Inside Out

Inside Out

Over the last couple of years we have become accustomed to the outside being the new inside.

Many hotels and venues have invested heavily in creating outdoor spaces that are just as inviting and comfortable as their inside spaces. As summer approaches, it's not going to take much persuasion to get delegates outside! Whether for a walking meeting, al fresco dining or a post-event social gathering, from the dizzy heights of a city hotel rooftop to an iconic cricket ground, the following venues have made the outside the in-place to be!

Bliss Hotel

An envious waterfront location in the coastal destination of Southport, Merseyside sets the scene for stunning sunsets over the Ribble Estuary and the Irish Sea as seen from the exciting Roof Garden at Bliss Hotel.

If you're after beige, the Bliss is not for you. If you're after an award-winner, that's proud, bold, stylish and delivering an exceptional level of service, the Bliss is your new love!

Created with a refurbishment cost of £2million, Room is the largest space. Welcoming up to 300 delegates, it delivers a tantalising 180 degree view over the coast, instantly creating a lasting impression. With a bar, pizza oven and access to the roof garden, this room is a natural choice for celebrations, award ceremonies and corporate dinners.

The stunning velvet Green Room brings a new level of glamour to a company presentation for an intimate audience of 50 people. Use the HD camera and ceiling microphone to reach a wider audience via Zoom or Teams, with video conferencing for up to six participants on-screen.

Alternatively, entertain audiences with Sky TV, Apple TV, XBOX or fun-packed karaoke!

A further executive lounge and suites for boardroom style meetings are available, all equally designed with an exciting quirkiness.

Delegates on a 24-hour stay can look forward to meeting Betty the Blissbot. The UK's first room service robot, who is happy to deliver cocktails to guestrooms!

And then there's the Roof Garden!

We promise this space will be the medicine your delegates want after a day of meetings! With a fire pit, festoon lighting, a sound system, an outside bar and relaxed seating for up to 50 people, this external space is made for sipping a cocktail as the sun goes down!

Breadsall Priory Marriot Hotel and Country Club

From the coastal location of the Bliss Hotel, to the beautiful Derbyshire countryside and a hotel that's the oldest in the Marriott hotel group.

The historic Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel and Country Club is a real charmer with its elegant Priory rooms that date back to 1260. Ideal for meetings and gatherings welcoming up to 140 delegates, this hotel boasts an impressive 300 acres of lush, landscaped grounds, including two championship golf courses.

A fabulous choice for a garden party or a corporate family fun day, delegates will love discovering the open spaces here. If you can make time in the event schedule for a refreshment break that's served on the terrace, the views over the ornamental pond and fountain are very satisfying.

Crowne Plaza Marlow

The outside certainly gets a priority positioning when events are held in the beautiful conservatory at the Crowne Plaza Marlow. This attractive hotel is in the heart of the Thames Valley and Chiltern Hills and has recently completed an £8 million refurbishment, including the brand new Winterlake Conference Centre. With a top capacity for 450 delegates, this state-of-the-art centre combines creative spaces with award-winning dining and floor-to-ceiling views over the landscaped lawns and lake.

Bedford Hotel

A flourishing secret garden in London's creative Bloomsbury is sure to please delegates attending a small-scale event at the chic and stylish Bedford Hotel. It offers two meeting rooms; the self-contained Wendy House is situated in the secret garden and welcomes up to 30 delegates on a half or full-day hire rate. Beautifully decorated, it's an ideal space to encourage creativity and free-thinking. The Acer Room welcomes 16 people. This is a contemporary space with neutral décor, leafy views over the garden and the latest in audio-visuals, including a large wall-mounted plasma screen.

Catering at the Bedford Hotel is delicious too. The team are more than happy to create bespoke packages, including canapés, bowl food and private dining. The hotel’s restaurant, Botanica, occupies the ground floor, looking out over the pretty garden and water features. It serves an exciting seasonal menu that promises freshly prepared all day favourites, signature cocktails and a charming afternoon tea.

Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower

The Liverpool skyline must be one of the most recognised with the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building dominating. Packed with musical and maritime history, a thriving arts scene and of course, a football heritage with two teams dating back to the 1890s, Liverpool is a must-see with visitors from across the globe.

Holding a meeting or conference in Liverpool brings event organisers lots of opportunities for picking a venue that has a real connection with the city. Located on Chapel Street, right on the Dock Front and just a short taxi ride from Liverpool Lime Street station, is just such a place. Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower brings its own nautical seagoing pose to the famous skyline. With views over the city's architecture, including the Three Graces, the hotel offers a mix of flexible meeting rooms, a sun terrace and a restaurant, all just metres from Pier Head.

The National Suite is the largest space, welcoming up to 120 delegates and for a taste of those iconic Liverpool views, head to the Vista Restaurant or Vu Bar and Lounge. With the hotel's great 24-hour delegate rate of £100, the Atlantic Tower is an all-rounder that doesn't disappoint.

Kia Oval

Nothing says summer in England quite like cricket and nothing says cricket quite like Kia Oval! The iconic ground has been home to Surrey County Cricket Club since the 1800s and custom dictates the final test match of the English season is traditionally played here.

Perhaps not so well-known is the amazing corporate facilities available for meetings, events and conferences at Kia Oval. Situated just outside London's congestion charge zone and opposite the Oval Tube Station, there's a wide choice of suites, boxes and lounges. An impressive top capacity of 1,500 delegates in the blank canvas, free-styling Jardine Suite gives you the freedom to create the event style you want.

It's the Corinthian Roof Terrace that's a must for a summer party or post-conference gathering. Sitting right at the top of the OCS Stand, this covered area can hold an impressive 600 guests on an informal basis. With views of the famous pitch and the impressive London skyline, a choice of bars and food stations, an evening of good company and good conversation is on the scoreboard!