Starting price per person for festive packages at Market Halls in Canary Wharf
how space and size mean Market Halls stands ready to flex for festive celebrations
by Jon Massey
Market Halls, the popular street food spot opposite the western exit of the Elizabeth Line station, is promising to batten down the hatches and cosy things up for the winter months.
what’s going on?
As the nights become longer and the air chillier, the Canary Wharf venue is set to undergo a “Christmas transformation”.
what does that mean?
From November, the expansive space on the lower floors of Cargo will be hosting live music, DJs, carol singing (complete with opportunities to belt out a few tunes) and serving up warming cocktails to help Wharfers battle those winter chills.
anything else?
Naturally – the on-site street food traders will be getting in on the act with a series of seasonal twists on Xmas classics.
for example?
There’s the Baby Cheesus Blanket Burger from Butchies – buttermilk fried chicken tenders, house pickles, stuffing,
the power of
The Baby Cheesus Blanket Burger from Butchies at Market Halls
Santa-inspired sushi from Inamo Sukoshi
hip to be square. Take a look at what recently opened venue, The Cube, has to o er this party season - P18
useful stu need to know
● Market Halls is open daily from 11am. Closing times vary, but it shuts at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays
● A wide range of spaces are available for parties of di ering sizes. The maximum capacity for a group is 150
● Festive dishes will be available from November with prices from £4.99. Party package prices at the venue start at £38 per person
berry sauce, topped o with a pig in a blanket. It’s impossible to imagine a more festive garnish.
Then there’s the Santa inspired sushi from Inamo Sukoshi with salmon, nori, cucumber, kimchi sauce, rice, carrot and sesame seeds.
And for dessert, why not indulge in a White Chocolate Polar Bear Cheesecake or a mince pie from Whipped? Prices for festive dishes range from £4.99 to £15.
what are the options?
Market Halls promises “something for everyone” and has come up with a series of
Market Halls o ers a range of exible spaces with two bars on its lower oor and multiple street food traders taking care of the cuisine
party packages ranging from
The Party Starter to The Full Shebang. That might be just a Christmas dish and cocktail, or free- owing festive drinks with crackers and party hats. Prices start at £38 per person.
anything else?
Thanks to its size, Market Halls is extremely exible with various private areas for party planners to consider or wholevenue hire available.
That means it can accommodate everything from casual seasonal catch-ups with colleagues or friends to large parties with a maximum capacity of 150. Those making bookings for more than 50 people should email events@markethalls.co.uk for more information
key details
Market Halls is located at Cargo Canary Wharf on 25 North Colonnade and can also be easily accessed from the estate’s Elizabeth Line station.
The venue is open from 11am daily. Closing times vary, topping out at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays. Go to markethalls.co.uk
Scan this code for more about booking events at Market Halls
Get 10% off group bookings of 20+ at The Cube when making a reservation before October 31. Use code WHARFLIFE1010 when you book your party 10%
Players take on seven challenges individually or in pairs
Will you beat The Cube?
how
parties at The Cube stretch and test guests’ physical and mental abilities alongside top hospitality
by Jon Massey
LLooking to give your festive celebration an extra dimension? Then The Cube – recently opened at Wood Wharf – promises to supply a powerful blend of physical and mental challenges to test your guests.
what’s all this?
Based on the TV show, this live-action version enables players to try seemingly simple games, all of which take place within the confines of a sealed glass box.
and it’s new?
That’s right, The Cube opened its Canary Wharf branch this summer in Charter Street. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday and features 21 cubes set across three floors.
so what happens?
Teams of four take on seven games that have all been part of the original TV show, designed to test the physical and mental agility of their players.
Participants can expect their balance, speed, judgement and steadiness to be challenged as they take part in single or two-player tasks to win points in the hope of beating The Cube.
That’s only achieved by completing seven games without losing a life and winning 10,000 points.
is there more to the venue?
There certainly is – The Cube in Canary Wharf is a full service entertainment venue with bars and multiple options for food.
