Winter 2011 l Prague Visit

Group Se7en Events took part in an educational trip to Prague recently, welcomed by The Corinthia hotel and Senator Travel.

Staying at the luxurious Corinthia hotel just moments from town, we discovered that Prague is a great destination for events, conferences and incentive travel. The 5 star Corinthia hotel has fabulous facilities for all events needs and with its 4 star sister hotel Panorama there are a large number of beds available and prices to suit all budgets.

Prague also has a lot to offer the incentive market being a destination with a rich culture. We visited the castle town and the famous Prague Castle, a national symbol that has been the centre of Czech culture for 1,000’s of years. We also visited the Prague Old Town where we enjoyed the charming street markets and renowned Astronomical Clock.

The trip was rounded off nicely by a gorgeous fine dining dinner at Mlynec Restaurant. From the table we looked out over the Charles Bridge that was enchantingly lit up against the dark river. A fireworks display for the bank holiday was the icing on the cake, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

Winter 2011 l Christmas Parties

The Indian summer is over and with the temperature dropping and night’s drawing in Christmas is officially on its way. It’s now time to organise those all important Christmas Parties, as after all Christmas comes but once a year! The Group 7 team have been out and about discovering the very best Christmas party venues to help you along the way. Here is our Christmas 2011 venue hot list!

1- Woods Silver Fleet

Woods Silver Fleet offers a delicious Christmas voyage through London aboard the Silver Sturgeon. The stunning 61m flagship will feature organic winter sculptures of holly, moss & mistletoe combined with gorgeous tables bedecked in garnet red & matte gold. The five hour cruise disembarks from the Savoy piers and includes a champagne reception and generous drinks package along with canapés and a Christmas menu by Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts.

2- Riverbank Park Plaza

With its central location and spellbinding river views, Park Plaza Riverbank offers the perfect place to party. The Thames Room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and 180 degree panoramic views of London is undoubtedly one of London’s most magical Christmas Party spaces.

3- The House of St Barnabas

Celebrate the festive season at The House of St Barnabas, a stunning and unique Grade I Listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of bustling Soho. Whether you are entertaining employees, clients or friends, the House provides a beautifully unique setting for a range of events. There are eight impressive rooms across two floors which fit perfectly with a timeless "Dickensian" Christmas theme.

4- Hedsor House

Hedsor House is one of the most beautiful private houses in the UK. Only 40 minutes from central London, Hedsor House is set in its own stunning private 85-acre estate in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. Once the home of the Princess of Wales; Hedsor House is a unique venue to host unforgettable and magical Christmas parties.

5- 30 Pavilion Road

Set in the heart of Knightsbridge, 30 Pavilion Road has long been a traditionally luxurious setting for Christmas events. There is a Georgian Themed Christmas this year including traditional menus, decorations, live music, a 3 course lunch or dinner and a DJ until late..... what a way to celebrate in traditional style.

6- Cinnamon Club

Go Cinnamon Clubbing for your Christmas Party this year! Whether a luxurious private dinner for 60 or exquisite cocktails and canapés for 80, The Cinnamon Club can cater for all your needs this Christmas. The famed modern Indian cuisine and flexible, beautiful spaces available will make 2011 the most successful Christmas yet.

7- Dartmouth House

For Christmas 2011 Dartmouth House presents a magical festive offering in its new Crystal Courtyard. Guests will experience a unique and dazzling evening under the stars and chandeliers with the finest choice of canapés, cocktails and bowl food.

8- The Trafalgar

Celebrate Christmas at the iconic Trafalgar hotel, where you will experience exciting and dynamic catering, whilst being captivated by Pandoras Box cheeky burlesque vaudeville or a choice of other entertainment to impress. Choose from four versatile spaces under one roof, and not forgetting the outstanding rooftop bar overlooking Trafalgar Square.

