What's New: London

Ping Pong Delivers

Dim-sum chain Ping Pong is launching a delivery service. Ping Pong Now brings its good-value Chinese cooking to your office door. The service has just launched at the Spitalfields branch and will be rolled out across the brand's 11 other locations before the end of the year. Set packages are available for up to 100, with a simple online ordering procedure, and the restaurant aims to deliver all orders within 50 minutes.

Parklife Launches with 4,000 Capacity

In the heart of the West End, opposite Selfridges on Oxford Street, Parklife is one of the most exciting new venues we've come across for a long time. Available for exclusive or part dry hire, with full event management, it has a mighty 3,950 standing capacity and is completely flexible and adaptable: suitable for product launches, award ceremonies, promotions, fashion shows and film premieres alike. Managed by Progressive Events, the space has been released for hire for a limited period of one year.

All Star Lanes Hosts Chilli Cook-Off

As London sweltered in the hottest day of the year so far, 20 chilli enthusiasts brought their finest con carne concoctions to All Star Lanes Brick Lane to compete for the honour of the best chilli in town. Official judges were made up of experienced restaurateurs and food writers, while members of the public turned out in force to cast their votes. Square Meal’s own designer Charlie Nelson walked away with the People’s Choice Award for his chorizo-based and originally titled ‘Charlie Con Carne’. He picks up a night All Star Lanes for him and his pals.

Enjoy the Sun at El Faro

Lots of people have been calling our helpline asking for recommendations of outdoor event space - one of our favourites is El Faro, overlooking Crossharbour Dock. It's got a spacious 100-capacity outdoor terrace with calming views of the water, delicious Basque-style tapas and a live music licence. Browse our selection of other great waterside event spaces in London.

Albert & Pearl Celebrates its 1st Birthday

Upper Street's loveliest cocktail bar, Albert & Pearl (tel: 020 7354 9993), celebrates its first birthday this month, kicking off with a party on Friday featuring a DJ set from Huey of The Fun Loving Criminals and T4 presenter Jameela Jamil. The night will include complimentary punch, cocktails and food, as well as parlour games and prizes. A great chance to view their three plush private rooms.

Browns Bar & Brasserie Relaunches the Courtrooms

The atmospheric Courtrooms conference and event space at Browns Bar & Brasserie Covent Garden has been refurbished. Built in 1908, the Courtrooms occupy the Grade II-listed site of the former Westminster Law Courts. The four function rooms retain many of the original features such as magnificent sweeping staircases, judges' benches and chandeliered ceilings. Following the sensitive refurbishment they now boast new interiors, carpets and prints and make an ideal venue for conferences, launches, weddings or parties for up to 150.

Last Date for Fruit for the Office Competition

Today (30 June) is the last day to enter Fruit for the Office's 2009 competition to win 50 weeks' supply of fresh fruit for your office. That's 270 pieces of fruit a week, which serves around 60 people. And you'll get a free smoothie maker thrown in to whip up delicious fruity concoctions for yourself or your colleagues. To enter, simply sign up for the free newsletter and you'll automatically be entered into the draw. Square Meal readers also get a 50% discount when signing up for the fruit delivery service. Just type 'SQUAREMEAL' into the appropriate box when you sign up online.

Pride Of Place

As Savoy Place celebrates its centenary as the home of the IET, Louise Troy finds that this versatile venue is busier than ever.

Criterion Gets a Makeover

One of the most historic and beautifully designed restaurants in London, the Criterion is now under new management and is looking better than ever following a recent refurb. The restaurant makes a grand setting for events, with seated dinners holding up to 150 or 250 for canapé receptions. Smaller parties can take The Terrace, a raised area at the back of the restaurant which holds up to 70 guests for canapés. .

Enjoy Wimbledon at Bentley's & Gaucho

During the second week of Wimbledon (29 June - 5 July, 12-7pm), head down to Swallow Street W1 where seafood restaurant Bentley's and Gaucho Piccadilly have turned the pedestrianised street into a 'tennis court', complete with astroturf, netting and two giant screens showing the matches. Both venues will also be serving up a special volley of treats, including steak sandwiches and Argentine Freggo ice cream from Gaucho; and cream teas, chocolate dipped strawberries and Pimms trifle from Bentley's. And it's not too late to book hospitality at the real Wimbledon through Keith Prowse

New Summer Collection of Corporate Gifts

The UK’s leading bespoke corporate gifts company, Hyperian Global, has just launched a new collection for summer 2009. And to celebrate, the company is offering a free leather-bound atlas with every order. We really like the new wash bags - all ready to be branded and colour coded with company logos.

Free Room Hire at the Commonwealth Club

To celebrate the beginning of summer, the Commonwealth Club off Trafalgar Square is offering free room hire for any evening event booked for July. No minimum spend applies to the offer, but guests must order both food and beverages.

Bluebird Becomes a Tennis Oasis

Chelsea’s Bluebird is turning its outside area into a version of Centre Court for the two weeks of the Wimbledon Championships. Huge tennis balls suspended in a glass funnel will make a canopy for diners, while they sit in the service boxes of an Astroturf court. A Wimbledon-themed menu & cocktails will be available, based around plenty of strawberries & Champagne.

Royal Horticultural Halls Now Has Cheapest Parking in Westminster

The Royal Horticultural Halls now has the lowest parking rates in Westminster, after negotiating a fee of £12 per day with the local council. With parking in London hard to come by and often expensive, it’s a real coup for the venue. To use the rate, guests needn’t pre-book, simply download a form from the venue’s website and take it with you.

Wallace Collection Opens New Spaces

Two delightful rooms are newly available for private events at the beautiful Wallace Collection. They're to be used in conjunction with the existing gallery rooms as a drinks reception space for 150. The Boudoir and The West Room once formed part of the private apartment of Lady Wallace (her original writing desk still sits here); both have walls hung with silks and paintings by Reynolds and Vernet. The Landing and Fernery, where guests gather on arrival, have also been refurbished.

Kew Celebrates 250th Anniversary

It’s 250 years since Kew Gardens opened and to commemorate, two free tickets to this year’s Summer Swing are offered for each person who confirms venue hire before 6 July. Alternatively, book an event at Cambridge Cottage and all guests will receive free Summer Swing entrance.

Happy Birthday Henry

Henry VIII acceded to the throne 500 years ago and to commemorate, Hampton Court Palace, has organised new attractions for event organisers. The atmospheric Undercroft, where Henry and his various wives used to dance, has just been opened as an event space for 200 guests to do the same. Meanwhile, over at The Tower of London, the event team has organised a variety of private tours and events based around the new exhibition ‘Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill’, combining drinks receptions with private tours of the exhibition.

Altitude Becomes Altitude 360

The transformation of Westminster’s Altitude into Altitude 360 is now complete. After 16 days of round-the-clock construction, the venue is now ready to receive bookings, showcasing a 360-degree panorama stretching across London. The new rooms share the identical sleek, minimalist design as their predecessors, with the same aluminium retractable walls creating a maximum capacity of 600.

Met Bar New Cocktail List Comes to Square Meal

The Met Bar transformed our boardroom at Square Meal into a cocktail lounge on Monday to give us an exclusive preview of its new cocktail list and range of flavour-shot infusions. Innovatively arranged around taste, the cocktails are split into distinct categories, ranging from Light and Aromatic to Full Bodied and Spirited. The spicy grapefruit-based Amore Dolce proved a big hit, as did the low-calorie cakes they brought along, to give us a try of the Afternoon Delight tea selection. The raspberry cupcakes come with our whole-hearted recommendation!

New Event Space at Twickenham

The latest addition to the bulging portfolio of spaces at Twickenham’s South Stand is the Live Room, a flexible modern space that’s ideal for large set and screen productions. Tiered seating accommodates 400 for presentations or retracts to open up floor space for a reception of 600 guests.

All Star Lanes Loyalty Scheme

All Star Lanes has introduced the Private Lanes Card, where for every £250 spent on a private event, the cardholder will receive one point on their card, equating to £10. This can then be redeemed on future bookings in the main halls or private rooms at any of the group’s venues, whether for personal or corporate use. Cardholders will also have access to exclusive offers and privileges throughout the year.

Roof Gardens Wedding Showcase 6 June

The Roof Gardens is holding a wedding showcase on 6 June between 11am and 3pm, where you'll have the chance to view the spectacular gardens and indoor wedding venue spaces. The event team will be on hand to chat, with complimentary Champagne and nibbles, plus a host of London's leading wedding experts covering all the extras from flowers to cakes, invitations and honeymoon ideas. Places are limited and you must RSVP if you'd like to attend - email consultant@edencancan.com

Corporate networking at Ronnie Scott's

Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, Ronnie Scott’s (tel: 020 7960 0270) has set up a new networking initiative for the corporate event market, running every Thursday between 6pm and 8pm. It’s a timely reminder that you can hire the famous jazz bar for events, with the club on the ground floor holding 220 for a sit-down and the upstairs bar seating 80 or 150 for a drinks reception.

Silver Sturgeon's Great British Seaside

Woods River Cruises has launched a fabulous summer party package aboard the Silver Sturgeon. With a theme of 'Vogue does Brighton', the boat is decked out (pardon the pun) with driftwood pedestals, hurricane lanterns, ‘Sea Salt’ candles and Whistable Oyster Buckets filled with seaside plants, rope and shells. Food is courtesy of an on-deck barbecue and icecream and sorbet stall from rhubarb on the river and packages are £98pp.

Win F1 British Grand Prix Tickets Courtesy of London Zoo!

ZSL London Zoo is giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets (worth up to £400) to the 2009 qualifying day at the Santander F1 British Grand Prix on 20 June. All you have to do is be the first person to confirm an event with ZSL London Zoo by 5.30pm on Wednesday 17 June. The event must take place in 2009 and should include a minimum total spend of £3,500 (exc. VAT). The venue makes a great location for a summer party, particularly the new Animal Adventure attraction, and remember your bookings help to support ZSL’s conservation mission. Good luck!

Laughter Lounge at Vinopolis

We visited Laughter Lounge at Vinopolis when it first launched late last year and were hugely impressed by the standard of the acts on show. The monthly night has gone from strength to strength since and tickets are still available for tomorrow night's performance, featuring Ian Stone, Geoff Boyz, Philberto and MC Electric Forecast . Tickets are £15 on the door and a current special offer means those booking a comedy ticket can also purchase a Grapevine tour at a reduced price. Click through for details.

New Summer Barbecue Package at Vinopolis

A new barbecue package at Vinopolis combines its most popular wine challenge with a delicious barbecue on Brew Wharf's terrace. Enjoy a half-hour sparkling wine reception on arrival, followed by a 'How to Taste Wine' session and challenge, finishing up with a BBQ. The package is available for groups of 30 to 250.