Toni Loco serves up pizzas –think Margheritas, Pepperoni and BBQ Chicken – alongside a sweet selection of desserts.
Meanwhile, The Butcher handles burgers, sides, shakes and a wide choice of small plates such as Spicy Beef Skewers, Bang Bang Cauliflower and a Greek Salad as well as sharing platters.
and the drinks?
The Cube comes with plenty of ice cold beverages, thanks to a total of six mixologist-led bars. These serve up an extensive drinks menu including a cocktail list that offers a twist on wellknown classics.
Expect to find the likes of the Raspberry Mojito, the Vanillatini and the Kiwi Cosmo. Most wines
useful stu need to know
● The Cube is open from 12.30pm-10pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from the same time until 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays, from 11.30am to 11pm on Saturdays and from 11.30am-9pm Sundays
● Whole venue hire is available for parties of up to 440
● Prices to play The Cube start at £57.50pp. Party packages start at £79.50pp
are available by the glass as well as the bottle.
what about parties?
The good news is The Cube is enormously flexible when it comes to seasonal celebrations and groups do not need to divide into multiples of four.
The venue offers everything from VIP rooms with private cubes – as well as bar and toilet facilities – to larger exclusive spaces.
The Cube is also available for venue takeover, where a single client hires the whole space for up to 440 guests.
how does it work?
Hosts are available at The Cube to answer this exact question. This service offers players greater relaxation in the knowledge that there’s an expert present to sort pretty much everything (bar completing the games on your behalf, of course).
Hosts handle check-in, drinks and food orders, orientation and even present the winning (and losing) teams with their prizes. Having someone on-hand can take the pressure off at crucial moments.
and these exclusive spaces?
That’s right. In a little more detail, the VIP Area is completely separate from the rest of the venue. It has a capacity of between four and 30 people and features three cubes to play the seven games. This area features private catering, toilet facilities and a private bar.
The Perspective Bar is a segregated area within the venue with seven cubes to play games in. It
has a capacity of between 50 and 100 people and has a private bar and catering.
The Summit Bar is also segregated with a capacity of 34 seated or 26 standing and has its own private drinks and catering. Players access cubes alongside general admissions.
Finally, the Replay Bar is a semi-segregated area with a capacity of 34 seated or 16 standing. This too has its own private bar and catering. As before, players access the games in the communal areas.
how do I nd out more?
The best way to make an enquiry about booking for a larger group is via the form on The Cube’s website. Discounts are available for group bookings of 16 people or more. Use code WHARFLIFE1010 when booking for 20+ before October 31 and get 10% off. Go to bookthecube.com for more information or to make a reservation
Scan this code for more about hosting events at The Cube
Reserve a party on a Monday or Tuesday in December before October 15 and Sticks’n’Sushi will provide a free glass of bubbles for all guests attending – hurry, these dates typically get booked up fast
how parties at Sticks’n’Sushi come with verve, sophistication and vibrancy as standard
by Jon Massey
Sticks’n’Sushi has long been a favourite of Wharfers. The Danish-Japanese restaurant, located beside the Elizabeth Line station in Crossrail Place, has years of experience in serving up expertly made sushi and perfectly seared sticks from the grill.
tell me more about the space Scandanavian style meets Japan at this restaurant, with wall art by Mie Olise Kjægaard and a private section adorned with traditional Japanese kimonos.
what’s the capacity?
The whole venue is available for exclusive hire and can accommodate parties of between 130 and 160 guests. The Kimono Room holds up to 26 seated. Tables for a festive feast can, of course, be booked in the restaurant.
for groups?
Yes, for 2024, Sticks’n’Sushi is offering group menus from £40 or £65 per person, carefully tailored to parties of any size. Canape, drinks receptions, team building sessions and masterclasses are also available.
what’s on the menu?
There are some new limited edition dishes available this year such as Chicks’n’Blankets – chicken meatballs and bacon with miso herb butter, Wagyu Temaki – seared Kyushu wagyu beef, sushi rice, tsume soy and crisp nori.
and to drink?