9- The Deck

Throughout December The Deck at the National Theatre is being transformed into The Ice Cube. Guests will be invited to step into an icy world, where everything including tables, chairs and even plates of food have been frozen in time. The Ice Cube is positioned high up on the roof of the National Theatre with panoramic views of the River Thames and the city. The floor will be covered in a layer of 'ice' and there will be a magnificent display of the Northern Lights on the ceiling.

10- Coworth Park

Coworth Park is a country retreat of unrivalled quality set in 240 acres of picturesque parkland near Ascot and Windsor. With spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and warm, contemporary interiors exuding a quintessentially English charm, a seasonal party at Coworth Park is the ideal way to celebrate Christmas in traditional style.




Whether you are planning a lunch, reception or dinner for your Christmas party we have the most exclusive, unique and prestigious venues in London and the UK. Please contact us to secure the best rates and dates for your Christmas Party. Email info@group7events.co.uk or call 0207 659 4430

May 2011 l Milan

During a recent event in Milan the Group Se7en Events team took the opportunity to widen their knowledge of Milan and what it has to offer to the MICE market.

Staying at The Westin Hotel, with its luxurious classic decor, allowed easy access to the city and all it had to offer. Milan is the perfect blend of new and old and there is so much to do!

We were treated to a guided tour of Como and a boat trip across the lake before dinner at Villa Erba. This picturesque venue is perfect for meetings through to weddings and for larger groups there are amazing facilities at their purpose built conference centre.

Back in the city a quick walking tour taking in the delights of Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Theatre and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an absolute must. We were introduced to many of the hotels in the city. One we would recommend is Hotel Milano Scala, a new charming hotel in the downtown area. It is the city’s first zero emission facility and takes inspiration for its name, concept and furnishings from the theatrical and operatic tradition that are Milan’s trademarks.

Also, Boscolo Exedra Milano, which is a unique hotel highly influenced by contemporary art and design. If you’re looking for a new venue that has the “WOW” factor then this is the place to be seen – and their cocktails are to die for!

Milan really is a perfect place for the MICE market and Group Se7en Events has the knowledge to bring a unique twist to your event – whatever you’re looking for.

May 2011 l Kerry

The Kerry Convention Bureau welcomed Group Se7en Events to Killarney in Ireland for a fact finding mission this May. The aim was to discover all that the destination has to offer for events, conferences and incentive travel.

Throughout our stay in Killarney we were hosted in the best hotels the resort has to offer including: The Malton, The Brehon, The Ross and The Killarney Plaza. We were also treated to breakfast at the the award winning Killarney Park; a hotel recognised as one of the leading in the world and it definitely lives up to the title with pure luxury and indulgence at every turn.

Killarney’s true magic is found in the 26,000 acres of free to roam National Park. During the stay we enjoyed all the best excursions; including a trip on a jaunting cart through the Gap of Dunloe where we experienced some truly breathtaking views from the stunning landscape. The trip climaxed with a serene boat ride on Lough Leane Lake finishing at the majestic Ross Castle.

What strikes you most on a visit to Killarney is the high level of customer service and hospitality received. Warm welcomes greet you wherever you go and the locals charm and warmth make Killarney a true Gem; a place we now highly recommended for conferences and incentive travel.

May 2011 l Paris

Group Se7en Events took a whistle stop tour of Paris and its conference facilities recently....

Staying at the 5 star Sofitel Hotel in the financial district ‘La Defense’ enabled easy transfers to Cnit and Le Palais des Congres de Paris, both of which have excellent conference and exhibition space, before sampling the delights of The Westin Hotel just across from the Tuileries Gardens.

Perfectly located with fabulous views of the Eiffel Tower this was a real treat – we recommend lunch at ‘Le First’.

We also were able to see the fantastic event space at the Carrousel de Louvre before a treasure hunt around the museum – full of surprises for groups large or small.

All that in 24 hours – “Merci Paris!”