Reap What You Sow - 14 Good Reasons to Invest in Events This Year

Times are hard but that certainly doesn't mean events should be sidelined. In our spring magazine, we published some strong arguments as to why you should invest in events during a recession. Following your positive feedback, we've created a PDF which you can print off & use to help influence your company's budget decisions. We'd like your input too: how is your company coping with the recession? Let us know on our Twitter page.

The Avalon Opens New Garden in Balham

Event organisers looking to host a memorable garden party are in luck this summer thanks to the unveiling of a truly lovely outdoor space at Balham’s The Avalon (tel: 020 8675 8613) pub. Landscape gardeners have been hard at work creating colourful flower beds, shrubbery, decking and marble ornaments to charming effect. Up to 165 guests can be seated here and there is more scope for outdoor entertaining on the large outdoor terraces at the front and on the side (accommodating 100 and 40 respectively).

Celebs Turn out for Fisher Productions Party

The V&E team hobnobbed with the stars last night at Fisher Productions (020 8871 1978) 25th birthday rebrand party at The Dairy in Bloomsbury. Jesse Metcalfe, Peaches Geldof and Will Mellor mingled with geishas in robes fashioned from bubble wrap (who later turned hair stylists, creating some outrageous styles for brave volunteers) and retro air hostess waitresses serving delicious food from By Word Of Mouth. We particularly loved the Rococo-style lounge, with cakes by French Laundry patisserie chef Claire Clarke.

Animal Adventures at London Zoo

We enjoyed a magical after-hours VIP tour of ZSL London Zoo last week, part of which was a visit to the new ‘Animal Adventure’ attraction. It's a mini zoo within the zoo, with private terraces affording close-up views of the lions. The space is available for corporate hire during the summer months and is perfect for barbecues, cocktail parties and canapé receptions, holding up to 200.

Hampton Court Opens the Undercroft

2009 marks the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne and Hampton Court Palace has opened the Undercroft as a new event space to celebrate. 200 people can dance the night away, just as Henry VIII did in his day; the room works well when teamed with the Great Hall for dining.

New Serpentine Bar & Kitchen Available for Private Events

The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen (tel: 020 7706 8114)is the latest public building space to be rejuvenated by the benugo boys, Ben and Hugo Warner. With a delightful setting by the edge of the Serpentine in Hyde Park, it makes a great summer party destination. Capacities are 150 seated inside and 150 on the waterside terrace, with exciting culinary concepts planned throughout the summer months. Get in there quick though - the venue can only be hired six times over the summer months.

Three Tenners Menu at Bel Canto

Live opera restaurant venue Bel Canto is launching a limited edition 'Three Tenners' menu in honour of José Carreras, who recently announced his retirement. Diners will be able to listen to delightful arias and duets while enjoying a three-course dinner for £30 (usually £55). The offer is only available from May 19-21 and also marks the arrival of the restaurant's new chef. Remember too the venue can be hired privately for 160.

Thanks for Coming to our Reader Event!

We were delighted to welcome over 300 of you to our reader event at No.4 Hamilton Place last night, to kickstart the summer social season in style. Dish's delicious bowl food was accompanied by an elegant seafood bar, lashings of Pimm's and fizz, and a hog roast. Guests spilled out onto the terrace to enjoy the live band while others browsed the hospitality suite, showcasing the season's top events such as Royal Ascot and Chelsea Flower Show. The only thing missing was the sun but the fun party atmosphere more than made up for it.

15 Hatfields Celebrates its First Birthday

Eco-friendly conference centre 15 Hatfields celebrated its first birthday last night, following a successful first year of trading. The venue, which has applied for BS8901 accreditation, has proved that a green meeting space can not only be comfortable and modern, but cost effective too, with a competitive DDR of around £60 with AV and event management services included. The team is holding another birthday celebration tonight; if you'd like to attend, email A.Hamadanian@cieh.org for an invite or show-round.

Wallace Collection Opens New Event Space

Having spent over a year under wraps, part of the first floor galleries at The Wallace Collection have emerged from an extensive refurbishment. While the decadent Gold Box Room will remain closed until the autumn, the Boudoir and the West Room will be available for drinks receptions at the end of this month. Tapestries have been specially commissioned to match the themes of the rooms, alongside some 'new' Old Masters.

Ladies Lunch Club Launches at Cheyne Walk Brasserie

This week saw the highly successful launch of the Ladies Lunch Club at Cheyne Walk Brasserie. Running monthly, the club is free to join and has a different theme each time, with the upcoming lunch on 10 June focusing on 'Beautiful Blooms', with florist Pascal Lavorel. £25 pp includes an hour-and-a-half talk from an expert, followed by lunch, wine and coffee/tea.

Karaoke Box Launches Smithfield Raw

Last night saw the launch of Smithfield Raw at Karaoke Box Smithfield, a monthly event that aims to combine private karaoke with live performances in the bar. The Thirst and The Young Hearts will be playing but more excitingly, all karaoke rooms will be free of charge from midnight for the last hour of the evening, on a first come, first served basis.

Pearl Launches Chelsea Flower Show Cocktail

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 19-23 May and to mark the occasion, head mixologist Gustavo Bertolucci at Pearl Restaurant & Bar (tel: 020 7829 7000) has created a limited edition cocktail. Garnished with a Singapore orchid, the refreshing blend is gin-based and is being served up at Pearl for the next six weeks.

The Auditorium at One Bishops Square Opens Its Doors

City law firm Allen & Overy is opening up its prestigious building to events for the first time ever. The Auditorium – up there with the highest-spec conference facilities in London – has a meeting capacity of 320. Specially commissioned electronic works of art are on show throughout to the Sir Norman Foster-designed building, which is ultra-modern and lets in plenty of natural light. The in-house catering is a real strong suit, provided at a more-than-reasonable price.

Free Cocktail at Sugar Quay

Inneventive has announced dates for this year's summer parties at riverside venue Sugar Quay, and a complimentary cocktail per person is available for all booking confirmations made by 29 May. Up to 450 standing or 240 seated can be accommodated in the luxury marquee, overlooking Tower Bridge.

Private Dining at The Fellow

More new openings in King's Cross: The Fellow (tel: 020 7833 4395) is a dark and sultry pub and dining room with various spaces available for private hire, including an outdoor heated terrace and cocktail bar for 80. A private dining room on the top floor of the venue, with vintage armchairs and a long banqueting table, accommodates up to 12 for a seated dinner or 20 for a small drinks party.

Whisky Month at Albannach

It's the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth this year, celebrated by Homecoming Scotland (as you'll know if you've read our 'What's New in Scotland' What's New in Scotland feature, in the spring magazine and online). Get your taste of the tartan at Albannach, where bespoke whisky tasting sessions are on offer each Tuesday in May in the Doon bar, at £30 pp.

Powder Puff Girls Makeover in London Eye

The London Eye has launched a new package, offering a luxury beauty experience with the gorgeous 50s-style make-up collective, the Powder Puff Girls. The London Eye Beauty Capsule provides up to 15 guests with a unique opportunity to enjoy a glamorous makeover, while admiring London’s panoramic views & enjoying a crisp glass of Chablis Domaine de la Concierge. Prices are £900 per capsule with Chablis Domaine de la Concierge wine or £940 per capsule with Laurent Perrier Champagne.

Parties at The Alice House

Party spaces for 180 are hard to come by in West Hampstead so the opening of The Alice House is welcome news. 200 light bulbs suspended from the ceiling give an unusual edge to the vintage-style decor and innovative cocktails are served alongside tapas and BBQs. An outdoor decking area makes a great spill-out space.

Spring Refurb for Silver Barracuda

It's perfect weather for messing about on the river, particularly if you hold an event aboard Woods River Cruises' newly refurbished Silver Barracuda. A sprightly spring interior redesign by Osborne & Little sees heavy curtains and a dark red colour scheme replaced by modern prints incorporating sage green velvet, a striking cheetah print and a new divider curtain on the lower deck, perfect for partitioning to create a more intimate dining space. Summer party packages start at £122 +VAT and include a four-hour charter.

Get Listed on the new Twitter Directory for Events

This week saw ‘Eventweeps’ flock to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium for the inaugural Events Industry Tweetup. It was organised by freelance journo Mike Fletcher and the Merlin Group’s twitterific marketeer, Peter Kerwood, who used the event to announce the launch of a new Twitter directory for event professionals. To find out more about the latest social networking phenomenon, read our hot-off-the press feature, sign up to Twitter and get yourself listed on EventTweeps. Don’t forget to follow the V&E team too!

Up on the Roof at Queen of Hoxton

Now the weather's getting sunnier, we're heading for the roof garden at hip new Shoreditch hangout The Queen of Hoxton (tel: 020 7422 0958), holding up to 250 for parties and resplendent with Astroturf, gazebo and pretty wrought-iron tables and chairs.

Bargain DDR at London Chamber of Commerce

Great deals can be had this summer if you're booking a conference at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Their spring/summer DDR promotion clocks in at just £45 +VAT, to include room hire, three servings of tea, coffee and biscuits, sandwich lunch and unlimited mineral water. Click through for full details.

'Snap a Bag' Competition Winner Announced

Lots of you have been asking us to publish the winners of our Square Meal 'Snap a Bag' competition, so we've dedicated a whole page to it in our upcoming spring issue (due to land on your desks next week). In the meantime, we thought we'd give you a sneak preview of the winning shot, from Vicky Tracy, a PA for General Electric in London. She sent us a selection of imaginative and heartwarming shots from her holiday in Botswana, with the winning shot featuring members of the Ghanzi bushmen camp with Vicky's 10-month-old grandson.

Fishy Business: SEA LIFE London Aquarium Repens

We were most impressed (and a little bit scared) by the new Shark Walk at the relaunched SEA LIFE London Aquarium (tel: 020 7487 0224). In addition to the sharks (walk across a transparent floating platform as they swim beneath you) there are two new areas available for events: the Atlantic Cove, with its myriad shoals of pretty fish and the spectacular glass Ocean Tunnel. Parties of up to 1,000 or 200 for a dinner can be accommodated.

Launch of Bermondsey Square Hotel

79-bedroom Bermondsey Square Hotel (tel: 0870 111 2525) is open for business, forming the focal point of Bermondsey Square’s regeneration at the end of Bermondsey Street. Three naturally lit meeting rooms can be joined together or used separately, holding up to 65 theatre style, and the hotel has teamed up with neighbouring Shortwave Films to offer private screenings for 50.

Free Champagne Reception at Knightsbridge 145

Book a summer party at Knightsbridge 145 before the end of April and receive a free Champagne reception for you and your guests on the night. The venue, which has a 200 stand-up capacity, is also laying on Games Afternoons in Hyde Park and Casino Nights for private bookings.