Signature cocktails like Shiso Ha, with tequila, shiso leaves, and elderflower, or the festive Matcha Eggnog, featuring rum, matcha, gingerbread syrup and cream, will all be available. There’s also a curated list of wines, spirits, Japanese teas, and an extensive sake menu. continued on Page 22
targeting and festive flavour
Sticks’n’Sushi offers a wealth of festive treats including cocktails such as the Shiso Ha or the Matcha Eggnog
from Page 20
How do I get there?
Sticks’n’Sushi is located a few seconds walk from the western exit of Canary Wharf’s Elizabeth Line station. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Tube and the DLR and close to roads for those who prefer to do their travelling in taxis.
any extra incentives?
We all like a deal and Sticks’n’Sushi is no exception. This year it’s o ering all those who book Monday or Tuesday dates in December before October 15 a free glass of bubbles for all guests. Speed is advised as these get reserved quickly.
Group menus at Sticks’n’Sushi in Canary Wharf are available for £40pp or £65pp
just one more thing
If you’re unable to attend the Canary Wharf venue or one of the restaurant’s other branches, the business o ers a catering service supplying platters and pop-ups that can come to you.
key details
Sticks’n’Sushi is open from noon every day. Bookings can be made online, while groups can email the team via contact@sticksnsushi.com to arrange an event. Go to sticksnsushi.com
Scan this code for more about Christmas at Sticks’n’Sushi
With a multitude of spaces and performances, Boisdale Of Canary Wharf has the festive season sorted - P24
Capacity of Sticks’n’Sushi in Canary Wharf for whole venue hire this festive season
The restaurant specialises in beautifully presented grilled skewers and colourful sushi creations
500
Maximum capacity for a standing reception at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf. The venue can accommodate 250 guests seated
Elvis will be back in the building for New Year’s Eve to help welcome 2025
how Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is beginning to look a lot like Christmas with plenty of parties in the diary
by Jon Massey
Dean Martin may, famously, have done his drinking in the evening time when he was in Las Vegas, but Boisdale Of Canary Wharf has a wealth of options for the festive season this year that go far beyond a few whiskies at dusk.
Unlike any other establishment on the estate, the restaurant, bar, gig venue and cigar lounge presents a compelling, singular solution to party planners and casual diners alike.
in the evening time
The Definitive Rat Pack form the backbone of the seasonal offering with Stephen Triffit, Mark Adams and George Daniel London slipping into their tuxedos to bring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr back to life. With evening performances
kicking off on November 28 and dates right up until December 28, audiences can expect the likes of White Christmas, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Let It Snow while drinking or dining.
Reservations are taken from 5.30pm with live music and two course dinner packages starting at £99 per person.
Dishes on the Christmas Show
Time Menu include starters such as mini haggis with neeps and tatties, pressed terrine of pheasant or beetroot carpaccio with goats’ cheese and mains such as turkey wrapped in parma ham with all the trimmings, dry-aged fillet steak and lentil and mushroom wellington.
an indulgent lunch
For those who prefer to do their seasonal eating earlier in the day, Stephen will be performing for the venue’s Sinatra Christmas Lunches, with dates booking from December 3-21. Guests can expect swinging classics with reserva-
tions from noon. Live music from 12.30pm-3pm plus a two course lunch starts at £59 per person.
diary dates
In addition to the regular Rat Pack shows, Boisdale has also scheduled a selection of evening Christmas celebrations, all available with dinner.
Boney M – known for Mary’s Boy Child, amongst many others – kick things off on December 5 with a festive special that also features Mi-Soul DJs. Prices start at £129 per person.
Then Heatwave Christmas Special promises a night of disco and boogie on December 12, with classics such as The Groove Line and Always And Forever certain to feature. Prices start at £119.
welcome 2025
Rounding off the venue’s festive offering will be Boisdale’s NYE Party: One Night In Vegas, Featuring Ben Thompson. While 2024 leaves the building, Elvis
will, undoubtedly enter it – the return of The King including performances of Suspicious Minds, Love Me Tender, A Little Less Conversation and many, many more. Packages including a threecourse dinner start at £169.
beyond the diary
Anyone who has visited the Cabot Place venue can be in little doubt that Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is a party specialist.