May 2011 l Summer Parties

This month the Group Se7en team have been concentrating on searching out the very best summer party venues in central London; here is the cream of the crop:

1. 1) Langham London - To co-inside with the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William to Kate Middleton, The Langham London reopened the eponymously named Middleton Rose Garden as a rare al fresco venue in London. The south facing Middleton Rose Garden is one of the oldest private garden sites in the West End, dating back to the mid-eighteenth century. This courtyard garden will now form a unique outdoor reception venue for up to 250 guests for use in conjunction with the hotel’s historic Grand Ballroom. It has been specifically designed to give the impression of an English rose garden whilst also being a flexible venue for events.
   
   
2. 2) The Deck - The ultra modern Deck is the perfect space for summer parties. The function space is situated on the roof of the National Theatre and commands panoramic views across London. It was designed to make the most of its stunning riverside vantage point, with retractable glass walls and a roof made from a white material that allows natural light to flood into the contemporary cubic space. The space is best enjoyed on warm summer nights when the room is fully opened out on to the roomy terrace. .
   
   
3. 3) London Zoo - A Summer event at London Zoo's outdoor spaces is one of the most picturesque in London! Whether it's a corporate summer party or a Family Fun Day, a there are variety of unique choices. You can choose from barbeques overlooking the lions, cocktail parties on the Outback terrace, receptions in Gorilla Kingdom, team building around 36 acres, games and ice creams on the private lawn, or a DJ and disco to dance the night away.
   
   
4. 4) The Ornamental Gardens at 45 Millbank - Designed by Chelsea Flower Show award winner Julie Zeldin, the stylish & secluded Ornamental Garden at 45 Millbank is a perfect venue for summer parties. Set under a canopy of plane trees and enclosed by tall brick walls, it’s a genuine ‘secret garden’ in an area with few outside spaces.
   
   
5. 5) Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens - Voted one of London's top 20 venues, Cannon Bridge Roof Garden is one of the most sought after summer party venues in London. Located in the heart of the City, this inspiring venue provides a unique environment for alfresco soirées. The venue boasts capacities of up to 500 and provides a luxurious glass fronted marquee.
   

April 2011 l New York

Group Se7en Events was hitting stateside this Spring and experiencing something a little different from the traditional few days in NYC. 

We visited many of the Sex and the City bars and restaurants where some of the most famous scenes were filmed.... The Chelsea market offered a food tasting with a difference as we started our walk through the market with a tasting of Whoopi Goldbergs favourite brownies, experiences Cupcakes Galore and finishing with the most indulgent Hot Chocolate, ever! We then took the “Skywalk” over to the trendy Meatpacker district with all it Chic designer boutiques and hip bars it was Awesome!

No visit is complete to New York without experiencing the breathtaking city views, we did this from the Rockafella centre and let me tell you the experience starts in the lift!

We also visited many of the new event spaces such as The New York Stock Exchange where we made it for the Closing Market Bell Ringing, the famous Capelli function space, to The Hudson, The Gansevoort Hotel on Park Avenue, the new Kimpton property, The Soho Grand and the newly opened W Downtown which overlooks the 9/11 site of which the memorial gardens will be ready for this September when it’s the 10th Anniversary.

New York City is very much the Hip and trendy place it always has been, a destination where we highly recommend for Incentive Travel as you can do as much or as little as you wish, but we know how to make your stay truly perfect and memorable for each of your winners!

April 2011 l The Best of British

Summer 2011 is all about the Best of British; with a host of events planned to mark the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain.

Over 60 years the Festival of Britain has become a landmark event visited by millions. Founded in 1951 following the destruction of the Second World War, it was introduced as a festival of idealism, optimism, imagination and innovative design, created to pave the way for a better future for Britain. Coincidentally the anniversary falls in another period of great austerity, making the message as poignant today as it was 60 years ago.
The celebrations kick of Easter weekend with the opening of an exhibition (The Royal Festival Hall) designed by Wayne and Geraldine Hemingway featuring artwork and memorabilia related to the Festival of Britain. The Southbank centre will then host a diverse range of events throughout the 6 month celebration celebrating the best of British art, design and culture.

The royal wedding will be a landmark of this year’s Best of British celebrations with events planned all around London and the UK. The festivities will then climax in August with Vintage at Goodward. The festival celebrates the best British cool and after the first successful year it is now deemed the new festival of Britain!

