Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s Day are notably the most romantic occasions to propose. However every 4 years on a Leap Year, girls across the nation may be tempted to pop the question in time honoured tradition. Four days prior (26th February), No.11 Cavendish Square will host an exquisite spring wedding fair for brides and grooms, providing the perfect opportunity for couples to see their dream day become a reality. In fact to celebrate the Leap Year, any couple that attends the fair that wishes to host their reception at the venue will receive a Magnum of Champagne if they can prove they became betrothed on 29th February.

The wedding fair is from 10.00am- 4pm. To register and reserve a place or for more information T: 020 7307 2488  E: venue@11cavendishsq.com



Since receiving a licence to hold civil partnerships and civil ceremonies the venue has played host to a number of weddings. No.11’s impressive Georgian exterior, large Orangery with adjoining Garden Room and courtyard garden with living wall and candle lit water fixture make it one of London’s most sort after wedding venues.

No.11’s delightful Orangery is adorned with scented mandarin orange, olive and kumquat trees and can accommodate 100 guests for a wedding breakfast. The adjacent Burdett Suite can seat up to 150. Both the Presidents’ and Treasurers’ rooms in the Georgian townhouses are festooned with period features, and are the perfect setting for smaller receptions and wedding breakfasts of up to 24 guests.

A Toastmaster will welcome guests to No.11’s wedding fair leading them to the Garden Room where they can enjoy a glass of bubbly before visiting exhibitors in the Burdett Suite. Brides will be able to complete their entire wedding in just one day by visiting exhibitors including catering specialists Ampersand, floral design professionals Floral Symphonies,  Rosalind Miller Cakes (National Award for Best Wedding Cake Designer - The Wedding Industry Awards 2012), Fox and Fox wedding photographers, City of London Black Taxis, John Lewis for gift lists and the Chesterfield Mayfair hotel.   


 

No.11 Cavendish Square recently hosted an exclusive Christmas menu preview for event organisers and corporate clients; who will enjoy the ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ Parisian inspired party theme at the venue this Christmas.

Jonathan Morris, Commercial Director of No.11 Cavendish Square said “We hosted a Christmas tasting last year and did the same this year to give those who have booked a Christmas party with us a little taster of what they can expect. The previews are a great success as organisers see how they can enhance their event with food, drinks and entertainment options. This years tasting was so successful it yielded a booking for Christmas 2012.”  

On arrival guests enjoyed a glass of chilled Prosecco and divine cocktails including the ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ (vodka, crushed raspberries, raspberry puree, sugar syrup, lime, pomegranate juice and cranberry juice poured over crushed ice) and the Moulin Rouge (a vodka and raspberry mix) in the Edwards Room, located on the first floor, which overlooks No.11’s large Orangery event space. The Edwards Room was dressed for the ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ theme with tables decorated with red velvet and 3 foot black candelabra centre pieces draped with feather boas.

Following drinks, guests were seated and served a mouth-watering selection of bite size dishes. The tasting portions gave guests the opportunity to sample starters, mains and desserts available on the Christmas menu including:  
•    Terrine of braised leg of guinea fowl and foie gras with glazed figs and parsnip puree
•    (v) Double baked Rosery goats’ cheese soufflé with balsamic pear, sweet potato and pea shoot salad
•    Thyme marinated fillet of West Country beef with braised oxtail rilette, spinach and creamed celeriac
•    Port wine braised Highland venison with Savoy cabbage and pumpkin dauphinoise potatoes

To finish guests were treated to a miniature selection of desserts including:
•    Rich traditional Christmas pudding with rum butter and brandy custard
•    Date and macadamia nut parfait glazed with Italian meringue and Armagnac syrup
•    Cranberry and winter berry mille-feuille with cinnamon and earl grey cream

Dishes were accompanied by a selection of wines and created by in- house caterers Ampersand.  

This Christmas No.11 Cavendish Square revives the opulence of Parisian style cabaret and supper club dining of the 1930’s. The charm and exhilarating party atmosphere of the supper club experience is cleverly recreated with ambient lighting and luxurious details such as ostrich feathers, sumptuous red velvet and the added indulgence of a masked ball, with masquerade masks provided by the venue.  

No.11’s Christmas diary has filled up quickly, however prime dates from 12th – 22nd December are still available. Organisers are advised to quickly take advantage.

The ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ Christmas package is available from 1st December for a minimum of 80 people. Prices start from just £99pp +VAT and include a 45 minute sparkling wine and cocktail reception, unlimited drinks package from 6.00pm - 12.00am with optional spirit upgrades, a fully themed venue, DJ, fully staffed cloakroom, security and a dedicated events team. Organisers can book by calling 020 7307 2474 or email venue@11cavendishsq.com

 

Another key addition to The Westminster Collection’s strong Board line up brings the marketing consortium’s head count of influencers to five. Jonathan Morris, commercial director at Grade II listed townhouse No.11 Cavendish Square, takes up his position on the Board with immediate effect.