Playing host to events that have attracted the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Charlie Sheen, Whoopi Goldberg, Kelsey Grammer, Hugh Laurie, Jeremy Irons and so very many more. Its patron of music since day one has been Jools Holland, with its annual music awards once again attracting a potent cross section of jazz, soul and blues artists alongside performances from the likes of Tony Christie and Kathy Sledge.
Arranged over two floors, it boasts a wealth of spaces for groups of almost any size (up to 250 at maximum capacity for a sit-down dinner or 500 standing).
Facilities include private rooms, a cigar tasting lounge, a heated terrace and Europe’s largest whisky bar.
Above, Boisdale is well known for its blockbuster events on the
with performances from musical legends and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Private dining can be easily arranged for groups of up to 40 seated (or 60 standing), with a wide range of dining and canapé options.
The drinks options are similarly extensive including Boisdale’s own wines, a wealth of vintages from Europe and further afield and easily the largest collection of spirits in east London. Fortunately, Boisdale’s bar staff also have the training to turn those into some of the finest cocktails available in the capital.
key details
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is open Tuesday-Sunday with a packed calendar of performances and events.
For those hunting Christmas gifts, the venue offers a range of vouchers redeemable at both its Canary Wharf and Belgravia restaurants
Go to boisdale.co.uk for more information
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at Boisdale
Wharf,
Per Person cost of the Festive Standard Package at London Museum Docklands
The venue o ers a range of options including formal sit-down dining
Scan for more about events at London Museum Docklands
how London Museum Docklands has created a tempting selection of party packages
by Jon Massey
We’re really proud of what we’ve put together for this year’s Christmas parties,” said Raffaela Pozzi, assistant head of hospitality (sales and marketing) at London Museum. “Our Docklands site is so incredibly unique and we’ve designed a selection of packages that will showcase its history and charm, while giving guests an exclusive and immersive museum experience.
“It’s all about making sure guests have a fantastic time in a setting that’s as special as the occasion.”
Recently rebranded, London Museum Docklands, the West India Quay institution is once more throwing open its doors for the festive season with a wide selection of options for party planners to consider.
Housed in a Grade I listed
warehouse beside the docks, the venue has teamed up with catering partner Bovingdons to offer a range of creative packages.
Upon arrival, guests will enter through Muscovado Hall where original pine columns adorned with twinkling lights and a magnificent Christmas tree will set the scene for an evening of festivities.
First on the agenda will be out-of-hours access to the museum’s galleries where those attending can get a taste of London’s rich Docklands history before moving into the main reception space. Options here include a full sit-down diner, food
the
The museum o ers multiple historic spaces for hire
stations or a standing reception-style event.
Actors can be hired to mingle with guests throughout the evening for a more immersive atmosphere, bringing the past to life for guests.
Festive packages at London Museum Docklands include full event support, drink and catering options, and state-of-the-art AV facilities.
Clients can choose between the Riverside Room, which boasts its own entrance, a private terrace, and one hour of access to the second-floor galleries, or the Wilberforce Room, which includes access to the No. 1 Warehouse Gallery, showcasing the history of the capital’s bustling docks and warehouses.
To make things easy for organisers, the museum is offering the Festive Standard Package priced from £81per head and the continued on Page 35
useful stu need to know
● London Museum is located on West India Quay within easy walking distance of multiple stations
● A range of packages are available, starting at £81 per person for events
● After-hours access to the museum’s galleries can be arranged as part of a client’s event. Actors can also be hired to help bring the area’s history to life at the Grade I listed venue
from Page 26
Festive Luxury Package from £93. Both are priced per person and exclude VAT, with minimum numbers applying for bookings.
London Museum Docklands is also offering a specific Christmas Reception Package this year, which can be added to any daytime booking from £44 per person. From 5pm-7pm, guests can enjoy Prosecco, house wine, beer, and soft drinks, with the option to add on canapes or bowl food, during their visit.
