We combed London's newest foodie destination for its finest event spaces
Words: Stuart Derrick
Victoria doesn’t have the mega-legroom that nearby Westminster can offer for conferences and exhibitions (think
QEII Centre and Central Hall), but there are plenty of options for small to medium-sized meetings, product launches and private dinners.
M Victoria Street (020 3327 7776) houses a Grill Dining Room, Raw Bar and hireable members bar. A takeover allows for 400 guests, or there are more discreet options, including La Plume private dining room for up to 24. Events have been held here by the Bill Gates Foundation, Westminster Council and fashion brand Ralph & Russo.
A change of pace, and for those with CSR on the mind, the refurbed
Cathedral View (020 7592 1876) space and rooftop garden is worth a look. Run by homeless charity The Passage, it’s a winner for conferences of up to 100 people. The roof terrace was designed by Chelsea Flower Show winner and BBC presenter Adam Frost. It overlooks Westminster Cathedral, which offers the multifunctional
Cathedral Hall (020 7798 9096) for 300-person conferences.
Another outdoor spot is Cardinal Place Roof Garden (020 3773 3715). This stepped green space is open during the warmer months and can be hired for events.
In the quieter Pimlico part of Victoria, Etc Venues’
One Drummond Gate (020 3735 8600) has 11 modern meeting rooms and can handle conferences and training for groups of 250 delegates. Its garden can be used for barbecues and teambuilding.
D&D London’s
Aster (020 3875 5555) has options ranging from its reception-friendly deli-wine bar to the glass-walled private wine room for eight people. Larger groups have the option to take over part or all of the upper level, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer plenty of light and views of the station.
Another Nova venue is Adam White’s Rail House Café (020 3906 7950). This all-dayer can hold 80 in its Puffing Devil bar, and there’s a semi-private dining option for 36.
Curzon Victoria (020 7438 9569) comprises five screening rooms that use Sony 4K digital projectors and can entertain up to 69 in reclining seats with tables. A stylish mezzanine cater for dinners or receptions. There’s also a private room with 30 seats.
COMING SOON...
+ The Office Group
It’ll be refurbishing a seven-storey block with 6,500sq m of office space minutes from the station.
+ Hamilton
The eagerly awaited musical previews from 21 November. It’ll be the first show at the refurbished Victoria Palace Theatre.
+ Stoke House
Will Ricker (of La Bodega Negra fame) reinvents the carvery in Nova, with woodfire-smoked meat and a salad wall. Toby, it ain’t!
+ Victoria Station
Ongoing building works are due to complete in 2018, producing a more modern station with greater capacity.
+ Victoria Coach Station
The scruffy terminus is actually a listed building. Owner Grosvenor Estate hopes to relocate the buses and transform the site into a design and crafts hub, with independent shops and cafés.
Find out how and why Victoria's become an events hotspot right
here.
This article was first published in Squaremeal Venues + Events, Spring/Summer 2017