Bollywood Dancing at Moti Mahal

Get dancing Bollywood style at one of Moti Mahal’s (tel: 020 7240 9329) teambuilding dance classes. Groups of 12 to 15 can book a 45-minute session on Monday evenings or at weekends, hosted by the Bollywood Grooves Dance Company. The restaurant provides bindis and bangles aplenty to dress up in and the evening is rounded off with a two-course dinner.

Inc Group Opens Attic Bar in Docklands

Greenwich's Inc Group is opening no less than three new venues this year, the first of which is swanky cocktail bar The Attic (tel: 020 8305 3091), spectacularly situated on the 48th floor of the UK’s tallest ever residential building, Pan Peninsula in Canary Wharf. Available by appointment only for private hire on a small scale, the bar has a 100-person capacity and as you'd expect, amazing 360-degree views.

86 Park Lane Open for Daytime Events

Now the multi-million pound restoration project at Grosvenor House, A JW Marriot Hotel has finished, the Park Lane hotel has opened up its self-contained events facility 86 Park Lane to daytime use for the first time. The hotel has also been thinking up imaginative ways to celebrate its 80th birthday, one of which is the creation of its own breed of rose – look out for it at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.

Be Afraid of Saw at Thorpe Park

The world's first horror movie rollercoaster tie-in has launched at Thorpe Park. Taking its inspiration from the Saw movie series, the £13m rollercoaster SAW – The Ride is equally terrifying, with a 100ft ‘beyond vertical’ drop and three corkscrew inversions. Book an event at Lake View, Thorpe Park’s event space, and you get the opportunity to ride SAW once the park has closed to the public.

Wallace & Gromit Come to the Science Museum

Friday saw animator Nick Park open an exciting new exhibition at the Science Museum, featuring some of the UK's first inventions to be awarded patents. ‘Wallace & Gromit Present a World of Cracking Ideas’ takes visitors through the pair’s home, using each room to explore different inventions through interaction, animation and creative activities. The exhibition is open for corporate hire outside of museum opening hours until October 31, with a capacity of 200 for drinks receptions.

Refurbished Cocktail Lounge for Ministry of Sound

Stalwart London club Ministry of Sound is fast approaching its 18th birthday and to celebrate, it has spent the past month refurbishing its first floor cocktail lounge. 'Think industrial, neon, raw and contemporary' say the management: it makes a great drinks reception space, with LED tubes lighting the walls and contemporary concrete seating looking down onto the Main Bar below. Capacities are 150 for a drinks reception, 40 for a sit-down dinner and 60 theatre-style.

The Open Championship

After one of the most exciting climaxes the US Masters has seen in years, all eyes turn to the next golf major, the British Open, taking place from 16-19 July. Ayrshire’s remodelled Turnberry course welcomes the championship back for its 138th incarnation, promising exciting golf and top-notch hospitality with Sodexo Prestige at the helm. Three hospitality packages are on offer, all with a complimentary bar and excellent food offerings.

Wine Tasting at Bleeding Heart

It's Bordeaux a-go-go at Clerkenwell's Bleeding Heart on Thursday 19 March, at the Magnum Club Dinner. Three vintages and a delicious menu will be on offer, beginning with aperitifs at 7pm in The Crypt, followed by a five-course dinner. The cost is £95 per head for members and £105 per head for non members - click through for more details.

See Prism Unwrapped on Friday 20 March

The party nights, 'Prism Unwrapped', at Leadenhall Street restaurant and bar Prism have been going down a storm and there are still two more Fridays to enjoy them before the end of March. Prism has created a dramatic mix of circus performances, using its famous high ceilings to create a wow factor, followed by a DJ until 3am. A choice of unlimited drinks packages is available and tickets are £65pp - click through for more information or to book.

Cheyne Walk Wedding Showcase

Chic Cheyne Walk Brasserie is hosting a Weddings Showcase on 25 March, from 12pm to 2pm. Drinks and canapes will be on offer and it's a great opportunity to view the venue, particularly if you're a wedding planner (look out for our wedding feature in the spring magazine). Click here to RSVP

Springtime Tea-Party at The Brewery

We don't generally report back on venue showcases, simply because there are so many of them, but the sheer creativity of The Brewery's spring menu showcase event last week temporarily changed our minds. The Smeaton Vaults were dressed as a fabulously kitsch indoor tea-party, complete with a tree whose branches were hung with birdcages and floral bunting, and tables covered with checked tablecloths and bunny place settings instead of cards. Let us know what you thought on ourTwitter site!

Celebrate St Patrick's at Bentley's

Are you up for the craic? Make a day of it in the private Jameson Room at Bentley's on St Patrick's Day (Tuesday 17 March). From 12.30pm the event kicks off with a Black Velvet reception, followed by a delicious Irish buffet lunch, traditional live music by Hungry Grass and a full cash bar open until late. Tickets are £50pp - click through for full details.

Aquum Opens in Clapham

Just when you thought Clapham was full to the brim of trendy restaurants and bars, Aquum (tel: 020 7627 2726) opens this week, promising to bring 'the excitement and glamour of the West End to SW4.' A 4am licence makes it a good choice for parties - exclusive hire is 400 and there's a pre-requisite VIP area, holding 100.

British Music Experience Launches at The O2

A new interactive, permanent exhibition opens today at The O2. The British Music Experience, in The O2 Bubble, takes you on a trip through popular music history, using state-of-the-art technology and iconic memorabilia over the last 60 years. The 3,730sq ft 'Finale Space' is available for private events, suitable for everything from cocktail receptions to award ceremonies to banquets. Capacities are 400 standing or 200 seated and private tours of the exhibition can be arranged. Let's rock!

Best of Britain & Ireland Exhibition

The Best of Britain & Ireland, in partnership with BBC Magazines & The Telegraph, is an exciting new show that brings the very best of the countries' heritage, food & drink, countryside, coast, plus active & luxury experiences to ExCeL London on 28 & 29 March. It's a great place to source ideas for corporate off-sites and Square Meal readers can claim a free pair of tickets to this exciting new event - simply click here and enter code SQM09.

Delegate Deals at The Capital

If you have guests in town and those guests have their partners with them, stylish Knightsbridge townhouse hotel The Capital is offering a 'business and pleasure rate', whereby delegates attending a meeting at the hotel benefit from a special overnight rate of £225 per night in an executive double room, including breakfast. The other half is then invited to sleep in with a complimentary breakfast in bed.

Poker Nights at Meza, Soho

Gather a group of colleagues together and head down to D&D London's Meza, who is raising the stakes every Tuesday with a new Texas Hold 'Em Poker night, transforming the Soho bar into a casino from 6.30pm onwards. Croupiers are on hand to offer advice and brief players on the rules, so even complete beginners can have a go. 'Proper' games start at 8pm.

Confex Visitor Numbers up by 5%

Visitor numbers were up 5% at the 26th International Confex last week, with total attendance at 15,030 (subject to ABC audit), up from 14,807 last year. "The conference and events industry will come out of the recession faster than many other sectors," said event director Duncan Reid and there was certainly no sign of recessionary gloom on the Square Meal stand, where we welcomed hundreds of visitors who enjoyed free canapés courtesy of the inaugural Canapé Cup stand and copies of our 2009 Guide.

Royal Horseguards Hotel Relaunch

Last week saw the relaunch of The Royal Horseguards Hotel (tel: 020 7839 3344) following a £16m refurbishment plan. Now under Guoman ownership, all 280 bedrooms have been refurbed to five-star standards, alongside the lobby area, and a historian tour guide has been appointed to conduct tours of the conference and banqueting wing, One Whitehall Place.

Bateaux London Summer Party Packages

Spring has sprung and with it, details of Bateaux London's summer party packages. From £57.50pp, they include a two-and-a-half hour cruise with an 'Off the Grill' two-course menu, plus live band and singer. Boarding and disembarkation is from any central London pier.

Book for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

Following the success of the inaugural Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (tel: 01829 772434) at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire last year, this year's two-day racing car, bike, powerboat and helicopter fest will be held on 18 and 19 July. All-inclusive hospitality suites start at £185pp and as well as 150 cars and racing bikes being driven at breakneck speed, 52 powerboats and 100 helicopters will perform aerobatic displays.

Dine at Gaucho for Free Travel to O2

Getting to The O2 can be a bit of a mission, which is why we're excited about Gaucho's new initiative to help get their diners to the show on time. If you're dining pre-show at either Gaucho Canary or Gaucho Tower Bridge, you'll receive a voucher which gives you free travel via the Thames Clipper up the river to The O2. Don't forget, too, that there's a Gaucho within the O2 where you can organise a post-show party or book a VIP suite overlooking the main arena.

Delfina Launch Conference Box Concept

Trendy Bermondsey venue Delfina launched a hi-tech lighting and sound system last year; this year, an innovative 'conference in a box' concept has been unveiled at the venue to enable still more flexibility for events, with clever bespoke draping creating a conference space within the exhibition gallery for 120 delegates.

Refurb at No.4 Hamilton Place

The elegant 40-seater Sopwith Room at No.4 Hamilton Place has had an attractive refurbishment, with new chandeliers, full repaint and recarpet plus new air conditioning. Still in situ is the copy of the Bleriot XI propellor blade, the first plane to cross the English Channel in 1909 and given to the venue by the Queen, plus photos of famous aviator Claude Graham-White.

Cabinet War Rooms Celebrates 70th Anniversary

2009 sees the Cabinet War Rooms commemorating the 70th anniversary of its wartime opening and the 25th anniversary of its opening to the public. To celebrate, a seven-course gourmet taster menu has been created for intimate dinners in the newly refurbished Switch Room or Harmsworth Room for up to 30. New summer DDRs starting from £70pp will also be introduced from April, plus further appealing offers.

Jurys Clifton Ford Relaunches as The Marylebone Hotel

Still part of the Jurys hotel group but now joining their luxury Doyle Collection, Jurys Clifton Ford has just relaunched as The Marylebone Hotel (tel: 020 7 486 6600) following a multi-million pound refurbishment. A new suite of six naturally lit meeting rooms seat up to 70 and be sure to pay a visit to in-house brasserie 108 Marylebone Lane, who use specialist local suppliers such as La Fromagerie and The Ginger Pig.

Canapé Cup at Confex

We're looking forward to seeing you all at this week's International Confex at Earl's Court from 24-26 February & this year there's a special treat in store. Visitors to our new Canapé Cup feature stand (R612) get to sample a tempting selection of canapés, including the winning entry of last year's inaugural Canapé Cup: Sodexo's delicious A Taste of the Season. We'll also be giving away free copies of the new V&E 2009 Guide at the Square Meal stand (R615). See you there!

Reduced Room Hire & DDRs at One Great George Street

Imposing Westminster venue One Great George Street is offering 20% discount off room hire rates for all corporate bookings taking place before February 28, plus a discounted DDR of £65.50 (normally £73.50). The venue is also relaunching its customer loyalty scheme, with membership available only to its direct bookers, whether new or existing.