The venue is flexible in its approach and offers a distinctive setting for a wide range of events including corporate gatherings and private celebrations.
Its galleries explore the rich history of London’s docks and the River Thames, from the city’s earliest days to its rise as a global trading powerhouse.
Through a series of galleries, visitors can discover the stories of London’s dockworkers, the impact of the sugar trade, and the city’s enduring connection to the water. With Canary Wharf as a backdrop, it remains a perfect blend of past and present.
London Museum Docklands is located within easy walking distance of all the estate’s stations as well as West India and Westferry DLR stops.
key details
To enquire about booking a party at London Museum Docklands, call the team on 020 7814 5789 or email any queries to venuehire@museumoflondon.org.uk Go to londonmuseum.org.uk for more information or to make a booking
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The museum’s spaces can be con gured in multiple ways to suit a wide selection of needs
The museum’s spaces all feature period features such as wooden beams and columns
at London Museum Docklands
Starting price for tickets to see Viola’s Room – A Christmas Tale in Woolwich. Punchdrunk is also o ering a range of hospitality options at its on-site bar, The Prop Store £28.50
how Viola’s Room by Punchdrunk is getting a seasonal twist to enjoy over the festive season
by Jon Massey
Immersive theatre pioneer Punchdrunk has come up with a special festive edition of its latest show – Viola’s Room – in Woolwich. Written by Booker Prize-shortlisted author Daisy Johnson, with narration by Helena Bonham Carter, the show reimagines Barry Pain’s classic gothic mystery The Moon-Slave for a new audience.
so what’s di erent for Xmas?
Between November 20 and December 23, performances will be given a special seasonal twist, complete with festive music under the title Viola’s Room – A Christmas Tale.
so what happens?
Described by Punchdrunk as “an audio-driven journey through a moonlit fever dream set across a festive soundscape” – audiences explore a labyrinthine installation barefoot and wearing headphones as the unseen narrator reveals a story of innocence lost and obsession unleashed.
and for the party?
Punchdrunk’s on-site bar – The Prop Store – serves a range of cocktails, champagne, wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks. In keeping with the 1990s themes of the Viola’s Room experience, there is also a selection of nostalgic board games available to enjoy with any pre-booked hospitality packages.
are group bookings available? Certainly. A range of hospitality packages are available with various options involving The Prop Store. All enquiries should be sent via email to hospitality@punchdrunk.com
anything else?
If Christmas is just too long to wait, Punchdrunk will also be hosting special Halloween performances from October 31 to November 2. At selected
stepping the show
The run of Viola’s Room in Woolwich has been extended with a special festive twist to delight audiences in November and December
Audiences listen to Helena Bonham Carter’s narration while exploring Punchdrunk’s labyrinthine set
time slots, visitors will receive with their ticket a bespoke cocktail and exclusive access to The Prop Store bar where you’ll be able to make your own 1990s-themed friendship bracelet as well as playing those board games...
key details
Viola’s Room – A Christmas Tale will be welcoming guests from November 20 to December 23. Tickets start at £28.50
Punchdrunk is located at Woolwich Works in Woolwich, a minute’s walk from the Elizabeth Line station, making it ideal for Wharfers who like exploring beyond the estate. Go to punchdrunk.com for more information
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Enjoy an Asian take on the festive season with Ping Pong’s dishes at its St
Katharine Docks branch - P38
Price of a festive set menu at Ping Pong, which operates branches at Bow Bells House, Soho, Southbank, St Christopher’s Place and St Katharine Docks in east London
Ping Pong has created a feast of festive dishes for this year’s party season
how Ping Pong is serving up special dishes and festive set menus to cater for everyone
by Jon Massey
Whether it’s lunch gatherings or larger parties, Ping Pong stands ready to cater for groups of all kinds as party season arrives. The restaurant group, which operates across five sites in the capital including east London’s St Katharine Docks, has officially unveiled its festive offering.
