Unique Venue of the Month: Royal Liver Building
There's a myth about the iconic "Liver Birds" at the top of the stunning Royal Liver Building [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/Liverpool/53567/The-Venue-Royal-Liver-Building/The-Venue/Events] . It claims that if they ever fly away, Liverpool will sink into the River Mersey. Thankfully, this has never happened to the beautiful city of Liverpool. Proudly standing as the tallest building in Europe when it was erected in 1911, the Royal Liver Building was originally constructed as a home to a group
Hire Space: The Story So Far
Hire Space has grown to become the UK’s leading venue marketplace, with over 4000 venues and over 2 million web visitors. But how did it all begin? 2012 The idea for Hire Space came about when Will was a secondary school teacher, and Ed was a political advisor. Will's school had recently been forced to turn to emergency funding, and Ed was campaigning to save recession-hit venues from closure. They decided that a solution for both problems could be to help these struggling businesses to rent o
Hire Space 10 May 2016 
A Scaredy-Cat's Guide to the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide
The longest and tallest slide in the world. Yes, our world that stretches an area of 510.1 million km² – and no one has ever put a longer or taller slide on any spot on it than the one we were about to ride. Forgive my retrospective freak-out: I've never been one for rides. I was a queasy mess at Chessington. Big Thunder Mountain at Disney is more my speed. Scratch that: the teacups are more my speed. There is nothing, I repeat nothing, reassuring as you approach the ArcelorMittal Orbit [http
Workshop 'til You Drop: Team-Building at Carousel
Without crossing the line into corporate preachiness, we'd posit to say that team-building days are a valuable part of keeping company morale high. The Hire Space team, for example, recently had a half-day away day (an away half-day?), during which we concocted cocktails and baked, and one unfortunate team member turned custard into scrambled eggs – admittedly a less impressive form of alchemy. This is all part and parcel of the fun of a team-building day, where different departments can come t
Unique Venue of the Month: The HAC
It's probably safe to assume that few folks would imagine there to be an 18th-Century mansion in five acres of gardens a two-minute walk away from Old Street station. That's why it's a pleasant surprise to learn that The HAC [https://hirespace.com/Venues/London/74710/The-HAC] ticks all those boxes. The majestic estate, built in 1735, is home to the Honourable Artillery Company, which was incorporated by Henry VIII 200 years earlier. Since then, the company has supported the Honourable Artillery
Venue Review: The Pickle Factory
In a small corner of Tower Hamlets lies The Pickle Factory [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/9826/The-Pickle-Factory/Whole-Venue/Business] , directly opposite its sister venue, Oval Space. The converted warehouse has quite a history, having started life as a pickle factory (hence the name) in the heart of London’s East End, followed by a stint as a medical supplies storage facility and since 2013, it has been an unlikely but highly successful spot for a dedicated music venue. Nestled in Be
Hire Space 31 March 2016 
A Day in the Life of a Venue Expert
We agree: "Venue Expert" is a really cool job title. But what exactly do Hire Space's Venue Experts do on a daily basis? Here’s a quick look.
Hire Space 16 March 2016 
Unique Venue of the Month: The Attendant
If we said our Unique Venue of the Month for March was a restaurant inside a public toilet, you would probably start to think we've (finally) lost it here at Hire Space. Well...our Unique Venue of the Month is a restaurant inside a public toilet. But it's not what it seems. Hear us out. The Attendant [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/8941/Attendant/Whole-Venue/Events] was originally a Victorian public gents' bathroom in Fitzrovia, built in 1890. It was mothballed and made spick-and-span in
Venue Review: Anomalous Space
Creative ventures across the artistic spectrum are accommodated and embraced at Anomalous Space [https://hirespace.com/Venues/London/1551/Anomalous-Space], situated stunningly close to Angel Station on Pentonville Road. The venue's name captures its uniqueness, in that it deviates from the standard, unoriginal function space that's all too common. Anomalous Space combines the most contemporary of technological facilities with Art-Deco features, all set within an authentic Georgian townhouse.
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
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 [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/117523/BMA-House/Great-Hall/Events] Euston Space: The Great Hall Capacity: 320 (buffet, reception) 28 feet high and 115 feet long, The Great Hall at Blo
Unique Venue of the Month: Motel
Under a Victorian railway arch, just steps from Kingsland Road, lies a studio [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/85467/MOTEL/Whole-Venue/Events] 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
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
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 [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/107652/Lee-Valley-VeloPark/Velodrome-Track-Centre/Business] Stratford Few venues can claim to have been a part of the 2012 London Ol
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 [http://www.dmfk.co.uk/projects/load/salters-hall] (dMFK) were tasked with the project to upgrade the building whilst retaining its sense of history and al
Hire Space 18 November 2015 
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 [https://labelleassiette.co.uk/] translates literally as The Beautiful Plate, and
Hire Space 11 November 2015 
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 [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/42821/Banqueting-House/Main-Hall/Weddings] – the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall, where English monarchs used to reside – played a major part in Briti
Hire Space 2 November 2015 
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 [http://www.basslineproductions.co.uk/]’ 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
Hire Space 27 October 2015 
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
Tommy Shane 21 September 2015 
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 [https://hirespace.com/Venues/London/22998
Tommy Shane 7 September 2015 
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. [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/128740/Cahoots/Whole-Venue/Events] The entire concept behind this venue - from the authenticity of their features to their team of staff with 1940s a
Tommy Shane 3 August 2015 
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 [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/6405/Purl-London/Purl-London/Events] [https://hirespace.com/Spaces/London/6405/Purl-London/Purl-London/Events] Full of 'secret nooks and crannies', where photos of
Tommy Shane 23 July 2015 
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 [http://www.ampersandcatering.co.uk] Price: Mid-range From gin and tonic 'glaciers', to donuts s
Tommy Shane 20 July 2015 
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 [https://hirespace.com/Venues/London/814/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
Tommy Shane 6 July 2015