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As we continue to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the shift in professional attire at conferences and events is unmistakable. Here at BMA House, a leading venue for conferences and events, we have seen a notable transformation in dress codes over the last few years.  Whilst not entirely to blame, the COVID restrictions certainly accelerated the pace of that change, which mirrors the broader evolution in workplace and professional dress, reflecting a move towards more relaxed and individual styles.

The Shift Towards Smart Casual

In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a general relaxation in dress codes, moving away from the traditional suit and tie to embrace smart casual. This trend is not just a reflection of changing fashion sensibilities but also of the shifting dynamics of work culture. With more hybrid working models, where individuals split their time between home and the office, there’s a natural inclination to opt for outfits that bridge the gap between comfort and professionalism.

At BMA House, we’ve witnessed this trend first-hand at our conferences and events. Attendees are increasingly choosing smart casual, which allows them to transition seamlessly from a day at the office to an event, without the need for a complete outfit change. This shift is indicative of a larger cultural move towards a more relaxed professional environment, where the emphasis is on individual expression and comfort, without sacrificing professionalism.

Evening Events: A Time to Shine

Despite the general trend towards relaxation, it’s important to note that dress codes can still vary significantly depending on the type of event and the sector. For evening events such as awards and receptions, in particular, there remains a strong inclination for attendees to dress up. These occasions are often seen as opportunities to make an effort, with cocktail attire or business formal wear frequently chosen to reflect the special nature of the evening. At BMA House, we continue to celebrate this tradition through our theming and decor, recognising that for many, evening events are a chance to step away from the everyday and indulge in a bit of glamour.

Sector-Specific Expectations

It’s crucial to acknowledge that in some industries, traditional dress codes are still very much expected. Fields such as law, finance, and certain corporate sectors maintain a more conservative approach to professional attire. For many events across these industries, the expectation for suit and tie or formal business wear remains unchanged. Here at BMA House, we respect and accommodates these expectations, ensuring that the professional nature and history of our venue continues to be present.  This again demonstrates our versatility and suitability for a wide range of professional gatherings.

In conclusion, the evolution of dress codes at conferences and events reflect a broader shift towards a more relaxed and individualised approach to professional attire. At BMA House, we embrace this change, offering a flexible and inclusive environment that caters to a diverse array of professional needs and preferences. Whether it’s a day conference in smart casual or an elegant evening gala, we celebrate the diversity of professional expression in this new era.

Summer is the perfect time to let loose and enjoy the warmth of the sun, especially when it comes to hosting a corporate summer party. At BMA House, we’ve mastered the art of creating unforgettable summer celebrations that are not only fun but also sustainable. Here are three key tips to ensure your summer party is a hit.

Embrace Interactive and Eco-Friendly Entertainment:

Summer parties should be all about fun, and our new interactive games for example are designed to engage everyone. These aren’t just any games; they are crafted to be eco-friendly and encourage team-building, laughter, and memorable moments. At BMA House, we’ve invested in outdoor games that add a vibrant dimension to our ‘Fun in the Sun’ party package. From traditional lawn games to new, exciting challenges, these activities are a great way to break the ice and bring your team together.

Focus on Innovative and Sustainable Food Options:

The heart of any party is its food, and we take this very seriously. Our catering partners, Company of Cooks, prioritise sustainability without compromising on quality. Expect a diverse menu, including plant-based and Asian-inspired dishes, reflecting our commitment to low carbon, ethical food practices. Our BBQ menu offers a variety of options like Achari chicken tikka and grilled masala paneer skewers, ensuring every dietary preference is catered to. Also, our food trucks, resembling quaint horse boxes, serve an array of delights, from pizza to souvlaki, enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Innovate with Alcohol-Free Options:

Recognising the rising trend in alcohol-free events, we’ve introduced exciting alcohol-free bars. These bars are not just an alternative but a highlight, offering a range of delicious, crafted non-alcoholic beverages. This initiative caters to individual preferences and supports a more inclusive party environment. It’s all about providing choices and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their drinking preferences, feels included and can enjoy the party to the fullest.

