes of Mini Cheeseburgers, Duck Croquettes and Spiced Chickpea Falafel Bonbon. There are also sweet treats such as Williams Pear Crumble and Mini Lemon Meringue Tart.
Six items cost £34 per person, while eight cost £42, with £6 for any additional items.
how about something more formal?
To cater for festive diners, the venue has created two three-course set menus for guests to indulge in. Festive Feast costs £45 per person and includes starters of Turkey Croquettes or Heritage Beetroot, mains of Pumpkin And Sage Ravioli or Slow Roasted Turkey Breast with desserts of Homemade Nutmeg Tart or Dark Chocolate Mousse to round things o .
There’s also the Winter Luxe menu for £60 per person, which features the likes of Blue n Tuna Tartare or Avocado Fondant to start, Portobello
how Feels Like June is gearing up to launch its festive o ering from November 17 at Tribe London in Wood Wharf
but there’s more than just food?
Of course. A full range of wine, beers, ciders and spirits are available from Feels Like June’s expert bartenders.
Bespoke cocktails and mulled wine will also be on o er. The events team is happy to arrange drinks packages to t clients’ requirements.
can FLJ help with my event too?
Naturally. The team works with a range of partners to assist organisers in staging next level parties.
Options for gatherings include – but are certainly not limited to – DJs, cocktail masterclasses, live musicians, photobooths, fashion portraits and digital printing.
how can I nd out more?
Those making general reservations should get in touch via email to hello@feelslikejune.co.uk. For larger corporate bookings, message sales.canarywharf@mytribehotel.com.
key details
Feels Like June is within easy walking distance of Canary Wharf’s Jubilee, Elizabeth Line and DLR stations. Its festive menus will be available from November 17 until December 26. Go to feelslikejune.co.uk for more information or to make a christmas booking
Scan this code to nd out more about festive celebrations at Feels Like June
Test yourself against the tasks. How Squid Game: The Experience is challenging its guests - Page 42
Wharf
Mushroom Wellington or Wild Seabass for mains and Williams Pear Crumble for dessert.
Try a Japanese take on festive dining as Sticks’n’Sushi unveils its festive o ering - Page 44
how Squid Game: The Experience delivers thrills and chills at Excel London in Royal Docks
by Jon Massey
Inspired by Netflix’s Korean smash hit, Squid Game: The Experience has landed in east London, fresh from its successes in New York, Sydney, Seoul and Madrid.
what happens?
Players are challenged to take on a series of games themed around the now iconic TV show.
Participants will take on Red Light, Green Light, under the watchful eye of the giant Young-Hee doll.
They’ll also enter the Marbles Room to tackle a test of skill, strategy and precision, challenge their recall on the Memory Steps and compete in a battle of strength in Rope Game.
safety rst
While there’s plenty of adrenaline and tension on offer, Squid Game:
The Experience offers players the chance to show off their abilities without the life-or-death stakes shown on screen.
Instead the goal is to survive each challenge for a day of nailbiting wins, narrow defeats and plenty of camaraderie.
great for groups
The experience is ideal for groups and can accommodate parties of any size from 20 to 200. The games naturally lend themselves to team building, with collaboration and competition under pressure at their core.
Alternatively, it’s a place to blow off some steam and relax over the festive period.
more than the games
Groups booked in are welcomed to the Korean-themed Night Market before taking on the various challenges.
Here they will find dedicated areas in which to regroup, plan and celebrate alongside food, cocktails and other refreshing beverages.
While the games last an hour, groups are free to remain in the Night Market to wind down after completing the contests.
Naturally, Squid Game merchandise is also available for teams who’d like to purchase souvenirs.
key details
Squid Game: The Experience runs until January at Immerse LDN at Excel London in Royal Docks. Individual tickets for the immersive attraction start at £26 excluding booking fee.
Groups of 20 or more should get in touch with the organiser via the online form on the experience’s website.
For more information or to arrange a booking, go to squidgameexperienceuk.com
Scan this code to nd out more about Squid Game The Experience
Definitive Rat Pack Christmas Dinner and Show Festive Lunches
The hit TV show has inspired the immersive experience at Excel
Cost per head of the Yuki and Evergreen festive menus at Sticks’n’Sushi. The Touya menu costs £65 per person
how Sticks’n’Sushi in Canary Wharf delivers Christmas dinners with the luxurious, subtle avours of Japan
by Jon Massey
From November 24, Sticks’n’Sushi will be o ering diners a selection of festive menus to tempt in the Christmas crowds. The Danish restaurant group has long specialised in delivering festive fare with a Japanese twist and fans will be delighted to see the return of the Miso Sprouts to its Canary Wharf branch.
Here’s a little more detail on what’s being o ered...
sushi, for Christmas? And why not? Sticks’n’Sushi has long made a business out of bringing people together over Japanese cuisine, both sh forward and grilled on skewers.
