Out and About
We like to think that for a team of 12, team FCCE do get out and about to see a lot of venues (we also secretly really like to hit whatever we achieved the year before)! Its great for us to update our knowledge and keep on top of the latest openings and refurbishments but its also great for you, our clients, as when we’re putting forward a venue we are likely to know the space and the flow of the venue. Check out some of the highlights of where the team have been over the past few weeks –
Milly’s out and about –
Laura, Ross, Polly, and I recently went to the Chelsea Harbour Hotel in London, which is a 5* all-suite hotel and we loved it! We were very lucky to have a warm evening and have an amazing dinner, with great service, out on the terrace over-looking Chelsea Harbour with our lovely hosts.
The venue has a range of event spaces; 2 larger spaces on the ground and lower ground floors with views of the Harbour and smaller event spaces along with several of their top suites on the top floor, which are perfect for a drinks reception with a wow factor as they have views of the Harbour and the rest of London, including the Shard, Cheese Grater, Walkie Talkie, Westminster Bridge and London Eye. There are also small boardrooms on the ground floor for more intimate meetings.
The venue also has great leisure facilities including a gym, pool, sauna and steam room for delegates to relax in after a busy day.
Ross’ out and about –
Cheryl and I have just visited a venue on our own doorsteps in Stroud… Milly hid in the boot and came too! The Painswick is nestled in a secret nook below the picturesque village streets but still has ample car parking. Having been recently acquired by the luxury Calcot Collection, the design is Cotswold chic with lots of quirky features such as retro telephones, your own walking wellies and some eclectic decor. We enjoyed a ‘few’ cocktails by the roaring fire, before viewing the manicured lawn area (perfect for reception drinks and BBQ’s) and bedrooms in both the Garden wing and main building, before sitting down for a divine dinner in the restaurant steered by Jamie ‘Chef’ McCallum.
The plush boardroom accommodates 14 delegates and has dual aspect views across the Painswick Valley (nothing like sheep or deer to distract you from the task in hand!), and with a total of 16 bedrooms, it’s easy to take over this venue with exclusive use. Oh, and there’s a small spa too with lots of relaxing treatments.
Jas’ out and about –
After having headed to the big smoke to visit a fantastic client recently I popped across to The Mandrake. Located in the heart of London’s West End it really is a ‘wow-factor’ property. It’s a boutique hotel with only 30 bedrooms and oozes style and class with its beautiful bedrooms, intimate dining room and lounges and gorgeous marble bar. The interiors are eclectic and vibrant with the artwork being the real show stopper!
The venue has lots of areas you continue to discover as you walk around like their underground screening room with bean bag seating to their courtyard and decking area with stylish outdoor furniture and a little conservatory – even some of the bedrooms have their own terrace with outdoor table and chairs to enjoy a glass of wine! If all the excitement has made you feel hungry they have a Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant Serge et le Phoque – I must say the food looked delicious, and if you are looking for a private corporate dinner their red lacquered PDR can comfortably sit around 12 guests.