At BMA House, we’re not just about throwing a party; we’re about creating experiences that are memorable, inclusive, and aligned with our sustainable ethos. Our ‘Fun in the Sun’ package is a testament to this commitment. Whether it’s through our award-winning venue (finalists in the 2023 London Venue & Catering Awards for ‘Best Summer Party Venue’), diverse and sustainable food offerings, or our engaging and eco-friendly entertainment options, we ensure every aspect of your summer party is a success. Join us in the heart of Bloomsbury this summer for an unforgettable celebration that sets a new standard for corporate summer parties.

Imagine this: a gentle breeze, warm sunlight, the soft sound of live music setting a serene backdrop, and you, standing in the midst of an enchanting courtyard, saying “I do” under a canopy of blue skies. Sounds like a dream? Well, dreams do come to life at BMA House’s newly licensed outdoor ceremony space – the Courtyard.

Nestled in the heart of BMA House, the Courtyard is not just any space; it’s a canvas waiting to be painted with the moments of your special day. Picture signing your marriage register beside a striking fountain, your friends and family basking in the sunlight. It’s the kind of magic you’d want to frame forever.

This idyllic setting accommodates wedding ceremonies ranging from intimate gatherings of 50 up to 200 guests. And when it comes to personalising your day, the sky’s the limit. Choose from an array of stylish seating and layout options to create your perfect aisle. Want to make those memories last? Leave it to us to whisk your photographer (and perhaps you too) up to one of our charming balconies for breath-taking aerial shots. Imagine tossing your bouquet from up high.

But the beauty of the Courtyard isn’t just about the “I dos”. Extend your celebration under the sun with drinks and canapés served in this stunning space, or perhaps venture to our second outdoor area, the Garden, for a change of scenery. With endless possibilities, our dedicated wedding planners are here to ensure your outdoor wedding dream is realised, step by step.

BMA House is not just a wedding venue; it’s a piece of history. Standing on the site of Charles Dickens’ former home, this Grade II listed building strikes the perfect balance between heritage charm and modern sophistication. With sustainability at its core, it’s a place where your wedding day isn’t just beautiful but meaningful too.

From the wrought iron gates that welcome you to the award-winning catering that delights your senses, every detail is crafted with care. And with five spectacular spaces licensed for weddings, including the Great Hall, Snow Room, Paget Room, Prince’s Room, and now the Courtyard, your wedding can unfold in a unique setting.

The Courtyard and Garden, with their romantic allure, are the secret gems for cherished moments and photographs. And let’s not forget the culinary experience – our catering partners are masters at blending historic elegance with modern twists. Whether you’re dreaming of a themed feast or a multicultural menu, bespoke menus can be tailored to your heart’s desire.

At BMA House, we don’t just host weddings; we celebrate stories. With a dedicated wedding planner by your side, every step towards your big day is a step towards perfection. And with prices starting from £6,480 including VAT, your dream outdoor wedding is not just a vision, but an affordable reality.

For more information on weddings at BMA House, visit our Weddings & celebrations page, email our caring wedding planners on [email protected] or call us for a chat on 020 7874 7020

We’re excited to share our new guide (scroll down to below our ‘Meet the team’ section) for guests looking around Bloomsbury, Kings Cross, Euston, and more. This guide helps you find the special spots that make a visit to BMA House better.

A quick look at history

BMA House is in the important Bloomsbury area of central London, known for its history and famous residents like Virginia Woolf. It’s a place with a mix of old charm and new life, and we think it’s the perfect setting for events.

What’s special about Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury has a friendly and historic feel, with stories of famous thinkers and artists around every corner. For us at BMA House, it’s the ideal place to hold events, surrounded by history and culture.

Our top local spots

Our guide shows you our favourite places in Bloomsbury, from Niche in Angel for gluten-free food to the lively Seven Dials Market. Whether you want great pizza or a cocktail, we have suggestions for you.

