Hire Space Blog
Ideas, guidance and inspiration for your virtual & in-person events. Brought to you from the creators of Hire Space, the UK's leading event booking platform.
Eventprofs
Unique Venue of the Month: Madame Tussauds
Legendary Madame Tussauds really needs no introduction, so we could pretty much just end this blog right here. But the home of wax figures has such a rich history that we'd be remiss not to share it. The wax-centric museums are now dotted around the world – there are branches in Beijing, Tokyo, Sydney, San Francisco and Orlando – but the experience grew from humble beginnings. The Madame herself – born as Marie Grosholtz – sculpted her first wax figure of Voltaire in 1777, but it was still a
2 min read
Eventprofs
6 Big London Spaces for Big London Events
Size matters. For whatever reason, sometimes only an enormous space will do, be it due to the length of the guest list, or just the will to impress invitees with a space of sheer proportions. London has a wealth of high-capacity venues; here are just a handful of the biggest rooms on offer. 1. BMA House Euston Space: The Great Hall Capacity: 320 (buffet, reception) 28 feet high and 115 feet long, The Great Hall at Blo
3 min read
Eventprofs
Unique Venue of the Month: Motel
Under a Victorian railway arch, just steps from Kingsland Road, lies a studio that's the brainchild of famed photographer and filmmaker John Wright, who's worked with such big-name clients as Vanity Fair, Louis Vuitton and Sky Arts, and captured the biggest pop cultural names on camera including Rihanna, Paul McCartney and Arnold Schwarzenegger. GQ Britain's James Mullinger called the space the "best photographer's studio in Lo
3 min read
Eventprofs
Venue Review: Weddings at Hampton Court Palace
Standing on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace is truly like standing in the footsteps of the most important figures and captivating characters in British history. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey resided in the Palace from 1515, until the charming Henry VIII decided to make it his own, after making the building lavish and luxurious – fit for a king (and his six queens – separately, of course). James I threw late-night parties in the Great Hall, and Shakespeare's troupe of players performed for the ro
2 min read
Eventprofs
6 Networking Venues That'll Seal the Deal
Networking is a key tool in today's competitive business world: it's often a necessary activity when trying to secure the right contacts, gain new employment or generally advance professionally. But in order to successfully rub elbows, you'll need an inspiring venue – such as one of these slick spaces. 1. Lee Valley VeloPark Stratford Few venues can claim to have been a part of the 2012 London Ol
3 min read
Events
Sneak Peek: The Salters' Hall Refurbishment
Located in the heart of the City, Salters’ Hall combines the rich heritage of the salt trade of medieval London with contemporary surroundings. Rebuilt in 1972 by Basil Spence and now a Grade II listed building, it is a rare example of a post-war livery building and has remained largely untouched until now... Architects de Metz Forbes Knight (dMFK) were tasked with the project to upgrade the building whilst retaining its sense of history and al
Eventprofs
Review: La Belle Assiette
Dining is often the centrepiece of an event, whether served in sit-down, buffet or casual-canapé style. Especially today – when being a “foodie” is a common and trendy trait, and when culinary TV shows are among the most popular – parties of all kinds are putting a renewed significance in the edible aspects. After securing a venue, therefore, all eyes are naturally turned to the plate. Indeed, La Belle Assiette translates literally as The Beautiful Plate, and
Eventprofs
Unique Venue of the Month: Banqueting House
On a blustery winter's day in January 1649, the deposed King Charles I was beheaded by the victorious rebels of the Civil War. And the bloody execution took place just outside of our Unique Venue of the Month. Not many venues can claim to be of such historical significance, but Banqueting House – the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall, where English monarchs used to reside – played a major part in Briti
Eventprofs
Review: Bassline Productions
It's not often you see Bacardi and 10 Downing Street on the same client list. But it's due to the diversity of Bassline Productions ’ services that the two very distinct establishments chose the company to provide bespoke support for their respective functions. The list of big-name clients doesn't end there, but continues with Battersea Fireworks and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where Bassline's talents were again lent in various capacities. Yet its ser
London Venues
Venue Review: Clerkenwell & Social
It's all very well getting a bartender to mix a few drinks together and call it a cocktail. But that's not what Clerkenwell & Social is about. They're into infusions. And now, so are we. There's a lot of lingo bounding about at the moment, offering variations on the word 'fusion' - Korean-Mexican fusions ('korexican') being an absolute classic. But infusion cocktails are no gimmick or new-fangled concept. Infusion is a technical process that's as old as tea. Source: Unknown The technique in
London Venues
5 Beautifully Industrial Venues in London
Unquestionably, the big trend that has emerged in venues this year is the bold, stark, and raw look of industrial venues. By restoring old Victorian factories and warehouses, and not making the mistake of covering up original features, these designers are really bringing something new to the venue scene - something that's historical and yet fresh at the same time. Think exposed brickwork, expansive windows and beautiful beams. 1. Tramshed by Mark Hix
Unique Venue Of The Month: Cahoots
