Presidential visit to Grade II listed venue

A leading business figure has been given the lowdown on a historic Coventry venue that has just reponed in the Cathedral Quarter.

Steve Harcourt, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, was given a full tour of the Grade II listed Drapers’ Hall, which has opened again under new management.

The 19th century building is interwoven into the city’s economic heritage and has now come full circle to be the perfect location for business events, conferences, celebrations and award ceremonies as well as weddings, thanks to a joint venture between Chris Hartley of Hartley Consulting & Events and Arum Javed of Sovereignty Venue & Event Management as DH Venues.

Its history, coupled with its £5 million restoration in 2021 by Historic Coventry Trust, make it the perfect addition to the events scene in the region, according to Steve. He said: “I was absolutely thrilled to get a look behind the scenes at Drapers’ Hall and it reminded me how fortunate we are to have buildings with this kind of history in Coventry and, also, that there are people like Chris and Arum who are giving it a new lease of life.

“It really has to be seen to be believed and I am anticipating that it will be a real hit for business and private events in the coming weeks and months.

“It also makes you take stock of what a wonderful area of the city centre the Cathedral Quarter is that really brings to life the city’s history.”

Steve got to see all around the building in its full Regency glory including its Ball Room, Tea Room, Reading Room, Card Room, Dining Room and Card Room many of which include original features from the 1830s.

DH Venues is a new venture but between the partners it as collectively nearly 40 years’ experience working with and for a wide range of event venues, including The NEC Group, NAEC Stoneleigh, Wicksteed Park and many more.

Chris said the visit from Steve was an opportunity to showcase everything that Drapers’ Hall has to offer and underlined the commitment to partnerships in the city and the wider region.

He said: “When we decided to take on Drapers’ Hall we knew that we couldn’t do this on our own. The only way we will make this the success it deserves to be is by working with partners to help us get the message out there and by creating a real critical mass of venues in the city and the region.

“Steve was really excited by what we have to offer here and we’re looking forward to working with the Chamber and others in the region to bring in the kind of events befitting of this wonderful historic venue.”

For more information on Drapers’ Hall, go to: https://dhvenues.events/