Covent Garden Hotel Refurbishes Meeting Rooms

Along with Brasserie Max (which now has a separate bar area), the two cosy Blue and Red meeting rooms at Firmdale's Covent Garden Hotel (tel: 020 7287 4434) have been refurbished, each flexible enough to act as private dining room, boardroom meeting space or drinks reception space. The rooms adjoin the private screening room and don't forget the cosy upstairs library for six.

Aquarium to Relaunch as SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Following a multi-million pound makeover, the London Aquarium reopens as SEA LIFE London Aquarium (tel: 020 7487 0224) in April. Part of the Merlin Events portfolio, the venue will also become the flagship in SEA LIFE’S network of 30 attractions across Europe. New features include a glass tunnel walkway (pictured) and a Shark Walk, where up to 1,000 guests can stroll (or cower!) millimetres above a shark tank, as divers (who can be branded with a company logo) swim among them.

Watch 6 Nations at The Groucho

If you haven't been lucky enough to get tickets to any 6 Nations matches, then call up The Groucho Club, who are showing all the Friday and Saturday fixtures from the comfort of one of their cosy private rooms. Each has a 40" HD plasma screen and comes fully waiter-serviced, with canapes an optional extra. Room hire starts from £250 inc VAT and capacities are 10-200.

Inneventive Launches Cookery Experiences at Vinopolis

Inneventive is teaming up with Vinopolis to offer the ultimate in cookery teambuilding. Launching in March, 'cooking experiences' will take place in a purpose-built studio kitchen for groups of 15-100, cooking up delicious meals under the watchful eye of expert chefs. You get to enjoy the fruits of your labours over lunch or dinner, plus shopping for ingredients at Borough Market & Vinopolis wine matchings can also form a fun part of the day.

Our Favourite 'Snap the Snow' Pictures

Thank you to everyone who entered our 'Snap the Snow' competition last week - click through for some of our favourite pictures, including a beautiful pink pelican at London Zoo and a snow-covered Lord's Cricket Ground (and see if you can spot the fake!) It's not too late to submit your photos (fresh snow is forecast for this week after all), so keep them coming to suzanne@squaremeal.co.uk. The pick of the pics will also take pride of place in our autumn/winter issue later this year. Happy snapping and be careful out there!

Free Drinks Reception at The Brickhouse

Ever the venue to pick up on trends, even if those trends are slightly depressing financial ones, The Brickhouse is currently offering some mighty fine deals, including a complimentary drinks reception for any private event taking place before 1 May, Monday to Friday. Also from Tuesday-Friday until 13 February, you can choose between 50% off food bills (maximum four per booking) or a three-course set menu with a glass of bubbly for £25, as well as £2 bottled beers and half-price cocktails from 5pm-7pm.

£10 DDR at De Vere Canary Wharf

Acting swiftly to dispel credit-crunch gloom, De Vere Canary Wharf (tel: 0844 980 2329) is offering a bargain £10 DDR per person until 30 April, only when you book online. Newly launched last summer, the bright, modern venue has 15 meeting rooms, holding up to 360.

Evening Hire Discount at Opera House

One of the most spectacular event spaces in London, the Paul Hamlyn Hall at the Royal Opera House is offering a 10% discount on catering & a special combined room hire rate when you book it in conjunction with the Amphitheatre Bar for a drinks reception, on specific evenings throughout 2009. Click through for a list of available dates.

Have Your Fortune Read at Kai

Celebrate Chinese New Year in one of the delightful private dining rooms at Kai (tel: 020 7493 8988) on 31 January or 6 February and enjoy a free reading from one of the world's leading astrologers, Ting-Foon Chik. The restaurant has also created three tempting new dishes to welcome in the New Year. To book, contact Natalie on 020 7493 8988.

Join Obama at Tussauds

This week may have been Obama's official inauguration but his waxwork counterpart enjoyed an early introduction to the White House late last week at Madame Tussauds, and we think it's one of their best likenesses to date. Book an event at the world-famous venue and you'll get to mingle with the world's most powerful man in a recreation of the Oval office, complete with 'American Eagle' carpet and Resolute desk. Plus today all US citizens will be given free entry to the attraction on presentation of valid documentation.

Boris Opens Forman's Fish Island

Mayor Boris Johnson (pictured here with Square Meal’s Annica Wainwright, Laura Dickinson and Julia Phelps) has officially opened Forman’s Fish Island (tel: 020 8525 2399), a brand new event venue with unobstructed views of the 2012 Olympic Stadium. The salmon-shaped building is home to Britain’s oldest salmon smoker and houses two sizeable event spaces (accommodating 200 and 600 guests respectively) alongside a 40-cover restaurant, extensive kitchens and the smokehouse itself.

BAFTA Nominations Announced

The full list of nominations for the Orange British Academy Film Awards 2009 have been announced by Gemma Arterton and Hayley Atwell at 195 Piccadilly - BAFTA, with Kate Winslet (fresh from her two Golden Globes) nominated twice in the Leading Actress category, alongside fellow Brit Kristin Scott Thomas. We'll be bringing you exclusive, behind-the-scenes coverage of the BAFTAs (taking place on Sunday 8 February at the Royal Opera House) in our Spring issue!

Win Fruit for your Office for a Year

If your January detox is inspiring you to wax lyrical to your colleagues about the joys of fresh fruit and juicing, then enter Fruit for the Office's 2009 competition to win 50 weeks' supply of fresh fruit for your office (that's 270 pieces of fruit a week, which serves around 60 people), plus a free smoothie maker. The competition is open until 1 July but in the meantime, you have no excuse not to get healthy - Square Meal readers get a 50% discount when signing up for the fruit delivery service. Click through to find out more...

Last Chance for Somerset House Skate

It's not too late to skate - the Skate Café at Somerset House is running some great foodie promotions before the rink closes on January 25. A homemade soup and sandwich is just £5 and on DJ nights, a pie and pint is £6, while Tiffany & Co. cupcakes with a hot drink are £4. The rink is open from 10am to 10.15pm and group bookings can be made via the Ticketmaster group line on 0844 8442121.

Jameson Room Free at Bentley's

Tempting times at Richard Corrigan's Bentley's, where hire of the Jameson Room is free of charge and the minimum spend waived throughout January. The classy, self-contained room seats up to 60 or 100 standing, with its own entrance, toilets and a 3am bar. Perfect for presentations too, it has a plasma screen and DVD player. An all-inclusive menu pricing structure is £75pp, including half a bottle of wine per person, mineral water, coffee, handmade chocolates and service.

Shakespeare's Globe Announces 2009 Season

Shakespeare's Globe has announced its programme for 2009 and it's a romantic line-up, with Romeo & Juliet, Troilus & Cressida, As You Like It and Love's Labours Lost to distract us from recessionary woes. Why not book the Balcony Room for a pre-performance dinner for 70 or enjoy a drinks reception in the UnderGlobe? Public booking for plays opens on 14 February.

Confex 2009 Announces Keynote Line-Up

An eclectic line-up will be delivering the keynotes at this year's International Confex show at Earl's Court, from 24-26 February. Ruby Wax, Hamish McRae (principal economic commentator for The Independent) and Kelvin MacKenzie will be sharing insight into the economy and talking about their individual backgrounds as part of the free Confex Knowledge seminar programme. There will be a further 55 free seminars over the three days of the show and as ever, the Square Meal Venues and Events team will be there, so do make sure you visit us on our stand!

Delegate Discounts at Churchill Museum

The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms is making January and February meetings a whole lot cheerier by introducing room hire, canapé and mineral water discounts, as well as fantastic DDRs from £55 plus VAT per person. Click through for more details.

New Year's Eve with Elton at O2

If you're anything like us, you still haven't sorted out your New Year's Eve, so how's this for a plan: a six-course bespoke banquet and cocktail at Gaucho at the O2, preceded by a Champagne reception, and followed by VIP tickets to Elton John's O2 concert? On stage at 10.35pm, he will be joined by Will Young during his set, with Sealife, The Overtures and The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke supporting. All for £250 per person - to purchase, contact katie.Taylor@gauchorestaurants.com or call 020 8858 7711.

Free Champagne Reception at Vinopolis

Book a teambuilding event that takes place in January 2009 at Vinopolis and your guests can enjoy a free Champagne reception. If you're looking for new teambuilding ideas, give 'The Robert Joseph Wine Apprentice' a try. The wine equivalant of The Apprentice, it's been designed by the world's most travelled wine writer, Robert Joseph, and involves a highly competitive 90-minute session followed by a two-course meal.

Novotel London West Unveil Refurb Plans

Already boasting some of the most extensive C&B facilities in London, Novotel London West has just announced extensive refurbishment plans that will see the group & conference arrival desks upgraded, along with a restaurant and lounge bar refurb and the addition of a second restaurant and new cocktail bar. Finally the Chablis Suite will be redesigned, with floating sound-proofed walls added. Full plans will be unveiled at Confex in February 2009.

Madame Zingara Comes to Battersea

Here's a novel way to entertain clients over the next three months. Fresh from a sell-out two-year tour in Cape Town, Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams (tel: 0844 338 8888) comes to Battersea Power Station from December 12, under the canvas of one of the world's only remaining Spiegeltents. A four-course meal is served alongside a theatrical display of acrobatics, singing, actors and performers, with no guest further than eight metres away from the stage.

New Year's Eve at All Star Lanes Brick Lane

Decided on your New Year's Eve plans yet? Well if you don't mind spending it with your colleagues, All Star Lanes Brick Lane has an 'Eat, Drink, Bowl' extravaganza, comprising a three-course dinner, bowling and all-you-can-drink house wine, for £65 per person. DJs will be spinning classic tracks from the last five decades and the dress code is 1950s Americano. Another option is to walk in on the night and there'll be no cover charge.

Free Room Hire for Christmas at St Pancras Grand

Christmas comes early at the St Pancras Grand (tel: 020 7870 9900) this year, with hire of their cosy 12-seater private dining room waived if your party chooses one of the restaurant's Christmas menus. The Christmas Gala Menu, at £150pp, is particularly tempting, with Penhaligon's luxury crackers and seven tempting courses, but tighter budgets are equally well catered for with a Grand Christmas Menu at £39.50 or Gourmet Set Menus at £55 or £70pp. The offer runs throughout December & could potentially save you £500 (day hire rate)

Thomas Lyte Trophy Unveiled

Yesterday saw the unveiling of a new rugby trophy honouring the late Sir Edmund Hillary and his contribution to New Zealand and Great Britain. Thomas Lyte Silver was commissioned by the RFU to create the shield, which will be contested for the first time tomorrow at the Investec Challenge Test match, when the All Blacks take on England at Twickenham. Created from 9kg of Sterling Silver, it will be presented to the winning team by Sir Edmund Hillary's widow, Lady Hillary.