Group Se7en will be immersing themselves in this fabulous celebration of British Culture and encourages you to do the same. Why not add some British style to your event with a uniquely British venue or use our fabulous vintage prop hire service.

Afternoon tea is one of the most quintessentially English traditions. Imagine an elegant British Tea Party at your event with vintage bone china, vintage props and bunting galore...

Or give your events a unique British twist by using a British themed venue or activity: a cruise on the Thames, country pursuits in a the grounds of a country estate, a private capsule on the London eye, tours of London’s landmarks, a night at the races................the list is truly endless.

April 2011 l Whats Hot!

As usual the Group Se7en girls have been out in force sampling the very best bar, cafes, restaurants and clubs London has to offer. Here are our top 10 places to visit this month:

1. 1) Sketch- The Parlour at sketch is one of the quirkiest places in London to take a decedent afternoon tea. The unique space offers a variety of eccentric seating and kitsch eclecticism. The Parlour is the perfect place to celebrate the Best of British this month!
   
   
2. 2) Dinner at Heston’s at Mandarin Oriental- Inspired by Heston Blumenthal’s novel approach to culinary alchemy and his ongoing research into our historic gastronomic past; the eagerly awaited Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is now open at the Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park.
   
   
3. 3) The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy- Unlike the traditional refurbishment of most of the Savoy the Beaufort Bar has been designed from scratch. The decor is the height of theatrical opulence with decedent black velvet furnishings and £40,000 of gold leaf on the walls.
   
   
4. 4) Amaranto at The Four Seasons- The Four Seasons Park Lane presents a new concept in luxury hotel dining.  Spread across the ground floor of the expensively revamped Four Seasons Hotel, Amaranto has been conceived as a fashionable, all-inclusive venue destined to be among the city’s most fashionable venues for cuisine and cocktails.
   
   
5. 5) The Piccadilly Institute- The Piccadilly Institute is the newest offering from Late Night London.  A place where new experiences can be gained, the unexpected, the beautiful and the bizarre are at every turn. Gorgeous in design and twisted in personality, it's dedicated to the principles of pleasure. There's something for every mood, every scene, every desire, a labyrinth of truly unique rooms.
   
   
6. 6) Wyld at W London- Leicester Square presents Wyld bar. Kate Moss was at the launch party of the new venue which is in the style of Studio 54. Directed at a demographic of rock stars and the movers and shakers of high end fashion, Wyld bar is fast becoming the new IT scene destination.
   
   
7. 7) Tom’s Terrace- The successful Tom’s Kitchen portfolio will expand this month; as the sun starts peeking through and spring is on the way Tom’s Terrace will open at the new Somerset House venue. With an emphasis on food to share and using the freshest of seasonal produce, Tom’s Terrace will be a must to visit this spring/ summer.
   
   
8. 8) Scotts Mayfair- Described by many as the restaurant of choice in central London, Scott’s reputation speaks for itself. Fish is the star of the show here and what a show it is; the finest oysters, fish and crustacea.
   
   
9. 9) Foundation Bar- Another offering from our friends at Late Night London. The newly re- vamped Foundation Bar in Covert Garden is an underground wonderland of quirky of the wall design. The motto of Foundation Bar is that independence of thought and expression is everything, a venue that discards the rules and conventions of the everyday.
   
   
10. 10) Drink Shop and Do- a design shop and café bar selling products from emerging designers alongside vintage furniture and home wares. Everything is for sale: from designer crafts, vintage tea sets, 1950's dressers and unusual tables and chairs, to hand-made cakes, ice creams, specialty teas, kitsch finger sandwiches, bottled beers and cocktails. Open for lunch, afternoon tea, cocktail o'clock and different things to 'Do' like 'Play with Clay 80's Style' and 'Dot to Dot to Disco'. Tucked away just 2 minutes from Kings Cross station this cafe offers something for everyone, and again tapping into vintage fever!