The Crossrail Place restaurant o ers diners minimal, elegant design as well as a private dining or events space decorated with genuine silk kimonos.
what’s on the menu?
The company has come up with three set menus each with starters to share and a wide selection of dishes to enjoy.
The Yuki (£40 per person) begins with bites for the table, namely Miso Sprouts with supreme soy, Shake Kurutta Carpaccio – salmon with yuzu dressing and trout roe, Kani Korokke crab croquettes and Kamo Tataki seared duck breast.
Then each diner gets to sample some sushi – nigiri of Shake New York – salmon and garlic and Hiramasa Yaki yellowtail king sh and maki of Spicy Tuna and Pink Alaska Salmon. Grilled sticks of Chicks’n’Blankets (chicken meatballs and pancetta) and Shake Teriyaki – marinated salmon – will also be served before dessert of Creme Brulee.
The Evergreen menu costs the same and is a plant-based option with vegetables taking the starring role in the starters, sushi and sticks o erings. how about next level?
The restaurant is also o ering its Touya menu for £65 per person. This includes the same starters and dessert as the
Yuki menu, albeit with Grilled Edamame beans replacing the sprouts before an enhanced o ering of sushi and sticks.
These dishes include ingredients such as Wagyu beef, lobster, soft shell crab and Iberian pork.
For sweet-toothed diners who wish to go beyond the vanilla Creme Brulee, Sticks’n’Sushi has also come up with the Never Enough standalone dessert platter designed for four or more.
This costs £54 and includes Dark Chocolate Fondant with matcha core, Vanilla And Chocolate Ice Cream with miso caramel, Crème Brûlée with black sesame crumble, Shortcrust Pastry With Yuzu Curd and yuzu meringue, Coconut Rice Pudding with mango sorbet and Passionfruit Coulis and Chocolate Fish.
and to drink?
Sticks’ bartenders have also been busy, creating the S’More Co ee cocktail laced with 42 Below vodka and a marshmallow foam top and the Cotton Ginger Fizz with Campari, sour cherry and candy oss to top.
Throughout the festive period, the restaurant will also be serving utes of Champagne Collet Brut Premier Cru Art Deco NV and Champagne Collet Brut Rose for £14.50 and £15.50 respectively. Bottles of the former are £120.
what’s the best contact
You can get in touch with the events team directly at Sticks’n’Sushi by calling reservations on 020 3141 8840 or message the team via email to reservations@sticksnsushi.com
key details
Sticks’n’Sushi Canary Wharf is located in Crossrail Place at the level of the exits to the area’s Elizabeth Line station. The restaurant is open daily from noon-11pm. Go to sticksnsushi.com
Scan here for more details or to make a booking
The Touya menu features Wagyu beef, lobster and soft shell crab
serving up
Sticks’n’Sushi also o ers festive catering for parties
The Yuki set menu
1,000
Maximum capacity of the National Maritime Museum’s Ocean Court for a standing reception
The Cutty Sark o ers guests the chance to tour its decks before heading down into its glass-roofed dry dock for the main event
The iconic tea clipper is a landmark on the Thames
Guests can dine beneath the ship’s copper-clad keel
Images of the Cutty Sark by Smart Group
the
how Royal Museums Greenwich
boasts blockbuster venues able to deliver truly memorable
by Jon Massey
Only one collection of venues in London brings together history, pioneering technology, showstopping views and eye-catching architecture – all based in a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) looks after the Queen’s House, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum – with each venue offering events organisers a wide range of options to create unforgettable gatherings during the festive season.
Celebrations at the first two come with links to royalty and the vast expanses of the cosmos, while the seafaring heritage of the great ship and the museum that keeps the stories of the deep offer equally compelling dimensions for those planning seasonal events.
Indeed, for large parties, it’s the latter pair that RMG is keen to draw attention to, having put together sample packages to fly the flags of their attractions.
the National Maritime Museum Oceans Court lies right at the heart of the National Maritime Museum.
Under the protective umbrella of its glass roof (installed as part of a major refurbishment that finished in June), this space can host up to 550 guests for a seated dinner or a maximum of 1,000 for a standing reception.
Surrounded by exhibitions, artefacts and 18th Century architecture, those attending can explore exhibits in the museum’s galleries while enjoying welcome drinks before taking their seats on the venue’s mezzanine – home to the museum’s Great Map installation.
Guests seeking fresh air are also welcome to explore The Colonnades, which boast views of Greenwich Park as well as the Southeast Lawn.
A sample package for 400 guests with venue hire from 7pm to midnight including two welcome drinks, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks, canapés, plentiful bowl food and canapé desserts costs £56,125 plus VAT or £140.31 per person.
This includes staffing, security, cleaning, furniture, cloakroom, AV
Xmas events
equipment and lighting as well as DJ entertainment and a dedicated event manager.
