Venue Updata
From roofwalks at Ally Pally to Traitors-inspired team building in Yorkshire, here's all the latest New Year venue news and updates from the UK and beyond.
Swinton Estate launches new Traitors-inspired corporate package
Swinton Park Hotel is introducing ‘Saboteurs at Swinton’ - a Traitors-inspired overnight team-building package set within its 18th-century castle and estate grounds. Designed for small corporate groups, the experience blends immersive role-play, strategic mind games and themed challenges with luxury accommodation, dining and full event management.
Groups take part in a full day of bespoke tasks and trails inspired by the hit TV show, using atmospheric estate locations for secret briefings, strategy sessions and group decisions. The package also includes an overnight stay at Swinton Park Hotel, pre-dinner drinks, a three-course dinner, breakfast and lunch, as well as professional hosts, all props and planning, and branded souvenirs for guests to take home.
Highest roof walk in the UK ‘Summit’ launches at Alexandra Palace
‘Summit,’ London’s newest roof-top adventure and the highest roof walk in the UK, (130 metres above sea level) opens at Alexandra Palace on Saturday 14 February 2026.
This fully guided, one-of-a-kind experience invites visitors to scale the roof of Ally Pally and take in uninterrupted panoramic views, stretching 25 miles across the city.
Created by Wire & Sky, the experts behind the Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Cutty Sark rig climb, Liverpool’s Anfield Abseil, and previously, Up at The O2, ‘Summit’ is set to soar above North London. The hour-long journey leads climbers to the famous Angel of Plenty statue, standing 130 metres above the City of London, before opening out to a 360-degree view of the capital.
With specialist guides leading the way, guests step out onto the rooftop and follow a purpose-built route taking in world-famous landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Canary Wharf, and multiple major stadiums. There’s plenty of time to pause, enjoy the view and capture unforgettable photos before returning safely to ground level.
Dubai hotel guests to skip the queue with contactless check-in
Dubai has announced the citywide introduction of a one-time contactless hotel guest check-in solution, giving guests the option of bypassing in-person check-in procedures once implemented at the city’s hotels and holiday homes.
The pioneering biometric and digital technology capability, developed by Visit Dubai and available through several independent providers, is now available for immediate integration at hotels and holiday homes across Dubai, empowering guests to enjoy a seamless and expedited arrival experience.
The innovative system allows guests to complete all check-in formalities prior to their arrival, directly from their mobile phones. By uploading essential identification documentation and biometric data once, the entire process is streamlined, significantly reducing or eliminating traditional check-in times. Upon arrival, guests can bypass the usual check-in desk formalities at the start of every stay at participating hotels. The securely held data then remains valid until the identification document expires, meaning only a quick authentication, such as through facial recognition, would be required on subsequent visits.
Lime Venue Portfolio rebrands its central desk as ‘The Hub’
Lime Venue Portfolio has rebranded its long-standing central desk as The Hub, a name that aims to reflect its role as the beating heart of venue expertise, customer service, and industry intelligence.
The name The Hub was chosen because it symbolises connection and collaboration, a place where ideas, insights, and opportunities converge. Lime Venue Portfolio offers a complimentary, expert-led service designed to simplify event planning and connect professionals with the ideal venue from its extensive UK and Ireland portfolio.
Kathleen Edwards, head of reactive sales for Lime Venue Portfolio, said: “The Hub represents more than a name change – it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to the event industry. For years, our central desk has been a trusted partner for planners. By rebranding it as The Hub, we’re emphasising its role as a connector, a source of insight, and a catalyst for better events.”
ICC Wales, The Celtic Manor Resort and The Parkgate Hotel join beam
ICC Wales, The Celtic Manor Resort and The Parkgate Hotel have joined industry association beam, one of the UK’s leading associations for the business, events, accommodation, and meetings industry.
As members, the three South Wales venues will have access to a wide network of industry experts, support and resources as well as the option to attend industry-leading events and take part in government lobbying to enhance the sector.
Julie Hammond, group chief executive officer, ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection, said: “We’ve been watching beam for a while and are impressed with the work they’re doing to shine a light on the UK’s business events sector. We look forward to a productive partnership that will strengthen both our work and the wider sector.”
Somerset House unveils private view receptions package to coincide with Wayne McGregor’s Infinite Bodies exhibition
Somerset House’s commercial venue hire team recently welcomed 50 key clients, agencies and partners to an intimate breakfast event in the Embankment Galleries to celebrate the launch of its new Private View Receptions package available throughout the run of Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies, a landmark exhibition marking the culmination of Somerset House’s 25th anniversary celebrations.