Private Dining at Bob Bob Ricard

The curiously named Bob Bob Ricard (tel: 020 3145 1000), all-day English-style brasserie, has opened in Soho this week, on the former site of Circus. With a striking design by David Collins, inspired by first-class Edwardian train travel, the sexy private dining room (The Owner's Salon), seating up to 16, is open until 3am, as is the downstairs basement bar.

Doubletree® Makes London Debut

Doubletree launched their first UK hotel in Cambridge earlier this year, Aberdeen soon followed and now the third opening is in London, rebranding the Courthouse Hotel as the Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton - Regent Street (tel: 020 7297 5555). Event facilities include the delightful rooftop terrace for cocktail receptions and one of the biggest private cinemas in London, seating 94.

Hit the Slopes at the O2 Arena

Cheer yourself up post New Year slump by heading down to the O2 arena, where an artificial twin 45m ski slope (The Kiss 100 Slopes) is in situ until 25 January. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, you can try out snow tubes (inflatable sledges). Book the slopes exclusively for 35 people: one slope is £800 and includes two instructors and ski hire; both slopes is £1400. To book, contact Nicola Lucas on 020 8463 2125 or email Nicola.lucas@aegworldwide.co.uk

Get Your Skates On

We've put together a round-up of seasonal skating rinks, all of which are now open and available for private hire. The Natural History Museum has particularly appealing corporate packages, including hire of a private area in the Cafe Bar for two hours of post-skating Pimm's Winter Cup drinking!

Make a Meal of it at Skylon

Bringing new meaning to the term liquid lunch, the bar at Skylon has introduced a three-course cocktail ‘menu’, with drinks served alongside matching canapés. Our favourite is the ‘starter’, which sees a lingonberry Champagne cocktail matched to venison carpaccio with beetroot and hazelnuts. This is followed by a rosemary and lychee martini ‘main’ with hot-smoked salmon, plus a spiced bourbon cocktail with chunks of nougat for ‘dessert’. The three courses cost £35.

Celebrate St Andrew's at Albannach

Next Saturday 29 November is St Andrew's Day, and what better place to celebrate it than Albannach (tel: 020 7930 0066), where fabulous Celtic celebrations will be laid on for £50pp (to include a five-course meal and entertainment) or £85 with matched whiskies. Bagpipers, ceilidh bands and a best kilt competition (all guests wearing a kilt will also receive a complimentary bottle of Albannach Whisky Beer) all add to the fun.

Biba Makeover for Babylon

Restaurant with a view Babylon has just reopened with a glamorous new look. Inspired by the building's history (iconic fashion brand Biba was based here in the Seventies), the interior has been brightened and lightened, with flock wallpaper, green leather chairs and colourful artwork. The private dining room, seating 12, has also been refurbished with cream wallpaper, softly lit by chandeliers.

Chef's Table at Corrigan's Mayfair

With a 30-seater private dining room and a delightful chef's table seating 10, newly opened Corrigan's Mayfair (tel: 020 7499 9943) is bound to be popular with private diners looking for a fabulous fine-dining option in the West End. The chef's table (aka The Club Room) has a glass partition with the kitchen, offering fascinating views of the chefs and the pass.

New Members' Club Molton House

Owned by Nick Valentine (Cuckoo Club owner) and with a membership committee numbering the likes of Tracy Emin and Alice Temperley, Molton House (tel: 020 7493 1688), opening this week, means business. The five-storey Georgian townhouse in South Molton Street has a 120-capacity for private events, with the cocktail bar holding a further 45, and there are private booths dotted throughout.

City Gets Two New Corney & Barrows

Dependably stylish City and Docklands bar chain, Corney & Barrow, has opened two new bars. New Street Square, located on the western-most fringes of the City near Holborn, encompasses fine dining in a 14-seater private room plus exclusive weekend hire for 200; while Lime Street, near Bank (and the first Corney & Barrow to serve cask ale from the Cotswold’s Hook Norton Brewery), has private dining for 12, an 80-capacity lounge bar available for weekday hire and exclusive weekend hire for up to 350.

Bincho Yakitori Opens New Bar

A new bar and sake lounge opens at Japanese Soho favourite Bincho Yakitori (tel: 020 7803 0858) this week. A slinky lounge space holds up to 40 for private hire and there's an extensive list of sake and shochu, not to mention Japanese cocktails and an extended wine list, all overseen by renowned 'master of Sake' Shige Seo.

All Star Lanes Comes to East End

This week sees the opening of All Star Lanes, Brick Lane, the third in London for the company & the largest yet, with a private room holding 120 and boasting three bowling lanes (Holborn and Bayswater each have two). Set on a mezzanine floor above the main bowling hall, the room has a luxurious American 80s penthouse feel, with its own cocktail bar and kitchen station in the room, so canapés or private dining for smaller groups can be accommodated. For larger groups, the main bowling hall is also available for exclusive hire.

Give to Charity at One Queen Anne's Gate

We're glad to see conference venues getting greener and more charitable: the latest is One Queen Anne's Gate (tel: 020 7344 1884), who are suggesting that for every bottle of chilled tap water clients consume during an event, they make a voluntary donation to the Tap into WaterAid programme. All donations fund life-saving water, sanitation and hygiene education projects in the developing world.

Slim Jim's on Upper Street

The UK's first 'LA-style dive bar' has opened in Islington's bar-packed Upper Street. Slim Jim's Liquor Store (tel: 020 7354 4363) has a lived-in, retro feel, with bare-brick walls, 50s-style stools and diner booths. Private hire for up to 40 can be accommodated any night of the week, or exclusive hire can be arranged on Monday nights. Fine whiskies and rums complement a musical backdrop of guitar-based rock and roll.

Dynamic FX Becomes Magicians.co.uk

Europe's leading magic company has a new name and identity. Dynamic FX has become Magicians.co.uk, to better reflect the nature of the company's core business. An approved supplier at The Magic Circle Headquarters, it has been delivering magical entertainment and services for nearly 20 years, and in 2007 was voted one of the UK's top 20 entertainment companies.

21 at Home House

Swanky private members' club Home House (tel: 020 7670 2000) has bought up the building next door and opened it as Home House at 21 Portman Square. Hire the very sexy House Bar & Lounge designed by architect du jour Zaha Hadid, with a 60-person capacity, stocked with fabulous cocktails & vintage Champagnes. There are five further private hire spaces, all equally stylish. The space also boasts two bedrooms, which can be opened up and turned into a two-bedroom apartment, plus a state-of-the-art gym and spa.

Brunel Comes to Battersea

S Bar in Battersea Bridge Road has now become The Brunel (tel: 020 7223 3322), so-called as Brunel once had a factory over the road. The bar is dark, moody, sexy and beautifully designed, a theme which follows through to the upstairs 200-capacity events space, Kingdom. Designed to look like a New York loft apartment, hire is free and the room has its own bar, complete with late licence. There is also a Conservatory holding 50.

Green & Red Opens New Basement

Ever popular Mexican Tequila bar Green & Red launches a new basement venue this week, with a party on Thursday which you can sign up for on their website. It's a 200-capacity space (320 if you include the existing upstairs restaurant) called Chamucos (tel: 020 7749 9670) with a late licence, loungey leather seating and funky decor.

Election All Nighter at Chicago Rib Shack

In case you hadn't noticed, tonight is US election night and whether you're rooting for Obama or McCain, join the party at Chicago Rib Shack (tel: 020 7591 4664). The Knightsbridge restaurant & bar will be open all night, with an all-night licence, as votes come in on big screens. Democrat-and-Republican-coloured cocktails will be served up alongside the finger-lickin' ribs, with breakfast at 6.30am for the bleary-eyed. Bookings are £25 per person.

Silent Cinema Comes to Andaz

You've heard of silent disco; now silent cinema comes to town, with the ever-innovative Andaz hosting the first of the concept's monthly screenings this Friday with The Shining and thereafter on the last Friday of each month, until it moves to Brighton in May 2009. The film will be projected onto the wall of the 6-storey atrium (a great events space in itself) & each viewer will don wireless headphones to watch. Next up for November is The Ice Storm & tickets are available on ticketweb. Enjoy the silence!

Fireside Dining at Clos Maggiore

When the weather in London is colder than Moscow, it's time to head indoors and pay a visit to cosy Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden, where they've just started lighting their delightful log fire in the private dining room. Seating 30, amid warm, oak-panelled surroundings, it's a lovely place to wind away a winter evening, Even better, exclusive hire is currently free of charge.

Tasting Menus Only at Vanilla

Sophisticated Fitzrovia bar/restaurant Vanilla has just gone 'tasting menu only', apparently the first restaurant in London to do so in the evening, and the good news is that the menus will be available for private events too. Head chef Izu Ani (ex The Square) feels his clean, fresh cooking style is better suited to smaller dishes, and has devised three tasting menus, of four, six or 10 courses.

New Kitchen at Great George Street

Delegates have a new reason for booking events at prestigious Westminster venue One Great George Street. There's a new £1m kitchen and in-house restaurant Brasserie One has been refurbished, and is now available (alongside the Café Bar) for private hire on weekday evenings for up to 100. The food is delicious and the restaurant is open to the public at lunchtime, so why not pop in and taste the wares?

Steak Out at Gaucho Smithfield

What location could be more appropriate for Gaucho's latest launch than that of Smithfields? Enjoy the award-winning Argentinian chain's tasty steaks at the 135-capacity restaurant, together with a bar and private dining room for 12. Alongside the fine meat and Ceviches, diners can enjoy views of the listed buildings of Smithfield Market & the City skyline beyond. Unlike other venues in the area, it's open seven days a week, pleasing City workers and residents alike.

Boris Launches Altitude 360

Exciting new developments are afoot at Millbank Tower. Tuesday night saw the unveiling of plans to double the capacity of lofty events venue Altitude in early 2009. Unveiling those plans was none other than our very own Mayor, Boris Johnson, who inspired attendees with his enthusiasm for the project, which will open up the other half of the L-shaped venue to more stunning views of the city skyline. The contemporary venue will also rename itself, becoming (appropriately enough) Altitude 360.

De Vere West One Reopens

De Vere West One has reopened following extensive refurbishment and is looking better than ever, with its five bright, airy floors holding 24 training and meeting rooms and a conference room for up to 250. All new enquiries will receive two free cinema tickets and why not go along to the launch event on 31 October, from 3pm?

Get High at Paramount

Just in time for the nights drawing in, new members' club Paramount (tel: 020 7379 5484) opened last week, 35 floors up in the Centre Point building. The 31st floor events space is accessible to non-members, with its own entrance and lift, plus a dramatic 10m long bar facing west to catch the sunset. The room holds up to 350 standing or 160 seated.

