You're probably not thinking about Christmas right now, given that it's mid-August and all. But if there's the slightest chance you'll be even partially responsible for throwing this year's Christmas party for your company, you really should start brainstorming what you'll be doing and, crucially, booking those venues.
If you're getting cold sweats just at the thought of the mammoth task that is organising a Christmas bash, you're in luck: we've put together this year's newest and hottest venues. Check them out before they're all booked out!
1. Pergola Rooftop at Kensington Olympia
As part of the £700 million overhaul of Olympia London, Pergola recently opened its first all year-round site. It will be the first time the 132-year-old exhibition centre has built a venue on its roof. The 500-capacity west London rooftop will be open year-round week from Wednesday to Sunday with seafood specialists CLAW, burger masters Patty & Bun and pizza professionals Passo plating up alongside a large open bar. A rooftop terrace is not usually the first choice of venue for a Christmas themed party, but that's exactly what makes this choice so fresh and unusual.
2. Puttshack at Westfield White City
Puttshack is a ‘World’s First’ social entertainment concept, using ground-breaking patented technology to catapult the traditional game of mini golf into a cutting-edge gaming phenomenon. With technology facilitating automatic point scoring, leader-boards, and intuitive gameplay, Puttshack promises to be heaps of fun. So if you're looking to take the 'corporate' out of your otherwise corporate office party -- Puttshack's definitely your best bet.
3. Jidori Covent Garden
Following Jidori's success at Dalston, Jidori has recently opened in London’s Covent Garden. The Japanese restaurant is spread over three floors of a Georgian terrace on Catherine Street with a design that takes inspiration from the vibrant restaurant and bar scene of Tokyo, where the streets are a maze of tiny drinking dens and restaurants split over multiple levels.
Groups can hire out entire floors of the restaurant, including the Karaoke room on the lower ground floor which will seat parties of 8 or more people (up to 12) featuring a communal dining table designed exclusively for the restaurant by Artist John Booth. If you're amused by the prospect of your tipsy colleagues belting out Karaoke ballads, then Jidori is your go-to venue.
4. Old Compton Brasserie
The 4* Mercure London Watford Hotel has unveiled its newly refurbished Halliwell Suite. The event space can hold up to 200 guests and features its own private entrance with a grand sweeping staircase, a fully-serviced bar, a large dance floor and air conditioning. With its super cool, art-deco, speakeasy feel, the Old Compton Brasserie is the venue if you want to impress.
5. Glazier's Hall at London Bridge
Situated on London's cultural South bank, moments walk from Borough Market, Glaziers Hall boasts unrivaled views over the River Thames and the City. The venue offers seven unique spaces over three interconnected floors which can be hired separately or in conjunction, allowing flexibility to suit presentations, conferences, receptions, press launches, fashion shows and dinners. Accommodating up to 650 guests, and just minutes away from London Bridge Station, Glaziers Hall ticks virtually all the boxes. If you're looking for a sizeable venue and full creative control, Glazier's Hall is for you.
