Whats Hot & Trending July 19

Bringing you the latest on new venues, venues offering something just that little bit different, others which are hitting the refurbishment trail and those that simply have a story to tell! And don’t worry, if we’re giving you the heads up on venues that aren’t available to review just yet, they soon will be!

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

WHO – The Cookery School at the Grand, York

WHAT – A 16 station cookery school run by excellent Chef Tutor Andrew Dixon

WHY – Great for incentive prizes, team building or for those wanting to cook!

Recently opened as part of a £15m refurbishment and expansion programme, The Cookery School based at the Grand York should be at the top of any teambuilding and incentive shortlist. Led by Chef Tutor and master of patience, Andrew Dixon, The Cookery School is for everyone, from people who burn toast to aspiring master chefs wanting the latest in top tips. Fancy a team bake off that Paul Hollywood would be proud? Or what about a street food challenge or a cocktails and canapes masterclass? The choice is very much yours with the ability to create your own bespoke cooking courses from two hours to an all day, full on cordon-bleu fine dining experience complete with candles and mood music. Best of all, you get the chance at the end to enjoy what you’ve prepared, together with a glass of wine in a private dining area which easily doubles as meeting room helping to mix business with pleasure. You’re bound to leave inspired so a trip to the well–stocked onsite cookery shop is a must do. And with prices for a two hour Thai Green Seafood Curry class starting at just £55, overnight accommodation available at the 5 Star Grand and such close proximity to York station, you’ll soon be cooking on gas!

FIND OUT MORE:

https://www.meetingsclub.com/venues/the-grand-hotel-york/

JUST THAT LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT…

WHO – The Hepworth, Wakefield, West Yorkshire

WHAT – From Board Rooms to Auditoriums – great events from 2-200

WHY – Because The Hepworth is unique – events with an artistic twist

Featuring world-class galleries and versatile, state-of-the-art event spaces, The Hepworth Wakefield really is the ‘perfect canvas’ for events. From meetings and conferences to private parties, photo shoots and product launches. The purpose built Auditorium offers dramatic views of the river Calder and is ideal for larger conferences. Meanwhile The Hepworth’s Studios and Café Bar work well for smaller meetings and informal gatherings very much offering a space to suit every occasion. Designed by the acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects, The Hepworth opened in May 2011 and was awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2017. Named after Barbara Hepworth, one of the most important artists of the 20th century who was born and brought up in Wakefield, the gallery presents major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art. This Summer, The Hepworth Wakefield Garden is open alongside the gallery. Designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, it features fine sculptures and is one of the largest free public gardens in the UK – an ideal chance to recharge those batteries during a busy conference, meeting or event.

FIND OUT MORE:

https://www.meetingsclub.com/venues/the-hepworth-wakefield/

MORE THAN A LICK OF PAINT

WHO – The Woodlands Suite, Wyboston Lakes, Cambridgeshire

WHAT – Superbly refurbished dedicated conference & meeting space for 5 to 500

WHY – Because the staff are so on their game and know how to run events

Completely thought through in terms of conference room design, delegate flow and innovative food offering, The Woodlands benefits from the latest in forward thinking event research and built in event technology. Available meeting space fits the trend of larger plenary and break out rooms, with many informal areas to network or relax, plus a rare find, a small raked seating auditorium for 45 for punchy presentations. The Market food hall is packed full of a wide variety of tasty flexitarian lunch and dinner options. Go more formal and try the Mediterranean themed Olive restaurant whose staff are some of the friendliest you will meet. Or if short on time, Grab and Go from an amazing deli selection in Paddy and Scott’s where the coffee is some of the best. The wider Wyboston Lakes Resort offers four star hotel accommodation, spa, golf course and one of the UK’s most well equipped team building complexes both on land and water. Plus, don’t forget to check out the Woodlands courtyard which has been creatively remodelled as a relaxation and alfresco dining area, complete with table tennis, mini-golf and deckchairs which surround a cosy firepit.

Wyboston Lakes Resort - Woodlands coffee

FIND OUT MORE:

https://www.meetingsclub.com/venues/wyboston-lakes-resort/

STORY TO TELL

WHO – Ellingham Park, Northumberland

WHAT – Exclusive small residential events for 5-25 delegate

WHY – Beautiful, inside and out. Super Northumbrian cuisine. Flexible event packages

If exclusivity, beautiful surroundings and delicious food are at the top of your wish list, Ellingham Park in Northumberland ticks all the boxes and more for a residential meeting, retreat or senior team meeting. Old world charm meets modern day luxury all set in beautiful grounds with Newcastle just 40 minutes away and some of the country’s finest heritage sites right on the doorstep. The recently refurbished Hall offers 5 unique event rooms with the beautifully converted high-ceilinged historic Chapel accommodating up to 140 delegates – the ideal space to impress. Corporate clients can enjoy the amazing quirky spaces the venue has to offer including a basement games room, rooftop networking terrace and fun rustic treehouses located in a peaceful woodland area bursting with wildlife. Eighteen enchanting bedrooms and 7 spacious on-site cottages complete the accommodation picture. Ellingham is a secluded spot, away from city noise and supported by an award-winning team, who work with event organisers to tailor packages to suit all budgets offering unrivalled flexibility. Staff pride themselves on customer service and strive to deliver a ‘home from home’ atmosphere, with the talented kitchen team preparing superb dishes with locally sourced ingredients ensuring delegates get to taste the very best Northumberland has to offer.