Coin Street Open Day

Contemporary South Bank purpose-built conference and meeting space, Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, has a new preferred caterer, The Lotus Food Company: have a taste of their delicious food at an open day on 29 October and view the event spaces. Click through for more details...

The Name's Bond, James Bond

Quantum of Solace opens on 31 October and venues across town are hosting private screenings and special events to celebrate the return of everyone's favourite secret agent: The Barbican Partridge Events are hosting private screenings in the opening week with pre-or-post screening drinks.
Brown's Hotel Ian Fleming Centenary Package, including overnight accommodation and Bond cocktails
Madame Tussauds New waxworks of Daniel Craig and Judi Dench in an MI6 interactive briefing room.

Last Days of Decadence

We're loving the name of the latest addition to the ever-burgeoning Shoreditch bar scene: The Last Days of Decadence (tel: 020 7729 2896). The bar has an old-fashioned 1920s glamour about it and is available for private hire Sunday through Thursday, with a 330 capacity. The basement bar can also be hired independently for 200.

Book Ahead for Vinopolis Comedy Nights

Vinopolis is branching into comedy, hosting Laughter Lounge on the last Friday of every month. For a very reasonable £10 in advance or £12 on the door, you get to view three hours of excellent stand-up from the likes of Paul Tonkinson and Brendan Dempsey, alongside a Borough Market-inspired menu (not included in the ticket price).

Third London Opening for The Hub

There are 'Hubs' in twelve cities worldwide: London already has two in Islington and the South Bank. Now a third has just opened: The Hub King's Cross (tel: 020 7833 9991), offering three levels of private event space in a striking Grade II-listed building, available on selected week nights and at weekends. Maximum capacity is 130.

Open Day at Twickenham

The new South Stand Conference and Events Centre at Twickenham has opened and it's looking fantastic, with an extra 5,000sq m of event space, including The Live Room with a stage and tiered seating for up to 400, and The Rose Suite for banqueting. If you're keen to have a look round, go along to the open day or evening next Thursday 23 October, from 3.30pm - 5.30pm or 6pm - 8pm. RSVP by Friday 10 October stating your preferred time slot to rugby@daviestanner.co.uk or call 01892 617911.

Trafalgar Events

In a convenient location just off Trafalgar Square, Trafalgar Events opens this week, ready for business with its seven rooms using colour therapy to suit the mood of your meeting. The basement can be used as a disco or screening room and has a small courtyard, plus a balcony will open by Christmas on the first floor.

Get Arty at The Churchill

Frieze Art Fair launches this week and in honour of its status as 'Official Hotel Partner', the Hyatt Regency London The Churchill (tel: 020 7486 5800) has organised a special set menu over the weekend of the 18 October, including entry to the Fair, plus Frieze-inspired cocktails until the 19 October in the Bar. A good excuse to visit and check out the hotel's excellent function rooms at the same time.

America Square Open for Business

America Square in the City is now open for business. With an original piece of 2,000-year old Roman Wall running through it, extensive meeting spaces include seven meeting rooms, seating from two to 200. The venue is run by Cavendish Conference Venues and will be the fourth addition to their existing three West End venues.

Last Chance to Win Hospitality at Ascot!

This is your last week to enter our V&E 'Snap a Bag' photo competition (which closes this Saturday 31 January). We've had some amazing entries so far but we're keen to see more, so get snapping your bag (whether black, turquoise or white) in the most unusual location you can think of think of and send it in to bags@squaremeal.co.uk. The winner will receive a pair of complimentary hospitality tickets to Royal Ascot 2009 and there are numerous runner-up prizes. Good luck!

Canapé Cup Winner Announced

This year's V&E show saw the launch of The Square Meal Canapé Cup competition. 10 catering companies and venues with affiliated caterers all submitted delicious entries but the winner was Sodexo Prestige with its buttermilk and rosemary sweetcorn fritter, peppered confit rabbit with apple glaze and watercress puree. Second place went to The Cinnamon Club and the-recipe came third. Congratulations to all involved!

Square Meal V&E Show Boasts 14% Visitor Increase

We were thrilled to welcome over 7,000 of you to Old Billingsgate on 17 and 18 September for our fourth annual Venues & Events exhibition. Another resounding success, we had a huge number of new exhibitors and some great new features such as the Square Meal Canapé Cup; our 'insider knowledge' seminars were also more popular than ever. It's encouraging to see that even in what was a terrible week for the financial sector, we managed to buck the gloomy news with a 14 per cent increase in turnout too.

V&E Show Seminars Live on Web

We were delighted by your feedback from our show seminars last week and due to popular demand, we've put all our presentations online for you in PDF format. Click through to read and download!

Sing for your Supper

At last an alternative to Sarastro: Le Bel Canto has just opened in the City. Already a big hit in Paris, it's essentially a programme of live opera, sung by professional singers and accompanied by pianists, alongside excellent three course dinners. Great for a private party for up to 160 or tables within normal service for up to 30.

VR5 at The Egg

Though the likes of The Cross, Canvas and The Key have closed in King's Cross, The Egg is still going strong and has opened a new top floor, VR5 (tel: 020 7609 8364). It's a very funky space, holding 275 for a party, and has its own entrance and smoking terrace, along with some rather adventurous light projections.

Kings Place Open for Business

Kings Place is now open for business in King's Cross, with all sorts of flexible spaces up for hire, including London's first new concert hall in London since the Barbican in 1982, holding up to 420, or there's the Battlebridge Room overlooking Regent's Canal, for up to 330. Two art galleries make attractive drinks reception spaces and there's a private dining room for up to 20.

In Fashion at May Fair Hotel

London Fashion Week has started and this year's official hotel is the May Fair. If you're a fashion junkie, hang out in the lobby this week, where designers, supermodels and buyers will be holding court. The hotel has all the right credentials, with the largest private screening room in town, and the Crystal Room, boasting the biggest Baccarat chandelier in Europe.

My Square Meal

We've launched some snazzy new features on our website which means you can create your own profile and start building your own mini Venues & Events guide. Create your own lists (say, 'Christmas party ideas' or 'Private dining venues') or build up a list of favourite caterers and party planners, and there's even the capability to email the list to your colleague. For more information click here, or if you’re raring to go, simply login with the box on the left (you may need to register if you don’t already have a Square Meal account).

Oyster Shucking at Pont de la Tour

For a minimum of five, try an oyster shucking class at Le Pont de la Tour (tel: 020 7403 8403) from September through to April. Benefit from the expert knowledge of the chef as you learn to shuck, and the best ways to enjoy, the slippery little suckers, accompanied by a glass of Champagne and crustacean bites.

New Events Venue in Covent Garden

Covent Garden has a new dedicated meetings and events space right by the Piazza. Formerly the Theatre Museum, The Flower Cellars (tel: 020 7170 9133) is a great blank canvas space, with two floors of event space holding up to 250 on the ground floor and 750 on the lower ground, with bare brick and whitewashed walls. The Hospital Club Events Company will oversee bookings and events.

Wine & Dine in the Sky

Dining in the open air is one thing; dining at 100ft up in the open air is quite another! Try the Altitude Menu at Gaucho O2, where you and your fellow diners are hoisted by crane to enjoy a four course meal and wine pairings on 30 September.

New Restaurant for St Pancras

Following the launch of the glamorous St Pancras Champagne Bar earlier this year, restaurant, bar and private dining room St Pancras Grand (tel: 020 7870 9900) is following hot on its heels. With specially created menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an all-day menu, food is proudly British and seasonal, with a strictly European wine list. Private dining for 10 is the perfect way to welcome your visitors off Eurostar.

Reopening for Just St James

Delightfully grand restaurant and bar Just St James has emerged from a summer makeover looking completely revitalised. The soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, spiral staircase and funky glass lift all remain, but the dining area has been moved and raised to ensure a pleasant view of St James below, and a new lighting system makes the space brighter. Host a drinks reception in the exclusive new Clicquot Lounge on the Gallery Level or take over the restaurant, holding 120.

Hang on to Summer in the City

We've found a way to hang onto summer all through the winter, by booking a private party at the Leadenhall branch of Revolution (tel: 020 7929 4233). It's all thanks to the Real Sunlight Machine. Long popular with the Swedes, it produces incredibly realistic (and totally harmless) rays of light and heat. The Revolution guys can lay on a sandy beach, palm trees and loungers to complete the experience. If popular, Revolution plan to roll it out across their 55 vodka bars nationwide.

St James's Reopens with Michelin Chef

Reopening this week is St. James's Hotel and Club (tel: 020 7316 1600) following an 18 month refurb. Dating back to 1892 (when it opened as a gentlemen's chamber for the aristocracy), the elegant townhouse has four very stylish private dining/meeting rooms, catering for up to 120, and with Michelin-starred German chef Dieter Müller at the helm, food will be faultless.

New Lucky Voice in Upper Street

Today sees the opening of London's second Lucky Voice (tel: 020 7354 6280) in Islington's ever-popular Upper Street. Expect the same formula as Soho but on a larger, more luxurious scale, with seven private rooms seating between eight and 15, and a roomy, street-facing bar open to singers and non-singers alike.

Free Wedding Cake at Commonwealth Club

If the credit crunch is affecting your wedding plans, here's an incentive to tie the knot before the end of next year: The Commonwealth Club is offering a complimentary wedding cake (to a maximum value of £1,000) designed by Peggy Porschen, for all wedding receptions booked this year or 2009 (as long as your wedding is on a Saturday or Sunday). Get that ring on your finger pronto!

Pimms Summerfest in Holland Park

Here's a lovely way to spend the last few days of summer: from 27 to 31 August, Holland Park (tel: 0871 231 0821) and Pimms are hosting 25 talented comedians, each performing bite-size chunks of comedy in the open-air (but under cover) theatre, as you munch away on a Pimms picnic. Jo Brand, Jenny Eclair, Russell Howard and Jeremy Hardy are among the line-up but hurry, as tickets are selling out fast...

Just Desserts at Pearl

We've come late to Pearl's (tel: 020 7829 7000) dessert cocktails but after a recent tasting, we can't get enough of them. It's hard to choose a favourite out of the five: rhubarb custard crumble, Bramley apple pie, strawberries and cream, lemon meringue pie and raspberry sherry trifle. Enjoy one in place of dessert in Silhouette, Pearl's gorgeous 12-seater private dining room.

Beach Party Weekend at Zebrano

To celebrate the long weekend, funky bar Zebrano (tel: 020 7287 5267) is recreating four of the world's most famous beaches, with free entry to enjoy themed cocktails, food and live music. Friday kicks off with Waikiki beach, then off to Bondi on Saturday, Copacabana on Sunday and Nikki Beach Miami on Monday. Staff will be garbed in bikinis and shorts, and over six tonnes of sand has been shipped in, along with bookable sun loungers. Now all we need is a bit of sun...

