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Inside Top London Event Venues – November Edition

We spoke to the wonderful teams behind some of London’s top event venues, The National Gallery, & Old Sessions House, to find out their favourite events spaces in their remit and the tips and tricks they’ve learnt along the way.

What makes your venue unique? 

National Gallery – Our collection of art! There are few places where you can entertain around Van Gogh, Monet, Canaletto, Cezanne and Leonardo da Vinci to name a few!

Old Sessions House  I think once you enter through the front doors you know why this is such a unique space – it’s truly stunning. The natural tones throughout the house make it a perfect backdrop for any style of event and perfect for weddings. The Main staircase and dome just takes your breath away as there are not many buildings left in London that come close to OSH. It’s been lovingly restored and every room offers something different and we try activating them so people can get the full enjoyment out of this amazing building.

Which of your events spaces in your venue is your personal favourite?

Old Sessions HouseIt has to be the roof with heated pool as it is total hidden oasis that not many people know about and is perfect on hot London afternoons to cool off during your lunch break.

National GalleryIt’s hard to narrow that down, all our galleries are just awe inspiring! The Barry Rooms with is spectacular domed roof and cross shaped design is hard to beat and then you have our Portico Terrace with its outlook onto Trafalgar Square overlooking Nelson and Whitehall beyond, it’s the perfect vantage point to watch the comings and goings of London life.

Would you rather: bowl food, canapés, or a 3-course dinner?

National Gallery Every type of event calls for different approaches with the food and drinks, I love them all! 

Old Sessions House Oh, 3 course dinner especially in the great room with one large banqueting table and i would also have canapés to begin with a glass of bubbles.

What has been your favourite event in your venue and why? 

Old Sessions HouseI think all the weddings we have done together as each one is different and it’s a pleasure to be part of the couple’s special day. Social Pantry take the stress away from the while catering which makes working with them such a joy.

National GalleryThere have been many but the most front of mind is earlier this year at our summer fundraising Gala where the team worked on creating the most beautiful event themed around our After Impressionism exhibition.  The party invoked the spirit of the Avant Garde with a guest list featuring the likes of Maya Jama, Trinny Woodall, Damian Hurley, Bianca Jagger, Grayson Perry and more.  The piece de resistance of this event was having Celeste perform.  During the day, whilst we were setting up, Celeste was rehearsing in one of our Galleries and it became really pertinent to me how special my job is. Wandering around these magnificent spaces and listening to Celeste rehearse so beautifully was an incredible pinch me moment. The event was a great success with the Evening Standard headline stating ‘Forget the Met Gala, have you ever heard of the Nat Gala?

As an event venue, why do you like working with Social Pantry? 

National Gallery I really like and admire how socially responsible Social Pantry are, being leaders in ex-offender employment in hospitality and challenging the industry norm with their prison leaver mentoring. As well as their sustainable approach to their cuisine with zero waste initiatives and menus focused on nose-to-tail and root-to-flower dishes.

Old Sessions HouseThey are so calm and efficient and will always try to make anything work – it’s never a no more of a let’s try to make it work attitude. Also, when it’s a large event they are in and out so quickly and leave the house immaculate which is a massive plus when we have events happening back to back.

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