The offer is a rare opportunity for event organisers and companies to impress up to 100 guests with exclusive, out-of-hours access to Wayne McGregor’s evocative exhibition within the Embankment Galleries, alongside a breakfast or evening reception within the exhibition itself. Designed to elevate events, the experience combines world-class art with exceptional hospitality.
Luci Sorrell, head of commercial sales at Somerset House, said: "Due to the nature of exhibitions, we cannot always host receptions within the exhibition itself, so this is a real treat and not to be missed.
Wyboston Lakes Resort creates Meeting Point
Meeting Point is a new stylish, modern, self-contained suite of three flexible fully equipped meeting rooms and a break-out area created within the Drift Inn at Wyboston Lakes Resort.
The largest space within Meeting Point is Great Point, which is suitable for up to 80 delegates. Valid Point is ideal for around 40 participants and Focus Point accommodates meetings of up to 32. Break Point is the central break-out area with a Paddy & Scott’s coffee refuelling station and plenty of places for work, chat, relaxation or competitive social games.
Among the outstanding features of Meeting Point are bold, vibrant colours throughout and the latest in meeting room technology which enables remote participants to be heard equally throughout the room.
The Cumberland's flagship events space reopens after AV upgrade
Arena, the flagship events space at The Cumberland, London, has relaunched following a major investment in its audio visual (AV) technology.
The space, which has capacity for up to 400 delegates, now features a concert-quality sound system, advanced LED lighting architecture and a new high-powered laser projector paired with a large motorised screen. It forms part of The Cumberland’s wider meetings and events collection, which includes 17 adaptable rooms and a selection of private dining spaces.
Gavin Taylor, CEO of Clermont Hotel Group, said: “ The relaunch of Arena brings an iconic venue with real character back into the spotlight. Its central location, combined with this significant technological investment, reinforces our commitment to delivering memorable, flexible and high-performing venues across the capital.”
New executive chef joins Regent’s
Central London venue Regent’s has appointed Yvonne Hunter its new executive chef. With over two decades’ experience spanning fine dining, large-scale hospitality and international travel, Hunter will introduce her culinary style following what she refers to as the ‘three Ss’ — seasonal, sustainable and social media ready.
The appointment forms part of Regent’s continued collaboration with B Corp caterers Houston & Hawkes, with the partnership delivering innovative, globally inspired menus centred on sustainability — a focus that has only strengthened since Regent’s receiving its own B Corp certification earlier this year. Yvonne will now head up the in-house catering team, working with trusted local suppliers and leading her new team to bring exceptional food experiences to the wide variety of events at Regent’s.
Church House Westminster surpasses sustainability milestones
A year on from officially becoming a net zero events venue, Church House Westminster has continued to exceed its own green records in 2025.
The events venue in the heart of London has reduced its water use by 41% since attaining net zero status at the end of 2024. Likewise, Church House’s overall carbon footprint has fell by an additional eight per cent, decreasing by more than 66,000kg CO2e in 2025. While the historic venue’s electricity use has gone down by a further seven per cent.
The first Grade II listed venue to use carbon-absorbing paint, and an enthusiastic adopter of spray cork insulation, Church House has always been innovative in its approach to sustainability. 2025 has been no different. The pioneering venue is currently exploring new ways to reduce energy consumption, including making the routes for water and air through the building more direct - a technique which could decrease boiler use by 15%.
All staff at the central London venue are now trained in both carbon literacy and neurodiversity. Indeed, Church House’s Head of Business Development & Marketing, Marina Papadopoulou, is an approved carbon literacy trainer as of 2025, and the venue has dedicated champions for menopause, neurodiversity and hidden disabilities.
RCP London Events celebrates best year on record
RCP London Events has announced its strongest year to date, reporting exceptional commercial growth, industry recognition and a successful year of client engagement.
In 2025, the RCP London Events team surpassed its revenue target by 11 per cent, continuing a multi-year trajectory of strategic improvement. New business development for larger events (150+ attendees) rose by 7 per cent year-to-date, generating a 38 per cent uplift in new business income compared with the entirety of 2024.
Alongside strong new business performance, the organisation has continued to nurture long-term relationships. Repeat business now accounts for 38 per cent of all confirmed events, highlighting the team’s focus on account management and exceptional customer service. Conversion rates also remain consistently impressive at 21 per cent, significantly above the industry benchmark of 16 per cent.
