Queen Mary University of London has a storied history that stretches all the way back to 1785, when it was founded as London Hospital Medical College. Today, this respected University of London member has roots all over London, and offers a wide range of event spaces across the city for anything from large banquets and receptions to board meetings and small gatherings.
The historic Queens Building has stood at Mile End since 1887, when it was designed and built by celebrated progressive architect ER Robson. This Grade II listed building was renovated in 2006, but still retains much of its Victorian character and period detailing. Inside you'll find The Octagon - a magnificent octagonal structure, which was built originally as the Queen Mary Library and inspired by the British Library Reading Room. A spectrum of colourful leather-bound books lines the bookshelves, as light floods the space through large windows in the beautiful high domed ceiling; combining to create a wonderfully atmospheric setting in order to provide a ‘wow’ factor for any event. The Octagon is ideal as a standalone venue for banquets, gala dinners, receptions, conferences, launches, networking or in conjunction with other facilities as exhibition or catering space.
Meanwhile, lecture theatres of varying sizes are available for hire. In the People's Palace, the Grade II listed Great Hall usually hosts concerts and live performances, but is available to hire for as a large-scale theatre venue that will seat 788 people. The Hall is complemented by three smaller lecture theatres and a hall area, which can be hired alongside if necessary.
The Bancroft Building is the largest building on campus and offers a much more flexible space for smaller corporate events, meetings and receptions, with a variety of break rooms, lecture theatres. You'll find more modern facilities in Arts One, Arts Two and Law, which are perfect as classrooms or seminar rooms.
Queen Mary also has an in-house hospitality team that can cater for a huge range of events, from banquets and receptions to small working lunches, with all dietaries accounted for.