Explore Bloomsbury’s history

Our guide highlights places like The British Museum and Sir John Soane’s Museum, showing off Bloomsbury’s rich history. We invite you to explore and get a sense of the area’s past.

Choosing where to stay

We suggest hotels like The Kimpton Fitzroy for luxury or The Hilton for those watching their budget. These hotels combine convenience, comfort, and style for a memorable stay.

Green spaces and shopping

Bloomsbury has both peaceful parks and shopping areas. Our guide points you to places like Tavistock Square and shopping at The Brunswick Centre and Coal Drops Yard.

Walking the Clean Air Route

We include a walking route from Kings Cross to BMA House in our guide, promoting a healthy and green way to see the neighbourhood.

Your Bloomsbury Guide

Whether you’re here for an event or just exploring, our guide is your ticket to the best of Bloomsbury, Kings Cross, and Euston. Check out our recommendations and discover why we love this area.

Find the full guide (scroll down to below our ‘Meet the team’ section) and plan your trip by connecting with us at BMA House. Let’s make your visit memorable.

As we say a fond farewell to Winter and hello to Spring, BMA House invites you to step inside our sustainable venue to sample our new menus. Bursting with flavour & colour, our delicious hospitality menus incorporate seasonal, local ingredients, using tried & trusted ethical suppliers. With a history of hospitality, we would love you to be part of our story.

🔗 Head to our Food & drink page to view our menus: https://lnkd.in/eNTb4B8d

Bored of beginning an event with biscuits? Sick of the sight of another plain Danish pastry? We certainly are! Which is why our new menus have been carefully crafted to inspire & energise your guests.

NEW for 2024…
🍏 Begin your day with our low-carbon breakfast, made using local & “Future 50” ingredients, chosen for their low-carbon impact & high nutritional content.

☕ Energise delegates with our Community Blend coffee; working in collaboration with Well Grounded & aiming to help Londoners into work and support farmers in Peru.
🥕 Indulge in our London Larder Buffet; seasonal dishes full of ingredients & products from our London larder, a selection of some of the finest suppliers & food producers that London has to offer.

We can’t wait to smell the aromas from our kitchens this spring / summer & seeing your guests enjoying our sustainable menus!

On Wednesday 21st February, we welcomed in excess of 50 top level event organisers & venues to take part in the second isla Venue Roundtable.

You could really feel the passion for sustainability in the room bounce off each other, and people’s commitment to improving the events industry was truly inspiring.

Guests were treated to a delicious low-carbon breakfast provided by our sustainable catering partner, Company of Cooks, which included mushrooms on toast with watercress pesto, teff grain crepe with crème fraiche, raspberries & London honey and a Green detox juice (kale, cucumber, spinach, lemon & fennel).

Part I saw us delving into different frameworks relating to emission boundaries and accountability for venues, event organisers and suppliers across different key areas: energy, travel, materials procurement, and waste, catering and post-evet reporting.
We had an insightful conversation about enhancing the collection and exchange of environmental impact data, with the goal of eventually creating a common venue framework to scale up across the entire events industry.

After a short break, Part II saw us collaborate to develop the basis for an aligned, voluntary standard for measurement and reporting across isla member venues.

We concluded the day with venues tours, showcasing the best that BMA House has to offer, including our industry-leading sustainable practices.

Ellie Ashton-Melia, isla’s Community Lead, commented, “Thank you for hosting us yesterday, the roundtable was a huge success. The low-carbon breakfast was delicious, our members thoroughly enjoyed the venue tours too.”

The Venues team took home a Gold winning trophy at the Greengage Sustainability Awards 2024.

During a fantastic afternoon at the QEII Centre, which brought together our industry’s top sustainability event professionals, we were delighted to take home ‘Sustainability initiative – meeting venue’, a remarkable triumph for everyone involved. This award recognises the sheer amount of hard work, passion, dedication and time invested in making our beautiful building a successful & sustainable place in which to work and deliver outstanding events.