From November 12, right through to January, Ping Pong will offer a selection of festive dishes and delights.
One highlight from the menu is Soft Shell Crab – a whole crab lightly dusted in potato flour and seasoned with Sichuan spices, served on a bed of shredded carrots and crispy glass noodles with a sweet chilli sauce.
Then there’s Butternut Squash And Goji Berry Dumpling – dumplings filled with sautéed butternut squash, root vegetables and vibrant goji berries, wrapped in a bright red translucent pastry. Finally, there’s Wagyu Beef On Crispy Rice – flamed meat marinated in a signature ebara yakiniku dressing and served on crispy rice cakes.
For those in search of a feast, Ping Pong will be serving up a festive set menu at £40 per person. For that, diners receive:
● Nibbles - Prawn crackers (GF)
● Crispy - Two wagyu beef crispy rice cakes, crispy duck spring roll, vegetable spring roll and prawn toast
● Steamed - Two har gau, chicken and truffle gyoza, two butternut squash and goji berry dumplings and vegetable sticky rice.
● Dessert - A delicious matcha and yuzu finger cake.
The group has also come up with a potent selection of seasonal cocktails, with the Emperors Festive Fizz taking
marking the
centre stage. This blend of Vivir Blanco and Añejo Tequila is topped with ginger beer and a hint of Angostura bitters before being garnished with fresh ginger and a festive beetroot powder rim. Guests can take advantage of cocktail trees and drink packages, including 10 cocktails for £70, 5 bottles of house wine for £95, and 10 bottles of Asahi beer for £48.
For those who do not celebrate Christmas or prefer the classics, set menus starting at £25 are available for groups of eight or more, with a special halal set menu also on offer.
key details
Festive menus will be available at Ping Pong branches at Bow Bells House, Soho, Southbank, St Christopher’s Place and St Katharine Docks from November 12 through to January. Go to pingpongdimsum.com
Discover what Feels Like June is o ering for the coming festive season - P40
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A FESTIVE FEAST WITH A JAPANESE TWIST
1 CROSSRAIL PLACE, E14 5AR
be
by Jon Massey
Located on the ground floor of the Tribe London Canary Wharf hotel on Wood Wharf’s Water Street, bar and restaurant Feels Like June is billing itself as the perfect place to celebrate the festive season this year.
what’s the space like?
Bright, naturally lit, cosy and stylish, the venue has its own dedicated entrance, welcoming desk, and open kitchen.
The restaurant promises “an intimate yet vibrant setting for your Christmas celebrations”. There’s also a heated outdoor terrace – also available for hire – which can accommodate up to 150 guests.
tell me more Feels Like June has firmly established itself in Canary Wharf on Wood Wharf’s Water Street as an all-day restaurant and cafe that takes its theme from the sunny vibes of California. Parties of all sizes are welcome and the venue can be hired exclusively for big groups by arrangement.
what’s Christmassy in Cali?
The restaurant will be serving up a special festive menu from November 13 to December 25. Priced at £52 per person it features seasonal dishes such as cod croquettes, stuffed
useful stuff need to know
l Feels Like June is open from 7am till late every day of the week
l Whole venue hire is available for parties of up to 220 people (standing). Seated, it can accommodate up to 150. The restaurant’s terrace can take 100 seated or up to 150 standing
l The main festive menu costs £52 per person and will be served from November 13 until Christmas Day
turkey breast and a pecan and walnut pie. It will also be serving a selection of festive cocktails.
anything extra?
As party experts, well used to running events in conjunction to the hotel and on its own, the venue offers a menu of easy to book add-ons.
From DJs and live music to cocktail masterclasses and fashion portraits, Feels Like June offers a wide range of options to help plan an unforgettable party. A photobooth is also available with instant digital printing to provide guests with memories they can take away.
Feels Like June’s canapés and finger food menu costs £32 per person and includes dishes such as mini burgers, chicken skewers and crostini. Desserts such as brownies and seasonal fruit can be added for £5 per guest.
How do I get there?
