Venues & Events

As London sweltered yesterday on 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 restaurateurs and food writers, while members of the public turned out in force to cast their votes. Square Meal’s own senior 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 at All Star Lanes for himself and his pals.

The 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. Following the sensitive refurbishment, the four function rooms now boast new interiors, carpets and prints and make an ideal venue for conferences, launches, weddings or parties for up to 150.

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.

One of Britain's greatest ever golfers, Tony Jacklin CBE, is returning to play and host the British Par 3 Championship this year at Nailcote Hall, from 4-7 August. As well as the official Pro-Am Competition between European Tour & PGA professionals, there are two Celebrity/Amateur Golf Days. The event concludes on 7 August with a charity black-tie dinner.

Prestige Hospitality is offering fantastic late deals for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The event, which takes place between 7-12 July, showcases the very best in horticulture, alongside live music and fireworks. Hospitality packages, including early entrance to the show, Champagne reception, four-course lunch, afternoon tea and an all-day bar, now start at just £120 +VAT.

Between the second and third Ashes Tests on 21 July, sticks and balls of another kind will be order of the day. Stoke Park Club is hosting an Ashes Fourball golf day, where Shane Warne, Andrew Strauss, Ricky Ponting and the other players will join hospitality guests to play a round. Hosted by Sir Michael Parkinson, three guests per team have the opportunity to play with an Ashes squad member, before joining the players for a charity auction and dinner in the evening.

Events for small groups make a lot of sense this year but it’s easier said than done, with many venues unwilling to cater for numbers under 10. Three cheers for Mithril Racing for not only bucking the trend and dropping the minimum number for their ever-popular Goodwood Experience event to five, but also holding 2008’s prices. Let’s hope others follow their good example!

Radisson Blu has rebranded the existing Royal York Hotel in Brighton, changing it to the Radisson Blu Hotel, Brighton, with three meeting rooms accommodating up to 50. New builds for the brand are also opening this month in Cardiff and in July in Bristol (pictured), each with dedicated meetings and event space for up to 300.

Lucky Voice's third regional outpost has opened in Brighton, right in the heart of The Lanes. Singing takes place over three floors, in seven private karaoke rooms each hosting between eight and 15 singers. A cocktail bar on the lower ground floor is open to all and the venue is open to 2am each night.