Deep below the streets of Soho, behind a concealed door, is a secret underground station. Once you've found the entrance, and stepped down inside, you'll find an entire tube carriage, authentic war-time interior features, and an air raid bunker. But this isn't just an intricately designed museum. It's a bar. The entire concept behind this venue - from the authenticity of their features to their team of staff with 1940s a
London Venues
The 7 Best Speakeasy Bars in London
In London's nooks and crannies, behind unmarked doors, inside abandoned tube stations, and through secret entrances, are some of the world's most incredible bars. You've just got to know where to look. Here are 7 of the best - all of which you can hire for your event through Hire Space. 1. Purl Full of 'secret nooks and crannies', where photos of
London Venues
London's 7 Most Mouthwatering Caterers
It's no secret that an event can live or die by the quality of the food. You're only a few lukewarm canapés away from a complete disaster. But it's also a huge opportunity: if you can dazzle your guests with sumptuous food all night, you'll transform their entire experience of your event. By taking care over your catering choice, you're giving your event the best chance to flourish. 1. Ampersand Price: Mid-range From gin and tonic 'glaciers', to donuts s
London Venues
Southwark Cathedral Officially Opens Brand New Churchyard
In the heart of Borough Market, where top buttons are being undone, wine is being spilt, and oysters are being cracked open, Southwark Cathedral quietly rises into the air. The stunning and yet subtle cathedral has seen over a thousand years of London's history. Dating as far back as 606 AD, today its spires share the same sky as The Shard. In this respect, the venue offers a quintessential slice of London life: the bustle of Borough
Venue Marketing Series: Twitter
Twitter is a place where great minds meet utter nonsense. One tweet will offer genuine wisdom, only to be buried by another which misspells chaotic speculations about the next episode of Game of Thrones. It can also be a place of merciless hostility. Jon Ronson's recent book So You've Been Publicly Shamed has chartered some of the brutal stories of people whose lives have been destroyed by a misjudged tweet. An ill-conceived joke, a particularly opinionated rant, a typo - a ruined life. It's a
Eventprofs
The World's Easiest Way To Find The Perfect Venue
Need the perfect venue? Want to get it as easily and quickly as possible? Here's what you should do. Just fill in this lightning-quick form, and the world experts in UK venues will dedicate themselves to finding exactly what you're looking for. And they won't charge you a penny to do it. Here's how it works. 1. Click your event Whatever your event is, we've got you covered. 2. Pop in the details The essentials of
This Is Why Liverpool Has Such Amazing Venues
Perched on its tip, Liverpool was the crowning jewel of The British Empire. It welcomed in exotic goods from all over the world, and for a solid 200 years, 40% of the entire world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks. It wasn't just a jewel: it was the devouring powerhouse of the industrial revolution. It feels like ancient history - a Liverpool very different to the one we all love now. But it was this epic industry that laid the foundations for a city that now sparkles with such unique ve
London Venues
Unique Venue Of The Month: Drink, Shop & Do
Drink, Shop & Do is a venue of two halves, both brilliant, both very different. The first is a light, bright café , jam-packed with multi-coloured paper balloons, taxidermy and sweets. They host imaginative day-play events for adults, like 'Bloody Marys & Boardgames', 'Benedict Cumber
Office Parties
How To Throw An Amazing Party (Without Paying For It)
Imagine a party, with your colleagues, your friends or your family, at the tip of The Gherkin. I cannot convey just how incredible that venue is. It's a glass palace, floating between London's iconic, spiralling skyscrapers. You feel immersed in the London skyline, surrounded by a panorama of sky and steel. Here's the catch: it costs £10,500 to hire. Out of your budget? Not a problem: rather than paying yourself, you can get other pe
2 min read
London Venues
The 5 Most Epic Party Venues In London
Epic. It's not a term we casually dish out. These venues are unstoppable forces, ripping up the fabric of London's events scene with their progressive vision and monumental scale. If you're struggling to find a venue that can handle your vision, then start taking notes. 1. Pulse & Bankside Vaults Southwark Capacity: 2000 Deep underground London, somewhere beneath Southwark, lies 19,000 square feet of jaw-d
This Is Why Birmingham Has Such Amazing Venues
You probably already know that Birmingham has a vast array of insanely cool venues. Places like The Rainbow Pub, Ort Cafe and Compton Verney are completely amazing. But have you ever wondered why your venues are a cut above the rest? We offer five simple but powerful reasons, which go some way to explaining why Hire Space had to come to Birmingham. 1. You've got history
13 Amazing DIY Name Card Ideas
It's the little touches that separate good events from amazing events. The tiny details where you get to express yourself, and let loose with your creativity and personal flair. Name cards an easy and often free way to add a splash of yourself to the event your planning. Here are 13 great ideas. 1. These painted horses If you cover with chalkboard paint, you can give any set of figurines a uniform look and a writeable surface. 2. This tagged macaroon Everybody loves macaroons. 3. These p
Top Venues
Manchester's Top 5 Venues For Bumping Into A Footballer
The Manchester football rivalry is an epic contest between two of the world's greatest teams. But we know what we really care about: catching a glimpse of the stars when they're painting the town red - or blue. These five venues, all available for private hire on Hire Space , are your best shots of cosying up with Manchester's titans of football. 1. Club Liv