Feels Like June is located a few minutes’ walk from the eastern exit of Canary Wharf’s Jubilee line station. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Elizabeth Line and the DLR and on a road for those who prefer to do their travelling in taxis.
Can I stay over?
Obviously. In Tribe, Feels Like June boasts the only hotel actually on the Canary Wharf estate. Just make sure you book ahead to ensure a room. It’s the only venue locally to provide guests with the option of checking in and getting ready on-site, ahead of a party and then staying in the building after. Guests can even stay for a lovely breakfast there in the morning.
How do I book
Festive options at Feels Like June can cater for tables of two right up to exclusive hire of the whole venue. Smaller parties can book online or by email to hello@feelslikejune.co.uk
Larger parties should email sales.canarywharf@ mytribehotel.com to enquire about availability. Go to feelslikejune.com for more information or to book
Hop on board a City Cruises sailing this festive season for celebrations at lunchtime or on Christmas Day itself - P42
A canapes and finger food menu is also available
Feels Like June’s festive menu features the likes of stuffed turkey breast and slow-cooked beef rib
Feels Like June has a selection of seasonal cocktails such as the Red Scarlet
Starting price per person for City Cruises Lunch Parties over the festive season. A wide range of options are available
how City Cruises has lined up plenty of parties, lunches and dinners for Christmas and New Year’s Eve
by Jon Massey
There’s something about the Thames.
The river has always been the focal point of London, the reason for its existence and a grand thoroughfare through its very centre. So, as party season arrives, why not take to the water to celebrate this year?
City Cruises is offering a wide range of options from November 28 to help people do just that. For starters, the company is offering lunch parties from Westminster Pier, with guests boarding at 12.30pm for a 1pm-4pm trip.
Tickets start at £70 and include a welcome glass of sparkling wine, a traditional three-course lunch, live music and a full bar on board as well as daytime river views.
Evening Christmas Dinner
Party cruises board at 6pm from Tower Millennium Pier, with four hours on the water from 6.30pm.
Tickets, starting at £95, include a traditional three-course dinner, DJ entertainment and dancing, half a bottle of wine per guest and night-time views of London. Discounts are available on both packages for parties of 20 or more.
private functions
Alternatively, for those organising larger celebrations, City Cruises offers exclusive hire of MV Westminster (up to 60 guests), Millenium Of London (up to 140) and Erasmus (up to 300 over three decks).
Party planners can opt for a Christmas Formal Dinner Cruise –starting at £125 per person – with Champagne to welcome guests on board, a three-course dinner,
celebrate and
City Cruises is offering festive trips from November 28 onwards
DJ entertainment and drinks for the table. There’s also the option for a less formal Christmas Buffet Cruise, from £135, with guests enjoying unlimited wines, beers and soft drinks while dancing to tracks from a DJ.
Both options include boat hire for up to four hours and festive decorations on the vessels.
the big day
City Cruises is set to host a Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on December 25, with prices starting at £159.
Tickets include a welcome glass of sparkling wine and a four-course traditional Christmas lunch with festive trimmings followed by tea or coffee as well as seasonal entertainment and carols. The trip will board at 11.30am from Westminster Pier, returning at 3.15pm.
welcoming 2025
To round out the year, City Cruises is offering a range of options on New Year’s Eve, all including the opportunity to watch the London fireworks from the water.
The company’s Galaxy Cruise
City Cruises is offering a multitude of ways to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks from the water
includes three hours on the water, live entertainment and canapes, with Champagne on arrival and at midnight. Its Celestial Cruise is half an hour longer and features a hamper packed with refreshments.
For those who prefer a more formal option, there are Dinner and Gala Dinner cruises, offering everything from a three-course dinner to a five-course extravaganza, complete with paired wines and cheese.
Naturally, plenty of Champagne will be owing and all options include a full bar for guests to enjoy. Prices for New Year’s Eve cruises start at £317 per person.
key details ity ruises is offering hristmas lunch and dinner cruises from November 28. Sailings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve are also available.