Free Cocktails at Museum in Docklands

Throughout the month of September, book an evening event at Museum in Docklands and you and your guests will receive a free cocktail on arrival, plus a private view of the excellent 'Jack the Ripper and the East End' exhibition. Carry on the party in one of the permanent galleries or unusual function spaces.

Free Drinks at Big Chill Birthday

It's been two years since the Big Chill House (tel: 020 7427 2540) came to King's Cross and to celebrate its birthday on Thursday, you can visit their website and download a voucher for not one but four free drinks on the night! It's a great place for a private party, with a terrace for 100, various rooms, or the whole place for 600.

50% off Minimum Private Dining Spend at Prism

The glamorous Prism Restaurant & Bar is offering 50% off the minimum spend on private dining throughout August, until September 17. Choose from two spaces: the gentlemen's club-style Library seating 20, or the Mezzanine seating 40, with its dual aspect view of the restaurant and Leadenhall Market.

Casablanca Comes to Plateau

Plateau (tel: 020 7715 7100) is channelling a Moroccan vibe this month, with its al fresco terrace offering such delights as belly dancing, snake charming, tarot reading and henna body art during the working week. The terrace can also be hired for events (thankfully it has a canopy), along with two stylish private rooms inside.

Private Dining at L'Anima

City newcomer L'Anima (tel: 020 7422 7000) has been garnering rave reviews since its opening last month, so we thought it high time we told you about its gorgeous private dining room. Seating up to 14 along a decadent green marble table, surrounded by limestone walls, the room is designed to recall the refectory of a medieval monastery (the result is a lot less austere than it sounds!) Menus are specially created for private diners and can also be enjoyed in the mezzanine area of the main restaurant space.

Fresh Options at Hampton Court

There are some upsides to the credit crunch. For example, Hampton Court (tel: 020 3166 6507) has just launched a non-exclusive hire package for companies on a budget, meaning you no longer have to hire the entire palace on an exclusive basis. Up to 200 guests can now choose from a range of packages arranged around different areas of the venue.

Free Room Hire at Lucky Voice

Sing out loud, sing out strong: to liven up August, Lucky Voice (tel: 020 7439 3660) in Soho are offering free Friday singing until the end of August. Every Friday afternoon, room hire is free between 3pm and 6pm. Watch this space too for a new Islington Lucky Voice, opening in September...

Buddha Bar - At Last!

We thought the day would never come but Buddha Bar (tel: 020 3371 7777) has finally opened, on the north banks of the Thames by Waterloo Bridge. Expect seductive decor and sexy music in the 700-capacity space, with a sushi bar, huge ground floor restaurant and mezzanine lounge. The ultimate space for private parties...

Fabric Goes to Greenwich

The finishing touches are being made to Fabric's new O2 opening. Matter will open mid September, with a gigantic 2,600 capacity, and is set to play host to world-class DJs and bands. The third floor is perfect for private hire, with its own entrance and bespoke booths overlooking the main dancefloor, with each booth housing its own personal sound manipulation if the music gets too loud! Just to add to the fun, Thames Clipper boats will be running throughout the night to whisk you back to central London.

Mint Leaf Sibling Opens in City

From the team behind award-winning Mint Leaf restaurant and bar in Suffolk Place comes Mint Leaf Lounge (tel: 020 7930 9020). Bravely opening in a month when much of London is out of town, the brand's fabulous modern Indian cuisine and excellent cocktails are sure to attract Bank-based punters in this former banking hall, with a mezzanine Champagne bar holding 60 for private functions, private dining for 50 downstairs and exclusive hire for 300.

New Five Star for Heathrow

You may have read in our current issue about Albert Roux's chef's table and boardroom at Brasserie Roux, in Terminal 5's new five star Sofitel Heathrow (tel: 020 8757 7647), as well as Vivre, an innovative dining experience for conference delegates. The hotel is now fully open for business, with 45 meeting rooms catering for up to 1,700. Pass through next time you're jetting off...

1 Lombard Street is Ten Years Old

1 Lombard Street is ten years old this month and to celebrate, the restaurant is offering some of its delicious signature dishes at 1998 prices, as well as a 50% discount on room hire for private lunch and dinner events in the Red Room, seating up to 40. Both offers run until the end of August.

Al Fresco Dining at Bentley's

Take advantage of the sunshine and head to Bentley's (tel: 020 7734 4756) in Mayfair, where an elegant al fresco dining area has just been unveiled. Comfortably fitted with chairs, marble tables, navy parosols and plants, the space is perfect to unwind with a glass of wine and one of Richard Corrigan's signature dishes, or a range of oysters from the Oyster Bar. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle on the newly pedestrianised Swallow Street, the area is open from noon until 10.30pm each day and can seat up to 24.

Casino Available for Exclusive Hire

The Casino at The Empire, London’s largest casino, is now available for exclusive private hire for up to 1,800 people. The snazzy West End-venue, formerly home to the renowned Empire Ballroom, offers 50,000sq feet of space for exclusive private events.

House Basement Opens in Soho

Located beneath Café Boheme at 17 Old Compton Street, House Basement (tel: 020 7292 0126) is the latest addition to the ever-expanding Soho House empire. Drawing inspiration from a traditional French sitting room, the basement features neutral decor, deep sofas and snug armchairs, offset by home furnishings and a relaxed atmosphere. Available during the day for private hire, the space can accommodate 50 seated or up to 80 for drinks parties. A menu is also available offering traditional French food.

Amy Comes to Madame Tussauds

Amy Winehouse has been spotted in Madame Tussauds. The petite musical powerhouse, whose waxen alter ego stands almost six feet tall thanks to killer heels and beehive, joins other A-list music legends in the fabulous World Stage Ballroom. Click through to read more about hosting an event at Tussauds...

Rejuvenate this Summer

City-based Energy Clinic has changed its name to The Rejuvenation Centre. The Feng Shui-ed venue guarantees to boost your energy, performance and stamina levels with just one session of its signature Rejuvenation treatment, which combines a Rejuvenating Tea ceremony, meridian massage and practical tips to re-balance your energy levels.

Alfresco Terrace Opens at belowzero

Heddon Street is now a mecca for chilled out alfresco drinking and dining; belowzero is the latest to join the club, with its colourful new terrace. Various ongoing offers, such as a lunch deal of two courses and a beer or glass of wine for £16 (or £12.50 for two courses), selected bottles of white and rose for £10 between 5-7pm and live music on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, make it a yet more attractive proposal. Don't forget too, that belowzero has some gorgeous private event spaces inside, for up to 90 (or take over the whole place for 270).

Members' Club Bureau Opens for Private Events

When Kingly Court-based private members' club Bureau (tel: 020 7494 4386) opened earlier this month, we were disappointed that this slick, New York-style basement bar was only available for private hire to non-members on a Sunday. But hurray - we've just heard that it is now open for weekday or night bookings too, with a capacity of 80 for drinks and gourmet bar food.

Tom Aikens Launches Classic Menu for Private Dining

Now there's the chance to sample all of Tom Aikens' signature dishes in private dining, seating up to ten, with matched wines chosen by Sommelier of the Year 2008 Gearoid Devaney. Enjoy the Classic Menu at £100 per person (with wines, £175 per person), with such delights as poached lobster tail and cured venison with venison carpaccio.

Number Twelve on Masterchef

Switch on to BBC One tonight at 8pm and spot Italian restaurant Number Twelve on Celebrity Masterchef, as the three remaining finalists fine tune their cooking at top London restaurants. The restaurant has recently been nominated as Best Italian Restaurant at the London Restaurant Awards and can be hired exclusively for up to 70; combine with a meeting in one of Ambassadors Bloomsbury's meeting rooms (the restaurant sits on its ground floor).

Aston Hall Opens the West Wing

One of South Yorkshire's finest hotels, Aston Hall, has just opened a new West Wing to its 1772 main house. Mirroring its beautiful Georgian architecture, the Wing adds a further 29 bedrooms and two new meeting rooms, holding up to 30 people boardroom or 60 theatre style.

New Private Members' Club in West End

Not another private members' club I hear you cry? Well, Victory (tel: 020 7240 0700) is thankfully something a little bit different. Newly opened, membership is free but granted on the premise that you have a story to tell: only creative, witty raconteurs need apply. All areas of the imaginative New Oxford Street venue are also available for private hire, from Victory Street (a movie set-inspired avenue with shop windows) to a Library and Apartment.

The Kitchen Opens in Parsons Green

Swiftly following on the heels of L'Atelier des Chefs comes The Kitchen (tel: 020 7736 8067): an exciting new 'meal assembly' concept whereby time-poor Londoners can order a meal online (with menus created by a Michelin-starred chef), then pop in to the Parsons Green kitchen, where the ingredients for said meal are all ready to be put together and taken home by you to enjoy. What's more, bespoke private bookings are available for up to 16, with a Champagne reception and team cooking, followed by a food and wine matching experience.

Park Terrace Offers at Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental's delightful new outdoor dining space, The Park Terrace, has opened and to celebrate, the hotel is offering complimentary room hire when you book a private reception on the Terrace, for a minimum of 150 guests. Other excellent deals include a complimentary upgrade from a sparkling wine reception to a Champagne reception at lunch or dinner, and a special offer on canapés, which are reduced to £12 per person (normal price £16). The various offers are valid until the end of December, as long as you book before the end of August.

Private Shopping at Hamleys

At last - a way to shop at Hamleys without getting surrounded by over-excited children. We love the sound of the after-hours parties for corporate groups, which include private shopping (with a discount) throughout the store, canapés and Champagne. DJs and live entertainment can be laid on and don't forget Hamleys host childrens' parties too, including a sleepover (we're jealous!)

Last Minute VIP Package at Lovebox Weekender

Here's a great last minute plan for the weekend: Love The Bunny's (tel: 07775 696232) VIP package at Victoria Park's excellent and now very well-established Lovebox Weekender. From £99, you'll be hosted in the equivalent of an exclusive country club, surrounded by water features and art installations; the largest mobile roof terrace in the country; a spa offering treatments; chill out hammock village; private bars and specialist food offerings. Best of all, the weather is set to be sunny!

All That Jazz

Today sees the launch of the inaugural Greenwich Beer & Jazz Festival (tel: 020 8241 9818), an official CAMRA event which will feature over 140 real ales, lagers and bottled beers, plus all sorts of live jazz happenings. Running until Sunday, take the opportunity to wander round the many excellent venues in the area. And whilst we're on a jazz tip, we're revisiting The Dover Street Restaurant & Jazz Bar - nearly 30 years old and still one of the best private hire spaces if live music is on the menu.