Up against strong competition from ACC Liverpool, Kia Oval and Spaces at The Spine, we felt very lucky to be awarded a Gold position and couldn’t have done it without some key people at BMA; a special thanks goes to those in Estates, CSER, and our incredible catering partner, Company of Cooks, who have all helped us make BMA House the successful and reputable venue that it is.

We’re so proud of our achievements and in the competitive national market it is a challenge to stand out from the crowd – we are delighted that we have been able to do just that!

More information on the awards can be found here:

https://www.greengage.solutions/awards/

The Venues team took home a winning trophy at the London Venue & Catering Awards 2023.

During a fantastic afternoon at The HAC, which brought together our industry’s top event professionals, we were delighted to take home ‘The Sustainable Award for Venues, under 400 Reception Style’, a remarkable triumph for everyone involved. This award recognises the sheer amount of hard work, passion, dedication and time invested in making our beautiful building a successful & sustainable place in which to work and deliver outstanding events.

Furthermore, we were shortlisted for ‘Best Summer Party Venue’ and ‘The Sustainability Award for Caterers’, which in itself is a great achievement. There was some tough competition in these categories, so we congratulate the winners and learn from them for next year.

Up against strong competition from RCP London Events, Lambeth Palace and Barge East, we felt very lucky to win this prestigious award, and couldn’t have done it without some key people at BMA; a special thanks goes to those in Estates, CSER, and our incredible catering partner, Company of Cooks, you’ve helped make BMA House the successful and reputable venue that it is.

Judges’ comments from our winning entry include:

The judges said the venue had a strong commitment to sustainability and recorded successes to date. Their initiatives engage potential clients and give the venue a story to tell. The judges said they were excited to see how the planned refurbishment helps improve the venue even further.

We’re so proud of our achievements and in the competitive London market it is a challenge to stand out from the crowd – we have proved our ability to do just that!

All winners, finalists, images & our winners’ video can be found here: https://londonvenueawards.co.uk/2023-winners/

‘A partnership transforming lives through coffee’

The Company of Cooks coffee team has been working with Union Coffee and their community partner Well Grounded to create their Community Blend coffee.

Roasted in East London by Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, this exciting collaboration with Company of Cooks supports Well Grounded in their mission to help Londoners into work in the speciality coffee industry, providing barista training, qualifications, work placements, mentorship and employment to those who need it most.

It also supports farmers and cooperatives in Peru via the Union Direct Trade sourcing initiative, ensuring that a fair price is paid for this special coffee so that the communities at both ends of the supply chain benefit.

Meanwhile, those at Well Grounded will receive a donation for every kilogram of Community Blend sold, which is expected to amount to £75,000 in the first year.

The coffee itself has a natural sweetness and gentle acidity with notes of red berry jam, dark chocolate and walnut.

Company of Cooks is a long-term partner of Well Grounded, having provided over 3,000 work placement hours to Well Grounded trainees and employed 68 graduates to date.

Holding your event at BMA House not only means you’ll be in a leading sustainable venue, but you’ll also receive great tasting coffee and a personal feel-good factor knowing every sip contributes towards the community.

On 8^th November 2023, we transformed our venue’s key spaces into the most luxurious dining layouts when we opened our doors to welcome more than 50 leading clients to experience an evening of entertainment, sustainable cuisine, and the opportunity to meet our trusted sustainable suppliers.

Where it all began…

Stepping under our archway lodge and across the Courtyard, guests were dazzled by the grandeur of the building, which was beautifully lit up in shades of blue (courtesy of SLA), and entered the Snow room where the evening soiree began. Our solo artist, Joe Ellis Bradley entertained guests with uplifting music, while we served delicious canapes including smoked aubergine, preserved lemon & pomegranate, paired with our signature Ridgeview Bloomsbury sparkling wine – a natural choice for a venue in the heart of Bloomsbury. The wine comes from a vineyard in Sussex where their sustainable practices include crop biodiversity and encouraging natural grape pests. To encourage guests to share photos of the evening on social media, we made use of our autumn leaves picked from the Garden with @bmahousevenue handwritten on them.