For more information or full booking details go to cityexperiences.com
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for
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN OUR GRADE I LISTED WAREHOUSE
Located on West India Quay, London Museum Docklands o ers a range of options for your festive party, with a capacity of up to 1,500 guests for drinks receptions or 240 guests for dinner. Prices start from £81+VAT per person for the Festive Standard Package (minimum numbers apply).
Contact us by email: venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk, call: 020 7814 5789 or go to londonmuseum.org.uk/commercial/venue-hire/ for more details
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more about Christmas with City Cruises
There are plenty of party options over the festive season with City Cruises, including private hire of whole boats
Celebrations a oat
Traditional dining
2,000
Maximum capacity of Urban Funfair at Magazine London for a standing reception.
The venue can handle 600 for seated dining
Overlooking the Thames, Magazine London’s massive capacity make it ideal for huge events and shared celebrations at Christmas
getting your
how Smart Parties Urban Funfair at Magazine
London o ers exclusive hire and shared parties
by Jon Massey
There’s only one venue that combines views across the Thames to Canary Wharf with the thrills of the funfair. But rather than present a single proposition to festive revellers, Smart Parties’ at Magazine London on Greenwich Peninsula is o ering two.
Its Urban Funfair concept can be enjoyed exclusively by large organisations looking to throw a big bash with an iconic backdrop. But, on four dates in the run up to Christmas, its delights can also be sampled as a shared party.
For this year’s festive season, Magazine will feature two spaces. One will be dedicated to dining, with views towards the towers across the water. Here, in-house caterer Moving Venue will serve a threecourse menu.
The other boasts a carousel-themed central bar, a dance oor and a “whimsical playground” complete with carnival attractions, bunting, festoon lighting and dodgems.
Guests at the shared events will arrive from 6.30pm for a decadent drinks reception complete with canapés amid the rides.
They will then sit down for dinner at 8pm, before the DJ starts their set at 10pm and the action moves back to the dance oor, with festivities continuing past midnight.
Tickets include use of tables throughout the night, so groups can use them as a base during the whole party.
A full complement of upgrades are also available, including table drinks packages from £100, beer buckets and ne cheeses (both from £50) or after dinner drinks chests from £110. Unlimited drinks wristbands start at £48 per person. All prices exclude VAT.
Private drinks receptions in roped o areas featuring sparkling wine and canapés are also available from £14 per
person. Exclusive hire for larger companies o ers maximum exibility at Magazine, with clients able to tailor events to their individual requirements.
Options include hire of the venue from 6.30pm until 1am, use of the indoor funfair, sparkling drinks receptions on arrival, bowl food or sit-down dining and unlimited drinks packages.
The venue can provide a wide range of upgrades including facilities for live music, casino tables (either for free or with proceeds going to charity), pre-dinner entertainment or acts during service and interactive food stations.
However, these are the tip of the festive iceberg and Smart Parties encourages clients to collaborate creatively with the aim of creating truly memorable programmes and spectacles within Magazine.
The venue is ideally located for public transport with river boat, Tube and bus stops all within easy walking distance on Greenwich Peninsula.
key details
Shared parties at Magazine London’s Urban Funfair are set to take place on December 6, 7, 14 and 18. Prices start at £120 per person excluding VAT.
Exclusive venue hire is also available for up to 600 seated or 2,000 standing with a multitude of catering and entertainment options.
Call 020 3868 4302 or email christmas@smartgroupltd.co.uk for more information, to book or to discuss options.
Go to smartparties.co.uk for details of events at Magazine London or at other locations across the capital with Smart Group
Scan this code for more about shared parties at Urban Funfair
Smart Parties’ Urban Funfair features dodgems and a carousel-themed bar
useful stu need to know
● Smart Parties’ Urban Funfair at Magazine London can be enjoyed either as a shared party or via exclusive hire
● The venue can handle up to 600 seated to dine or up to 2,000 for a standing reception
● Prices for the shared events start at £120 per person plus VAT
● Smart Parties o ers a wealth of exible options for businesses looking to create unique events
Magazine London is located just across the river from Canary Wharf
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