Festive frenzy Industry
As 2007 draws to a close, RedKarpet looks at a sample of venues gearing up to host those all-important Christmas parties for corporates...
Rainforest Cafe
This themed venue is a perennial favourite among corporates and blue-chips with its audiovisual wildlife realism.
Its central London location hosts events of all sizes and the in-built theme provides instant "wow" to the occasion.
"Rainforest Cafe gets a good mix of corporate clients at Christmas time," says manager, Simon Yandell. "We actually have a 40% retention year on year which, given that most clients like something different every year, is testimony to our unrivalled success at combining both restaurant and nightclub to create an ultimate Christmas party package."
Habitual clients to the venue predominantly book shared party nights. New clients tend to opt for exclusive hire which runs on similar packages or on a much larger scale with up to 625 guests for standing functions.
"The venue is permanently themed as a rainforest and really does offer a
spectacular, creative backdrop for any occasion without the need to waste money on decoration," explains Yandell. "Visually stunning, the venue has a grotto-style entrance, indoor waterfalls, tropical thunderstorms and a number of lifelike animatronics such as elephants, gorillas and crocodiles which all move and sound like the real thing."
Venue Vitals ;
Fully functioning restaurant and nightclub
In-house event team available
Capacity - Minimum of 200 guests.Up to 355 sit down (two floors) or 625 for standing functions
Costs - Shared Party dates ; £25 inc VAT lunch and £39 inc VAT evenings
Exclusive hire - Packages tailored for clients, hire charges from £2,000 depending on dates and times required.
Lunchtime Menu - three-course set menu, midday to 5pm (last seating time is 3pm)
Evening Menu - includes a welcome drink; bubbly, Buck’s fizz or orange juice
- three-course set menu, crackers, nightclub entry and licensed bar until 2am
- Christmas nightclub starts from 9pm and the venue operates a "closed door" policy allowing access to corporate clients only
The Island Westminster
The newest member of the Pure Group, The Island Westminster club, is primed for its first Christmas this year. Its debut promises great DJs, creative cocktails and plush décor.
Located in London's West End, the venue offers membership and is set over two floors with a ground floor bar, encircled by an upper floor members' section which overlooks the dance floor.
Barcelona-based designer, Francisco Aniorte, has used an elaborately designed vinyl on the walls with a colour palette of dark greens, turquoise and yellow. Light boxes and projectors also help to project an edgy luxury that aims to set it apart from traditional members' clubs.
At £8.50 and £9.50, cocktail highlights include the Watermelon Crawl, The Bourberry and the Lychee Martini.
The Island offers all-night bar snacks menu for those who are peckish, serving a variety of mixed platters, including Oriental, Indian and American selections, ideal for sharing.
Venue Vitals ;
- Membership to The Island : White Membership Package: either £25 per month or £200 per annum. Black Membership Package: £45 per month or £450 per annum.
- In-house event team available
- Drinks Packages
Option 1 £35 per head (7pm-1am) Unlimited soft drinks, wine and beer.
Option 2 £40 per head (7pm-1am) One cocktail or one glass of champagne on arrival, then unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine.
Option 3 £45 per head (7pm-1am) Two cocktails or two glasses of champagne on arrival, then unlimited, soft drinks, beer, wine and house spirits.
Christmas Canapé Menu - £22.00 per Person
Dry hire £1,800+VAT includes 80 metre red carpet, flame lights at top of road, led colour changers lighting up all the external walls and 4 moving lights with the option to install bespoke company logo .