About London
London is a bustling city full of life and energy. It's a global hub of culture and commerce, with an incredible mix of old and new. With its iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben, it's no wonder London is one of the most visited cities in the world!
As the capital of England, London serves as the headquarters for many major international corporations. It's home to some of the world's largest stock exchanges and financial institutions, making it a center for corporate activity. This provides ample opportunities for business travelers who visit London for work events or team-building activities.
When planning dinners in London for your corporate needs, you're spoilt for choice. From cozy pubs with classic English fare to Michelin-star restaurants serving up some of the finest meals you can find anywhere in Europe — never mind Britain. If you want something a bit more unconventional then there are plenty of quirky options as well such as floating restaurants or rooftop bars overlooking some of London's most famous landmarks. Whatever your needs may be, London has something for everyone.
Corporate Dinner Options in London
- Event Planner
An event planner is an essential part of any corporate dinner. They can help coordinate the overall vision for the dinner and make sure that all aspects of the event run smoothly. Event planners will work closely with clients to identify their objectives, understand budget and timeline constraints, develop a creative concept, source venues, and vendors, manage logistics, design marketing materials, and more.
- Catering
Catering services provide professionally-prepared food and beverages according to a client’s specifications. Menu options typically include hors d'oeuvres, salads, entrees, side dishes, desserts, beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and other specialty items. Professional caterers also provide additional services such as staff members to serve guests and maintain the event area clean throughout the evening.
- Music
Music is an important part of setting the atmosphere at a corporate dinner and adding to the overall experience. Professional bands or DJs can be hired to provide live music during the event that fits with the tone of your gathering. Alternatively, you could hire a DJ for pre-recorded music that fits both your musical preferences and timeline for your dinner.
Corporate Dinner Vendors in London
- PenniBlack
At PenniBlack Catering, they prioritize sustainability while providing exquisite food and stellar event services. From private dinners to corporate catering, their dedicated team of event coordinators and front-of-house staff will ensure your event runs smoothly. With formal dining menus that have options for all diets, PenniBlack excels at accommodating each unique client requirement with creative menus bursting with flavor. Everything is made from the freshest ingredients and prepared to bring out the most delicious flavors on every plate.
- Club Soul
Club Soul performs for weddings, corporate functions, and events, both in the UK and abroad. Their impressive lineup of musicians and vocalists has played with some of the biggest names in music, including Stormzy, Adele, and Dua Lipa. When you book Soul Club, you will get a show-stopping performance of classic 70s favorites alongside current chart bangers — complete with some inventive mash-ups and medleys only they could create. Plus, they offer smooth dinner music to make sure that your event runs without a hitch. Whichever type of function you’re hosting — be it an intimate gathering or an extravagant celebration—Soul Club’s meticulous attention to detail promises high-end experiences that are customized to each occasion.
- The Photo Team
The Photo Team is a trusted provider of professional event photography services in London, nationwide, and across the globe. Its accomplished photographers and videographers are dedicated to providing top-notch results while capturing conferences, corporate events, exhibitions, meetings, and more. Established in 2011, The Photo Team has earned its reputation as one of the best companies in this field due to its experience, innovation and drive for excellence. They specialize in documenting every detail of an event through their advanced skillset and powerful visual storytelling approach.
Pros and Cons of Corporate Dinners in London
A corporate dinner in London can be a great way to treat your employees, customers, or partners to an unforgettable evening. However, it is important to consider all of the pros and cons of hosting such a dinner before making any final decisions. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with hosting a corporate dinner in London.
Advantages
- A trip to London provides a great cultural experience for those attending the event, offering them insight into the city’s history and culture.
- London has a wide variety of event spaces that can be used for corporate dinners, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your needs and budget perfectly.
- With numerous airports and transportation hubs throughout the city, getting around London is quite easy, making it simple for your guests to get to and from their destinations.
Disadvantages
- Depending on flight schedules and other factors, guests may only have limited time available to explore the city outside of the formal event.
- If you have limited time or date flexibility when planning your corporate dinner in London, finding available venues may be difficult as they may already be booked up ahead of time.
- During peak tourist season in London, crowds tend to be large which can make navigating through the city difficult and unpleasant for some guests.
Tips on How to Organize Corporate Dinners in London
Organizing a corporate dinner in London can be a complicated and overwhelming task, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be quite successful. Here are some useful tips to help you plan the perfect corporate dinner in London:
- Identify a suitable venue — It’s important to choose an appropriate space that fits your company’s needs. Consider factors such as size, layout, location, and parking availability.
- Create a timeline — Once you’ve decided on your venue and finalized other details such as food menus and guest lists, create an agenda or timeline for the evening that outlines each step of the evening from start to finish — this will help ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Choose the right menu — Make sure that your menu is tailored to your guests’ preferences. Plan to avoid last-minute issues such as dietary restrictions or allergies. Also, don’t forget to consider food allergies and cultural restrictions when selecting dishes.
- Set up seating arrangements — For larger gatherings, it may be helpful to set up seating arrangements ahead of time so guests don’t have to worry about finding their place to sit during the dinner. If possible, provide name cards with assigned seats as well as printed menus at each setting so guests know exactly where they should go once they arrive at the venue.
Famous Locations in London
- Kensington Palace
Whether you're an avid historian or a long-term fan of the British Royal Family, a visit to Kensington Palace is the perfect way to step back in time. Built in 1605, and favored by William and Mary of Orange in 1689, this building has a long history, including serving as residence to George III until he relocated to Buckingham Palace. Visitors can explore the King's and Queen's State Apartments on public tours, or take a romantic turn around the famous sunken garden.
- Sir John Soane's Museum
The beauty and eccentricities of Sir John Soane's Museum are nothing short of mesmerizing. After bequeathing his home and personal collection to the nation through an Act of Parliament with a stipulation that it remain untarnished after his death, this Georgian building now stands as a testament to exquisite tastes and interests. Visitors enter the museum via the basement where they are confronted with the awe-inspiring sight of the translucent limestone sarcophagus of Egyptian Pharaoh Seti I, surrounded by urns meant to evoke ancient Roman burial chambers.
- Tate Modern
Tate Modern is a true cultural phenomenon of London, having transformed the already spellbinding architecture of the old Bankside Power Station into an elegant hub for modern and contemporary art. It is equally remarkable for its mission to make its artwork available to all, with admission to the permanent collection being entirely free. Spanning four floors, Tate Modern comprises works by dozens of renowned artists including Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Georges Braque, Jackson Pollock, and more.