October l Group Se7en Events visit Lisbon., Berlin, Cyprus, Tenerife & Mallorca

Lisbon is perfectly situated with downtown being a 10 – 15 min journey from the airport making it easily accessible. Group Se7en were guests at some of the city’s top hotels including the Dom Pedro Palace and Corinthia along with seeing the newly opened Oitavos hotel, and visited areas around the city including the wine cellar at Colares and Monserrate Palace, as well as being VIP’s at the famous 65,000 seater Benfica Stadium in the centre of Lisbon. We were privileged to dine at some of the finest restaurants in Lisbon including the Michelin starred ‘Tavares’.

Lisbon also hosted the 1998 World Exhibition so the site at Nations Park now plays host to a diverse range of events in the multi-purpose facilities available and seeing what the city has to offer has expanded Group Se7en’s already extensive knowledge of hosting overseas events.

 

September Issue l Mayfair Times Feature
Director of Group 7 Events Angelee Rathor has been featured in the exclusive Mayfair Times, read the article here

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August 2010 l FAM trip for Berlin
The Berlin Convention Office hosted a FAM trip on which Group Se7en Events took the opportunity to expand their already wide knowledge of hosting events overseas.

Berlin, steeped in history has the cultural draw as well as being a hub for industry wide conferences and congress.

We were guided through Berlin’s many historical landmarks including The Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and of course The Wall and our hosts shared their depth of knowledge on Berlin’s history with us.

We also discovered unique event spaces such as the disused Templehof Airport and STATION – Berlin  and exquisite hotels like the Adlon Kempinski Berlin and Grand Hyatt Berlin who have played host to movie stars and major blue chip companies.

We have made great business links and friends in Berlin to ensure any event hosted by Group Se7en Events whilst being a highly organised seamless operation will have the imagination and creativity to make it truly memorable.

19th May – 24th May 2010 l MEHK Hosted Hong Kong Fam Trip
A personal invitation from the Hong Kong Tourism Board gave Group Se7en Events an amazing opportunity to experience not only the business potential Hong Kong has to offer but also the culture. We were VIP’s at some of the most luxurious hotels in Hong Kong such as The Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental and the new $65usd million refurbishment of The Mira getting a real insight into their meeting spaces, bedrooms and facilities.

We dined at some of the finest restaurants with stunning views and visited some of the main tourist attractions including Ngong Ping glass bottom cable car ride to visit the Giant Buddha. This knowledge is invaluable in ensuring any event in Hong Kong with Group Se7en Events will be an experience of a lifetime !!

 

28-29 April 2010 l Group Se7en Events at RSVP10
We made our debut at RSVP10 this year and we made quite an impression! We had the most admired stand at the show, well you could hardly miss us we were the first stand as you entered the show opposite our friends Event Magazine. The Stand was contemporary and minimal just the way we like it!

The show was a great success for us we had hundreds of people who entered our Business Card Draw, the winner of which was Annabel Green, Events Director for Alexander & Rathor Bespoke Tailors based on Saville Row (www.alexanderandrathor.com). Our Champagne bar was the highlight of our stand and provided a great end to the show for all the exhibitors who enjoyed a glass or two with us. Same time next year I hear you ask??? Watch this space!

 

Oct 2010 l Ryder Cup
For those with a passion for golf, there's only one place to be in October 2010. The Celtic Manor Resort on the outskirts of Newport in South Wales. Why? The best reasonin the golfing calendar of course. The magnificent Ryder Cup. Celtic Manor is one of Europe's leading golf and business resorts, with three top class courses, an award winning clubhouse and floodlit golf academy. It's a fitting home for what is now regarded as one of the world’s largest sporting event and will be a focus for millions of enthusiasts from more than 100 countries around the world. Group 7 Events are offering a number of different Ryder Cup packages which include official entry tickets and full corporate hospitality.
For accommodation, we are offering a four star hotel which is close to the resort. Our Ryder Cup packages are some of the most exclusive on offer and we are taking bookings now. For more information, please contact us.