'Following the announcement of the resignation of Charles Howard of 10-11 Carlton House Terrace from the TWC Board at our last EGM at the RIGB, I am delighted to confirm that Jonathan Morris, from No.11 Cavendish Square, has put himself forward, and been accepted by the directors, as his replacement on the Board,' said chief executive of The Westminster Collection, René Dee.

Morris’s 18-year career in hotels and venues in London includes positions as sales and facilities manager at The Royal Aeronautical Society, venue manager at The Institution of Electrical Engineers and also hotel manager roles with the Hilton and Thistle Hotels in Mayfair, Wallingford and Birmingham.

Highlighting the personal strengths he can bring to the Board, Morris says: 'The Westminster Collection enables venues in the City of Westminster to maintain a presence in a competitive industry through proactive marketing, including monthly newsletters, topical blogs and venue videos, which are shared with the Collection’s large database of UK event professionals.

'I challenge the status quo and strive to bring organisers something new, whether it is a product or service. My approach is to deliver excellence and to set the trend – attributes I will use in my role as Board member of The Westminster Collection.'

Speaking of the immediate responsibilities of The Westminster Collection Board, Dee says: 'The Westminster Collection is in an exciting period of development and the prospects are good, so we are looking forward to the newly configured Board ensuring that our strategic direction and policies for future growth and development fulfil the expectations and needs of all members of The Westminster Collection.'

Jonathan Morris joins Board director Wendy Greenhalgh, director of sales and marketing at One Great George Street, company secretary Nigel Collett, operations director at One Wimpole Street (the new home of The Westminster Collection’s registered and administrative office), and Allyson Hargreaves, head of business operations at St Martin-in-the-Fields. René Dee, chief executive officer of The Westminster Collection is chairman of the Board.

No.11 Cavendish Square has extended its catering contract with Ampersand following a strong pitch against three other catering companies. The new 3 year contract has a combined total turnover value of £5.4m and will see Ampersand continue to provide catering and hospitality services at the venue. Ampersand first won the No.11 account 8 years ago; the new contract term will see the partnership reach 11 years of service.

Jonathan Morris, Commercial Director of No.11 Cavendish Square said: “During the process all four caterers came back with impressive pitches, but Ampersand raised the stakes and we are delighted to continue working in partnership. We were won over by Ampersand’s diverse range of extra touches which will see No.11 rival the catering and hospitality services of the best boutique London hotels. Going forward we want No.11 to be seen as a truly landmark event venue that brings affordable luxury to clients events.”

“Working with my new Director of Operations Martin Dibben, we set out to identify the ‘wow’ factors that would ensure that we retained this prestigious contract and we are thrilled to have done so,” explained Paul Jackson, Managing Director of Ampersand. “Gary Devereaux, our executive head chef, has created bespoke menus that reflect the trends found in the best restaurants right now – themed tasting dishes and small plates for example – ideas that really work for canapés and receptions with a difference.  Above all our emphasis is on affordable luxury supported by well trained and enthusiastic five-star staff”

No.11 Cavendish Square dramatically combines the period features of the Georgian era with contemporary designed rooms. The venue houses over 30 event spaces spread across four floors with several large theatres, breakout rooms, board rooms, and an Orangery which leads onto a courtyard garden with a feature ‘living wall.’ The venue is available for product launches, summer and Christmas parties, gala dinners, receptions, meetings and conferences.  
 

No.11 Cavendish Square reveals new menu options for its ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ Christmas party theme, which  revives the opulence of Parisian style cabaret and supper club dining of the 1930’s, in the stunning Orangery event space. The Ampersand catering team at No.11 have created an indulgent menu of 3 course dishes, bowl food and canapés which will provide a spectacular flavour sensation for guests’ taste buds.

Organisers will be able to select one starter, one main and one dessert (from the 3 course menu) to be served to guests. In addition to this one of each vegetarian option can be selected for vegetarian guests. The new 3 course menu includes:
Starters
Terrine of braised leg of guinea fowl and foie gras with glazed figs and parsnip puree
Salad of San Danielle ham, asparagus and marinated tomato with truffle hollandaise and roquette
Smoked Loch Fyne salmon parfait with baby gem lettuce, caper and pickled red onion salad
(v) Double baked Rosery goats’ cheese soufflé with balsamic pear; sweet potato and pea shoot salad
(v) Roast parsnip, apple and honey soup with parmesan croutons
Main Course
Roast breast of Norfolk turkey, apricot and chestnut stuffing with roast potatoes and sherry gravy
Thyme marinated fillet of West Country beef with braised oxtail rilette, spinach and creamed celeriac (£3 supplement)
Port wine braised Highland venison with Savoy cabbage and pumpkin dauphinoise potatoes
(v) Gaperone cheese, leek and walnut tart with caramelised chicory and red wine vinaigrette
(v) Risotto of spinach, ricotta and aubergine with shallot and capsicum confit
Desserts
Rich traditional Christmas pudding with rum butter and brandy custard
Dark chocolate marquise with orange and whiskey ice cream
Cranberry and winter berry mille-feuille with cinnamon and earl grey cream