Following a welcome given by our Venue Manager, Kat Winfield, we took clients on a tour of BMA House, beginning with our flagship space, the Great Hall, a real showstopper. Tables were laid out with 140 places, dressed with tall lamps (courtesy of TDC Cordless Lighting), and elegant pink lights which shone from floor to ceiling, the room provided an opportunity for guests to imagine using the space for their own dining event with a fully immersive experience.

Next stop was our Prince’s room, a decadent and unique space for private functions for up to 90 standing, with an impressive marble-floored foyer, the room itself is adorned with gold-leaf detailing, Corinthian columns, large mirrors and windows creating a bright, luxurious space.

The Garden room was on our route back. With botanic-themed artwork, this space leads out directly to our intimate & idyllic Garden, perfect for pre-dinner or post-event drinks with colleagues. Yes, we do have two outdoors spaces to enjoy in central London!

Onto the food – the highlight of the night!

The real wow-factor was our Paget room, which had been transformed into the most magnificent dining space. One long table ran down the centre of the room, dressed in subtle shades of sage, with tall plants provided by Amarante, flowers by InWater, and name cards made from leaves fallen from trees in the Garden.

The menu was selected with sustainability at the forefront and to achieve this we worked with Doug McMaster, founder of Silo (the UK’s first zero-waste restaurant) to create dishes for the occasion. We applied Company of Cooks ‘local larder’ philosophy to all the ingredients, sourcing several of our products locally and around greater London. We incorporated a number of plant-based options in the canape offering, and since we are passionate about preserving the oceans, the trout we served was fully sustainable; Company of Cooks are proud members of the Marine Conservation society.

The menu – introduced by Jeremy Ford Company of Cooks’ Food Director of Food

Starter – Lemon husk salt baked Heritage carrots, mint stem and carrot top emulsion, crispy potato peel (VE)

With an A carbon rating, carrots were one of the most sustainable dishes used on the menu. Carrots have a very low carbon footprint, are often overlooked, but the heritage variety used are delicious as well as very colourful.  We used the entire vegetable in this starter, the tops of the carrot were combined with mint stalks and turned into an emulsion dressing, the skin was dried and fried to create a crispy carrot ‘crumb’ then the main body of the carrot was baked in a salt crust with lemon husks that are usually thrown away after squeezing, all served with a silky smooth carrot puree.

Main course – Packington estate fallow deer, Szechuan pepper cream, venison kofta, kimchi or Roast Crown Prince Squash, dressed woodland mushrooms, sage, winter truffle (VE GF)

We wanted to showcase a menu that didn’t have to only be plant based. The reasoning behind selecting this dish was that culling wild venison is an important part of land management, ensuring the protection of habitats and acting in absence of natural predators. Eating wild venison from the UK is a sustainable way of eating red meat, as long as it is traceable and in moderation.

Food was perfectly paired with red and white wines from our sustainable supplier, Ellis Wines.

Time for dessert, photos and music

Following a sumptuous dinner, guests were welcomed back to the Snow room for an interactive ‘build-your-own autumn trifle’, citrus posset, or tonka bean vegan panna cotta station, completed by our pastry chef with a selection of seasonal fruits, coulis and crispy toppers. Our sustainable bar served a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as Idyll Rewilding. Further networking and good times were had as guests had their pictures taken in front of an eco-wall (courtesy of Mobile Moments), and we wrapped up the evening with some more great live music, provided by Liquid Strings.

We’ve received nothing but praise for our show stopping showcase and can’t wait to welcome back our special clients to experience their own event at BMA House.

A special thank you goes to all of our sustainable suppliers who helped transform the evening & contribute to overall lower carbon emissions.