The Place: Vinopolis
The Scoop: Set beneath the archways of a former Victorian viaduct, Vinopolis comprises seven spectacular event spaces. The largest of these — the aptly named “Great Halls” — accommodates 750 standing and 550 seated and retains original features including soaring arches, exposed brickwork and high vaulted ceilings.
The Buzz: Just because it boasts a historic pedigree doesn't mean Vinopolis is behind the times when it comes to sophisticated special effects. With permanent state-of-the-art lighting systems in its three most popular spaces, the site offers customized lighting solutions including remote-control pin spots and projection of company logos and brand colors. An integrated lighting bar ensures that events are cable-free.
The Quote: “Vinopolis is perfect for Christmas and themed parties. Because the space is a blank canvas, it is very versatile and can be tailored to whatever clients require. The arches in the middle of the Great Halls act as a partition, making the space ideal for tiered events where there is a meal followed by dancing and drinks.” — Rupert Ellwood, managing director
The 411:
Vinopolis
No. 1 Bank End
London SE1 9BU, UK
44 (0) 207 940 8322
www.vinopolis.co.uk
The Face: Jacqui Partridge
The Biz: Partridge Events
The Scoop: With her self-proclaimed “passion for fashion, design and all things creative,” Partridge launched her full-service event business in 2005 as an extension of her 13-year-old decor firm, Partridge Design. These days Partridge prides herself on complete event production and brand management for big-name clients such as networks BET and Nickelodeon.
The Buzz: With a shrinking violet-free team, Partridge Events is renowned for flamboyant design and unbridled creative flair. Along with its dramatic design work, the company makes its mark with consistent, targeted brand messaging and a knack for handpicking the perfect vendors for each client's unique event needs.
The Quote: “Each designer will work with the client from concept to completion as the sole contact. Designers deal with all aspects of the event, from venue-finding to designing the decor, lighting and entertainment, down to working with the caterers to make sure the overall experience is coordinated to perfection and really does deliver the message the client wants. This allows us to achieve the impact that we promise along with competitive prices.”
— Jacqui Partridge
The 411:
Partridge Events
395 Mentmore Terrace
London Fields E8 3PH, UK
44 (0) 870 220 2175
www.partridgeevents.co.uk
The Face: Chris F.J. Lynn
The Biz: Visit London
The Scoop: As sales and marketing director for North America and Asia-Pacific at London's official visitors' organization, Lynn makes it his business to promote London as a top business tourism and event destination — the place to go for extraordinary exhibitions, conferences and events.
The Buzz: Visit London's Event Solutions division, with which Lynn works intimately, is rich with resources for North American planners. It includes a vast collection of hotels and unique venues along with more than 4,000 restaurants and pubs primed for accommodating dine-arounds, cocktail receptions and intimate gatherings.
Prime Partners: Grosvenor House; Excel London; The London Eye
The Quote: “Visit London has established relationships that have realized ROI over the past five years, seeing a double-digit growth year on year of actual revenue into the city. No one else operates with a partner-centric model to deliver value and work with you in mind!” — Chris Lynn
The 411:
Visit London
2 More London Riverside
London SE1 2RR, UK
44 (0) 207 234 5727
www.visitlondon.com
NEW IN TOWN
This month, the Event Hire Co. releases the resin chiavari — a contemporary, polypropylene alternative to the classic that's lead-free and fully recyclable.
44 (0) 170 833 5184
www.tehcltd.co.uk
Event entertainment powerhouse Sternberg Clarke presents Anna Phoebe and the Freerunners, a high-flying, electric violin act that uses rigging, walls and other structural features as its stage.
44 (0) 208 877 1102
www.sternbergclarke.com
Northfields turns up the volume on table linen with elegant napkin tassels in a vast range of styles and colors from jewel brights to pretty pastels.
44 (0) 208 988 7977
www.linenforhire.com