The venue is flexible and offers a list of approved suppliers as well as options such as access to RMG’s other sites, arrival by river boat to Greenwich and themed entertainment.
the Cutty Sark
Built in 1869 to carry tea back from China, the masts of the Cutty Sark have become a much-loved part of the London skyline during the festive months, adorned in lights to pick out the shape of a Christmas tree.
But the festivities don’t stop at the rigging. Guests at events held on the historic ship can take in her internal decks and the views from her top deck before heading down to her dramatic Dry Berth.
With the ship’s copper hull suspended above – sunk into the steel and glass roof – the space provides a memorable backdrop for festive celebrations.
The sample package, costing £31,985 plus VAT (or £213.23) includes venue hire from 7pm until midnight, a welcome glass of Prosecco and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks per guest, all based on 150 people attending.
After exploring the ship, partygoers head to the lower level for canapés and bowl food.
The price includes, lighting, AV tech, a 16sq ft dance floor, staffing and security, cleaning and a dedicated event manager.
As with the National Maritime Museum, a wide range of options are available from an approved list of suppliers and add-ons such as character actors on board the Cutty Sark can be arranged.
key details
To enquire about events at any Royal Museums Greenwich venues, call the team direct on 020 8312 8517 or drop an email to events@rmg.co.uk.
Tours of all venues are available on weekdays from 10am-4.30pm by arrangement. RMG’s venues are easily reached by DLR, Uber Boat By Thames Clippers, rail and road.
For more information go to rmg.co.uk/venue-hire
Scan this code to nd out more about RMG’s venues
Ocean Court’s mezzanine level is perfect for large scale events and celebrations
>> a little extra
To allow guests to keep the party going that little bit longer, Royal Museums Greenwich is o ering a complimentary one hour extension from 11pm to midnight (valued at £1,000 plus VAT) on all Christmas bookings at Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. Contact the events team for full details
Guests are surrounded by maritime history
Dive into
festive o ering at the London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf - Page 48
lled with Christmas
how the London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf o ers wide ranging festive exibility just across the dock
by Jon Massey
Standing proud on West India Quay, the London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf is a striking part of the area’s skyline. Overlooking both the waters of North Dock and the steel and glass towers beyond, the venue is well located for the DLR, the Tube and also the Elizabeth Line.
The hotel is within easy walking distance of all parts of Canary Wharf, making it a natural choice for businesses seeking a space locally to host a festive celebration.
what are the facilities?
The London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf boasts 19 event spaces including its West India Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 290 guests for a standing reception or 180 for a seated dinner.
In addition to an extensive series of private rooms, the venue is also home to the Manhattan Grill waterside restaurant – ideal for team celebrations or dining with family and friends over the festive season.
what’s on the menu
The hotel’s main three-course Christmas set menu has just been released for celebrations in 2025.
To start, guests can choose from Billingsgate Cured Salmon, Cray sh And Crab Parcel served with a pickled cucumber, dill dressing and crusty bread, Wild Duck And Liver Pate Tower with beetroot crisps, watercress, pickled chestnuts and orange cinnamon jam and Butternut Squash And Maple Chilli Filo Tartlet with blackberry and g salad, chive oil and balsamic.
For mains there’s Traditional Roast Breast Of Turkey with all the trimmings, Roast Rack Of Welsh Lamb with vegetables and a red wine jus, Grilled Satay Fillet Of Monk sh on a bed of lemongrass rice and charred broccoli and Wild Mushroom, Black Tru e And Spinich Pithivier with cucumber gel and red vein sorrel.
To round things o , the
desserts on o er are Milk Chocolate And Strawberry Brulee, Baked Caramelised Lemon Cheesecake and, naturally, Traditional Christmas Pudding.
tell me about group bookings
The hotel has created three sample packages available for groups to enjoy during the festive season.
For £80 per person, guests can enjoy a three-course menu in the Manhattan Grill restaurant, complete with Christmas decorations and a drinks package covering wine, beer or soft drinks.
For £95 per person, guests can enjoy their meal in a private room. Hire includes chair covers, a PA system, a microphone, a dance oor and a drinks package.
Then, for £110 per person, the o er includes all of the above as well as a red carpet arrival at the hotel, a canape reception and an enhanced drinks package.
Terms and conditions apply, with minimum numbers or spend necessary to secure a booking.
what’s on the menu
With its extensive selection of spaces, the venue o ers organisers maximum exibility whether the event they have in mind is a formal sit-down dinner, an awards presentation or an informal reception.
The hotel is also able to o er accommodation packages to guests subject to availability, for those who would like the added relaxation of staying the night after the celebrations.
key details
The London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf is located on West India Quay.
For more information about booking events at the venue call 020 7517 2808 or email the team to discuss details via canarywharf.sales@marriott.com Go to marriott.com for more information
Scan here for more details or to make a booking
The hotel’s Manhattan Grill restaurant is ideal for group dining over the festive season
Left, the West India ballroom
Above, the Manhattan Grill restaurant
Right, the hotel is located within easy walking distance of Canary Wharf
