Lecture Theatre at Savoy Place

With tall ceilings, imposing mahogany panels and 462 very comfortable seats, the Lecture Theatre at Savoy Place is one of London’s classiest meeting rooms. As part of The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), it has impressive AV facilities, including clever little touches like the user-friendly microphones that are hidden in the armrest of every other chair.

Not that you really need them: the acoustics here are fabulous. An obvious choice for high-profile conferences (the security’s impressive and the balconies have separate entrances for VIPs), the space is surprisingly flexible and has also played host to events such as fashion shows and music evenings. Savoy Place has been the HQ of The IEE for almost 100 years. Built in 1887, it was previously home to The Royal College of Surgeons, which staged live operations in this room. Hence, its (still in place) lift was built to accommodate coffins – no wonder the building is said to be haunted!

This article first appeared in Square Meal Venues & Events magazine, Summer 2005.