cerys
We know that we're on the cusp on life starting to get back to normal, but there's a long way yet before things really are.
That means COVID safety measures will likely have to be in place for the majority of the year. Events are one of the things that's been hit the hardest so I wanted to highlight a few of the venues with the best COVID measures for when we can finally start the party.
Currently open for events deemed essential like education and location filming, RSA House is a unique and exciting backdrop for events - and was a popular choice for weddings and parties before you know what. They've been singled out by Hirespace for their COVID safety measure, as they were one of just three venues selected for their own internal training back in the summer of 2020.
It's not hard to see why. Their underground space 'The Vaults' has a really exclusive feel, and is a great choice for a whole host of occasions - whether it's a birthday party, formal dinner or a series of lectures (as seen above).
RSA House is based in Embankment, London with lots of easy transport links a short walk away, making it a dream for both planners and guests.
This venue is an exciting new comer on the venue scene, and is just about to open officially.
Nicolson Square Edinburgh is a stunning converted Methodist Church that we know will make a stunning backdrop for events when the time finally comes! It is the sister venue to the world-famous Central Hall Westminster, who have some of the best COVID safety measures of any venue in London.
It hasn't had the chance to prove itself yet, but we're confident it will shine through as one of the best conference and meeting venues Edinburgh has to offer when the time comes. Spaces are breathtakingly modern and have a cosy, Scandinavian feel with lots of wooden and glass features.
That means you can expect the same level of care, planning and expertise at NSE as you already find at their original London venue.
The HAC is one of the most prestigious venues in the city so it's no surprise they've put in such thorough COVID standards to match.
Whilst the venue is closed to events (besides filming productions) in the meantime, they've got extensive safety measures in place ready for when delegates can return. They've achieved VisitEngland's 'We're Good To Go' standard, developed impressive touch-free menus, and have a series of large blank canvas spaces that are perfect for socially-distanced events.
For now though, the HAC has transformed itself into a historic filming venue for hire for the first time ever! Until now, it had been closed off to shoots and productions so we can't wait to see its iconic spaces on screen in the near future.
Did we mention the MASSIVE amount of outdoor it space it has too? What more can you ask for.
If you head out West of the City over to Shepherd's Bush and White City, you'll find W12 Conferences - an affordable venue in West London that is better equipped than most for safe, COVID-secure events.
This is because it is run by the Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust, and shares it's location with Hammersmith hospital. It's proximity and links to the healthcare service has always made it a popular choice for medical conferences, meetings and events, but now this heritage comes with a dual benefit. It's also recognised by the local community for offering some of the most affordable meeting rooms West London offer - thanks to the fact that it's run not-for-profit. Any profits that are made are invested straight back into the NHS.
Whilst this London conference venue is not open for events in the meantime (spaces are being used to hold hospital supplies at the moment!), they're certainly ready for when events can recommence.
For a venues with a more central city location, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace has been busier than most venues over the last 12 months.
If you've ever seen the venue in person, it's no surprise. They've been hosting events safely since last summer, and having more practical applications of their measures than most, they've been able to fine-tune them to ensure that any risk really is totally minimised.
There's no doubt they were one of the most popular small wedding venues London had to offer last year thanks to their incredibly helpful team and beautifully luxurious setting.
They hold both VisitEngland's 'Good to Go' award and the mia's 'AIM Secure' certificate to really give planners and visitors peace of mind. Recently, they've been host to several film and photo shoots as the venue offers a great setting as a townhouse filming venue to hire.
They've also just completed creating their own dedicated London hybrid event studio, in partnership with event tech team Oxygen Events. It's fair to say, the team here have kept themselves very busy all things considered!
BMA House, like W12 Conferences, is well-placed to host COVID-safe events thanks to it's own medical links. BMA stands for the British Medical Association and this venue doubles as their headquarters.
As the pinnacle meeting location for some of the best medical minds in the world, there's no doubt this popular and sustainable London venue is well-equipped to protect visitors and delegates.
It's usually well-loved as a Kings Cross wedding venue as well as one of the most exclusive summer party venues central London offers. Both, in part, because of the rarity that it had two separate outdoor spaces - the Garden and the Courtyard - making it ideal for summertime celebrations and photo opportunities. It's certainly not something you find at many venues in central London!
Better yet, inside it has over 20 rooms and meeting spaces meaning there is plenty of space to keep events safe and separated from each other. The largest (the Great Hall) would usually fit up to 320, and whilst we're a little while from that being a possibility again, it could allow a medium sized group to all attend an event in the same space.
This is a total no-brainer to include. Central Hall Westminster has one of the most comprehensive COVID-safety plans we've seen which is a big ask for a large London venue like this!
They too have achieved both VisitEngland's 'Good to Go' award and the mia's 'AIM Secure' certificate which is testament to the measures they've put in place. Their internal caterer has worked hard to create a fully touch-free offering and for maximum safety, the venue has been divided in six 'Zones' that ensure multiple events can be hosted at once without the risk of any crossing over with one another - including facilities like toilets and catering.
It's currently open only for essential events like education and filming productions. As a popular central London filming location, its made countless live broadcasts and film appearances so the team has plenty of experience in what it takes to pull them off, COVID or otherwise!