World's Hottest Curry at Cinnamon Club

Things are hotting up at the Cinnamon Club, where chef Vivek Singh has created the world's hottest curry (allegedly). It's already been submitted to the Guiness World Records and diners have to sign a disclaimer before eating it, stating they understand the nature and risks involved with eating such a dish. What makes it so darn spicy? It's the Naga pepper and its seeds, which is 100 times hotter than your common or garden jalapeno pepper. Private diners, proceed with caution!

Latest News at Gibson Hall

It's all happening at grand Bishopsgate venue Gibson Hall. There's a new Civil Ceremony Licence, for up to 350 guests; a new website; and savings on Christmas parties if you're happy to hold yours in January or February 2009. Competitively priced shared nights are also on offer during December, as well as Gibson's exclusive nights.

New s&m in Leadenhall Market

Not a lot of people know this but you can hire s&m cafes for private events, the latest being this week's new opening in Leadenhall Market (tel: 020 7626 6646). The 200-capacity space is their largest yet, with 3100 sq ft spread out over three floors. And if you fancy bangers and mash on the river, check out s&m ahoy! - a catering service aboard Thames Clippers from Tate Britain to Woolwich.

Smirnoff Black Summer Film Screenings at Bluebird

Outdoor film screenings are kicking off across town and new to the market this year is Bluebird, which has a cracking selection lined up, starting on the 9 July with Casablanca. Screenings will take place every Wednesday in the Gallery Room until 27 August, and options vary: film only is £5 per person (no refreshments); a ticket for the film, Smirnoff Black cocktail and canapés is £20; or dine pre-or-post screening in the restaurant. Hitchcock classics and musicals such as My Fair Lady are sure to keep everyone happy.

12 is the Magic Number at Swissotel The Howard

There's 25% off the bill at new restaurant 12 Temple Place (tel: 020 20 7836 3555) at Swissotel The Howard - but only if you can prove that the number 12 has a significance in your life! It could be your birth date, phone number, house number, even office address. Go armed with the evidence and enjoy modern British cuisine in the Garden Courtyard (which can also be hired for private functions). The offer runs until the end of August.

Devonshire Terrace Opens in City

You're spoilt for choice with no less than four private dining rooms at newly opened restaurant/bar Devonshire Terrace (tel: 020 7256 3233). Even better, each has its own balcony and sliding doors, so you can be part of the adjacent restaurant or completely sealed off. A great new option for private diners in the City...

Free Magnum of Moet at Crowne Plaza

It's all about Moet at Crowne Plaza London - The City this summer, who are touting two ways to win a magnum of it. Either drop in your business card next time you're visiting and you'll be entered into a monthly draw for the bubbly; or spend over £500 in sophisticated private dining space The Glass Room, seating up to 30, and you'll be given the complimentary magnum. The offer is limited so get booking!

First UK Venture for L'Atelier Des Chefs

Forget everything you thought you knew about teambuilding cookery classes: L’atelier des Chefs (tel: 020 7499 6580) is reinventing the wheel in their swanky Wigmore Street kitchens. We particularly like the ‘cook, eat and run’ concept, where you can pop down at lunchtime and cook a tasty meal in just 30 minutes: best of all, it's 2-for-1 until 31 August, a saving of £9 each. Elsewhere, up to 150 can be accommodated for a teambuilding session and classes can last from half an hour to four hours.

10% Discount at New De Vere Canary Wharf

We've just visited the new De Vere Canary Wharf (tel: 0845 136 0123) and it's a slick operation, housed in a modern, light-filled building on Westferry Circus. Hot off the press: if you book any of their 13 meeting rooms by Friday, you'll receive a 5% discount.

Clear Your Desk to St James' Park

You don't need an excuse to hold an outdoor meeting this week if you're anywhere near St James' Park on Thursday and Friday. Tell your boss that all that greenery and nature is very inspiring and make use of Visit London's Outdoor Office. Overlooking the lake, just off Birdcage Walk, the office will house a reception area, boardroom, 'creative' room, work desk area and a water cooler. Areas and desks can be reserved (via the Visit London website) for up to two hours between 9.30am and 6pm.

Former Midland Bank Gets Six Star Russian Makeover

Grade I-listed former Midland Bank headquarters at 27-35 Poultry is all set to be transformed into London's first six star hotel (surprise surprise, the owner is a Russian oligarch). Private members' clubs, a roof garden and 184 bedrooms are thought to be in the offing. Rumours also abound that the Cafe Royal is set to receive the six star hotel treatment over the next couple of years(don't forget to book those Christmas parties there while you still can).

Delayed Openings for Saatchi and 108

Quick newsflash if you're planning events for later this year: both the new Saatchi Gallery (tel: 020 8968 9331) in Chelsea and The 108 (tel: 020 8305 3091) at the O2 in Greenwich have delayed their respective openings until October. Both were due to launch this month but builders being builders...

Up on the Roof at Coin Street

We're delighted that so many venues are opening up their roofs this summer, one of the latest being the RIBA award-winning Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre, with fabulous views of the OXO Tower one way, and the National Theatre and London Eye the other. Inside, all meeting rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and there's a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly materials throughout the building.

Bentley's Waive Minimum Spend on Private Dining

This summer, for a limited period, Richard Corrigan's delicious oyster bar and grill, Bentley’s is waiving the minimum spend (usually £1,800) and room hire fee for diners booking the 60-seater Jameson Room, plus introducing a special £35 menu (usually £45). The offer runs until the end of August.

Free Sangria Tonight at Barcelona Tapas

Watch the Spain vs Russia Euro 2008 semi final tonight on the big screen at Middlesex Street City venue Barcelona Tapas Y Restaurante, and you'll get a free glass of Sangria every time Spain scores a goal. With Spain as current favourites, it could be a very cheap night ahead!

Crystal Palace Comes to Hyde Park

You only have a few dates left to hold a party at The Crystal Palace, a soaring temporary glass conservatory on the banks of the Serpentine, amidst the grand surrounds of Hyde Park (London Fashion Week is already booked in for some of their shows). Dates are available between 10-21 September in the 500-capacity venue. The Royal Parks Foundation has appointed The Rouge Partnership to operate the venue on the charity’s behalf, with proceeds going to support the Foundation’s conservation work.

Wellcome Collection Celebrates First Anniversary

The wonderful Wellcome Collection celebrates its first anniversary this month. Combining three contemporary galleries together with the Wellcome Library, public events forum, café, bookshop and of course the Wellcome Collection Conference Centre, look out for new exhibition 'Skeletons: London's buried bones' from next month, drawn from the Museum of London's astonishing collection of 17,000 skeletons spanning 16 centuries!

2 for 1 Murray Cocktails at Albannach

Andy and Jamie Murray are our Wimbledon hopes this year and Albannach (tel: 020 7930 0066) is inviting you to cheer them on with a two-for-one deal on exclusive Andy and Jamie cocktails. The offer also extends to draught beer, wine by the glass and soft drinks during selected Wimbledon match screenings in the bar.

Coach & Horses Celebrates 5th Birthday

Award-winning Clerkenwell gastropub The Coach and Horses (tel: 020 7278 8990) celebrates its fifth birthday this month and to commemorate, they are offering visitors a free slice of birthday cake at lunchtime this week, and a 'favourite 5' selection of food and drink (for £5) throughout June and July. Check out the venue's private dining room or investigate exclusive hire for informal gatherings.

Down on the Beach at 54 Mile End

The sun is back so we're all heading for the Urban Beach at hip new club 54 Mile End. Imported Caribbean sand, decking and an 'Ibizan-influenced garden' make for a delightful outside urban space for BBQs. Going inside, choose between a boutique bar and restaurant, edgy basement club or top floor VIP area, all of which are available individually for private hire from Monday through Thursday (weekends are usually filled by a club promoter but check for details).

The Edge of Love at Café de Paris

Dylan Thomas biopic 'The Edge of Love' premieres in Edinburgh this week, starring Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller. Major scenes were filmed at Café de Paris, so look out for the magnificent 500-capacity Ballroom in the film, transported back to 1940s London.

Live Music at Orchid

Making the most of its new music stage, Orchid is holding live music nights every Tuesday from 24 June. Tuesday LIVE! will feature a groovy mix of covers and originals from a selection of London's finest entertainers. Alex Dew is first up on Tuesday, with doors opening at 5pm and acts starting at 7pm. Entry is free, as are canapés between 6-8pm.

Music Day at Café Des Amis

This Saturday, Fête de la Musique (Music Day) festivities will be taking place at Covent Garden favourite Café des Amis, where from 7pm, a French male soprano and pianist will be performing a repertory of famous opera and popular tunes. Check out the 70-seater Renaissance Room and the basement wine bar: perfectly placed for pre- or post-ROH performances.

More Private Dining at Maze Grill

The Butcher's Block, chef's table at Jason Atherton's mouthwatering Maze Grill (tel: 020 7495 2211), has three new neighbours in the form of private dining rooms. Opening this month, The Dalby Room (20 standing, 10 seated), The Somerton Room (75 standing, 40 seated) and The Hampton Room (75 standing, 40 seated) have been designed by the team behind Nobu and The Metropolitan, so stylish results are expected.

Lincoln Centre Adds Three New Rooms

Holborn-based The Lincoln Centre has gained another floor with three new meeting rooms. Each is named after a famous artist: Hogarth seating 16, Turner Suite seating 24 and Blake seating six, overlooking Lincoln's Inn Fields and serving as an attractive private dining room.

BMA House Reopens on July 1

Grade II-listed BMA House, once home to Charles Dickens, reopens on 1 July after a year-long refurbishment project. Remaining sensitive to the original Lutyens design, the venue has been refreshed and modernised, and gains two new versatile event spaces. Capacities range from eight to 800 and a garden provides an elegant outdoor area.

Make Way for Megaro

St Pancras has a new four-star hotel, purpose-built and holding meetings for up to 60. The Megaro Hotel also boasts a rather delicious restaurant, delivering fresh foie gras daily from Paris, with executive chef, Paul Ribbands (formerly of The Lanesborough) at the helm.

Take to the Skies in a Zeppelin

London's first commercial Zeppelin trips are taking to the skies from 10 July - 24 August. Stella Artois: Star Over London (tel: 020 7183 3024), pioneered by former The Apprentice contestant Rory Laing, has corporate packages for up 12, to include the hour-long flight, onboard canapés and drinks, and dinner at the Roof Gardens. The Zepp can also be hired for the day and taken out of town to fly to your chosen hospitality event. The flight uses the Thames as its guide, travelling from east to west and taking in all the key sites along the way.

New Notting Hill Venue Opens for Business

Five minutes from Royal Oak or Bayswater tube is new meetings venue The Commander. Three individual rooms, along with a bar, restaurant and gardens, make attractive meeting spaces for 110 in the blank canvas Gallery; 20 in The Hereford boardroom; or there's The Library which serves as a small office.