Bowl food options include:
Main
Port wine braised Highland venison with Savoy cabbage and pumpkin mash
Roast breast of Norfolk turkey with apricot and chestnut stuffing, roast potatoes and sherry gravy
Tiger prawn, spiced crab and avocado cocktail
(v) Spinach, ricotta and aubergine lasagne with a confit of oregano, shallot and capsicum
(v) Wild mushroom and parsnip risotto, baby leeks and cep beignets
Desserts
Traditional Christmas pudding served with rum butter and brandy custard
Winter berry and cinnamon apple crumble with green apple and calvados sorbet

The menu for pre- dinner canapé receptions includes:
•    Norfolk Turkey and cranberry boudin wrapped in Serrano ham with a parsnip crisp
•    Foie gras and truffle potato croquette
•    Spiced fillet of West Country lamb with red currant compote
•    (v)Shot of winter squash velouté with chestnut foam

Upgrades to enhance the Christmas package are available including spiced mulled wine and delicious port glazed miniature mince pies, an after dinner spirit bar including whiskey, rum, vodka and gin and to bring the night to a close with a sumptuous  treat: succulent pork, apple and chestnut stuffing bap.

A full list of menu dishes will be available on the site soon in the ‘menu’ section. To request the full Christmas e-menu email: venue@11cavendishsq.com

The ‘Spectacular Spectacular’ Christmas theme captures the charm and exhilarating party atmosphere of the Parisian cabaret experience. It is cleverly recreated with ambient lighting and luxurious details such as ostrich feathers, sumptuous red velvet, the sweet smell of the orange trees and the added indulgence of a masked ball at No.11 Cavendish Square.  Glamorous can-can girls will help guests choose 1890’s inspired masquerade masks (supplied by the venue) to add to the theatrics of the evening and entertain the crowd with high kicks, splits and flips during dinner.  

The Christmas package is available from 1st December for a minimum of 80 people. Prices start from just £99pp +VAT and includes a 45 minute sparkling wine  and cocktail reception, unlimited drinks package from 6.00pm - 12.00am with optional spirit upgrades, a fully themed venue, DJ, fully staffed cloakroom, security and a dedicated events team. Organisers can book by calling 020 7307 2474 or email venue@11cavendishsq.com


 

On 21st March the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) hosted a celebratory lunch to mark its 21st anniversary, and announce the 25 meetings and events industry professionals recognised by inclusion on the MIA-List. The MIA-List is a collection of the most inspiring and dedicated people in the events industry, as nominated by their colleagues. Commercial Director of No.11 Cavendish Square, Jonathan Morris, was among the 25 professionals to be recognised for his contribution to the industry.
 
Jane Longhurst, MIA Chief Executive said: “The MIA-List rewards those people who demonstrate the very essence of creativity and passion in the meetings and events sector. It’s fully representative, consisting of a range of professionals from event planners, receptionists and housekeepers to company directors and chairmen; we considered absolutely anyone who works in the sector to be eligible no matter what level or status, they just have to be going above and beyond to help make the UK meetings industry exceptional”.

Over 120 people attended the lunch at the Victory Services Club in London. Following the success of the MIA-List initiative, the MIA is planning to make the MIA-List a regular feature in the industry’s annual event calendar, with the nomination process for the MIA-List 2012 set to open in autumn 2011.

 

No.11 Cavendish Square has recently been awarded a licence to hold weddings and civil partnership ceremonies. The Grade II listed Georgian townhouse is situated in the heart of the West End, overlooking Cavendish Square and stylishly combines historical elegance with contemporary designed rooms.
No.11’s impressive Georgian exterior, large Orangery, exquisite courtyard garden and beautiful period features including ornate cornicing, fireplaces and large windows make it a dream setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

The venue’s Orangery event space decorated with brass sconces and small mandarin orange, olive and kumquat trees can accommodate 100 guests for a wedding breakfast and the adjacent Burdett Theatre up to 150. Both the Presidents and Treasurers rooms in the Georgian townhouses are filled with period features. They are perfect for smaller receptions and wedding breakfasts of up to 24 guests. The courtyard garden features one of London’s few ‘living wall’ installations and a tranquil candle lit water fixture. The garden can remain open air for the summer months or be covered in a Bedouin tent for a weather resistant room.

No.11 will create a bespoke wedding package for couples, whether it’s an intimate reception for a few guests or a large scale celebration for 150. Couples will receive a dedicated event manager who will provide recommended suppliers for entertainment, floral design, photography and more.

The venue is registered for solemnisation of civil ceremonies, offering a modern and elegant alternative to a formal church or registry office. No.11 has beautiful settings for photographs including a period staircase, the Orangery event space, courtyard garden and the leafy Cavendish Square. The No.11 events team has already received several enquiries for weddings and have already taken six bookings for wedding ceremonies and breakfasts.

Organisers can book now by calling 020 7307 2474 or email venue@11cavendishsq.com