DISTINCTIVE NORTH
When it comes to putting on a special event, an alternative setting makes all the difference. From castles and cathedrals to art galleries and sporting stadia, there is a huge selection of distinctive venues to be found in the north of England.
Yorkshire’s Finest
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the open-air gallery in Wakefield, offers a rural setting for corporate events. Its award-winning architecture and modern function facilities include a purpose-built auditorium and restaurant overlooking one of the world’s largest collections of Henry Moore bronzes amid historic parkland. Delegates can sample cuisine formed from local produce created by in-house chefs. Dishes include prize-winning Yorkshire highlander beef.
Located in one of the Sheffield’s oldest industrial districts, Kelham Island Museum can be hired for evening receptions and dining, social occasions, conferences and meetings. It stands on a man-made island which is over 900 years old. The museum building was originally the Kelham Iron Works in the 1800s before being bought by the city in 1890 to become an electricity generating station for the original tram system. The venue offers a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, including two BBQ areas (one on the banks of the River Don), and banqueting space for up to 200 people.
The Alea in Leeds is an entertainment venue with a difference, offering facilities such as a private cinema, two restaurants (operated by celebrity chef James Martin and twice Michelin-starred Vineet Bhatia), plus three great bars, events and conferencing spaces accommodating up to 500 people and a modern casino.
Alternative North West
For a meeting experience with a difference, Ribby Hall Business Conference Suite in Lancashire gives delegates the opportunity to attend a meeting in the treetops. The Tree House is a wood and glass structure and can accommodated 12 delegates within its location in two of the venue’s biggest oak trees.
The Black-E in Liverpool offers an urban space within a historic 19th century building. Previously known as The Blackie, the converted church’s main space accommodates up to 550 people, with balconies on all four sides. The venue is on the edge of Liverpool city centre, within walking distance of the shopping quarters and most of the city’s major institutions, including cathedrals, universities, museums, galleries, theatres and concert halls.
For those looking to get back to nature and help the environment, Brockholes is owned and managed by The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. Located in Samlesbury, Preston, Brockholes is a carbon neutral venue that floats on a lake - the only one of its kind in the UK. Other benefits include free Wi-Fi, ample parking and on-site catering for up to 150 delegates.
Ask the Experts
For more information on alternative venues, visit Meetengland.com.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Scotland offers a diverse selection of alternative venues to give delegates an exciting meeting experience.
Anyone looking for a meeting or corporate event with a difference is spoilt for choice in Scotland. From a meeting in a tree house at Ackergill Tower on the tip of the northern coast to dinner in the amber glow of the world’s largest collection of Scotch whiskies at the Scotch Whisky Experience, there is a place to suit every occasion.
For events with an adrenalin kick, Fife’s Knockhill Racing Circuit is a popular choice, with a range of team building and driving experiences created especially for the corporate market. Scotland’s National Motorsports Centre also offers meeting rooms, high tech production and catering on-site, and has a dedicated in-house events team.
City Focus: Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studios was founded in 1912 and soon became established as a contemporary fine art tapestry studio, with works commissioned for major public, corporate and academic institutions worldwide. Dovecot was re-established in 2001 and is a versatile venue able to accommodate a broad range of events, from meetings and conferences to dinners, receptions and cultural events. Located within walking distance from the Royal Mile and Waverley Station, it is central and yet somewhat secluded; avoiding the hustle and bustle of the city centre proper. Dovecot can be hired in its entirety for a large reception or used in part to create a bespoke event in one of its flexible spaces.
Having played host to more than its fair share of kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers, the world famous Royal Yacht Britannia is now permanently berthed in Edinburgh. Exclusive dinners for 176 and elegant receptions for 380 can be hosted in the State Apartments and Royal Deck with all food freshly prepared in the Royal Galley on board.
City Focus: Glasgow
Back on dry land, Glasgow’s Riverside Museum is a masterpiece of architecture and home to the city’s Transport and Technology Collection. Designed by Zaha Hadid, the museum opened in summer 2011 and can accommodate up to 800 guests for an access all areas reception. In addition to expert-led guided tours of the collection and various banqueting options, the museum’s Main Street – a recreation of a typical Edwardian street – is a superb setting for drinks receptions for up to 120 guests.
Ask the Experts
For more information on alternative venues, visit Conventionscotland.com.