BINCHO YAKITORI
Where is it? On Old Compton Street in Soho.
What is it? The new sister site to the popular Japanese grill restaurant on the second floor of the South Bank's Oxo Tower.
What's it got? The venue has a modern yet authentic decor and offers two private spaces for hire. The larger can seat up to 30 guests, while the smaller holds 16. As in the South Bank restaurant, guests can dine at counters set around yakitori grills, where they can watch the 'keepers of the flame' cook their food. Alternatively, they might choose to sit at one of the counters by the windows, which in the warmer months can be opened up to overlook the cobbled street outside.
Who do I talk to? Mia Kulla on (020) 7287 9111
Web: www.bincho.co.uk
Largest space: 30 (seated)
Tube: Tottenham Court Rd
Postcode: W1D 4TL
Cost: POA
THE CHICAGO RIB SHACK
Where is it? Opposite the new luxury apartment development, Candy & Candy, in Knightsbridge.
What is it? An American-style restaurant and bar, The Chicago Rib Shack relaunched this May after being closed for nine years.
What's it got? The venue is located near its original site and split over two floors. The design is inspired by the Manhattan brasserie and steakhouse scene, and features exposed brick walls, leather banquettes and booths. The entire restaurant and bar can hold up to 400 guests for a drinks reception, each floor having a standing capacity of 200. For seated events, the ground floor can host 120, while the lower ground floor can cater for 200. Dishes on the menu include baby back ribs, potato skins and Mississippi mud pie.
Who do I talk to? Events team on (020) 7591 4664
Web: www.thechicagoribshack.co.uk
Largest space: 400 (standing)
Tube: Knightsbridge
Postcode: SW1X 7PA
Cost: POA
THE BOTANIST
Where is it? The Botanist is situated on the corner of London's Sloane Square, close to the shops of Kings Road.
What is it? The latest London bar and restaurant by Tom and Ed Martin, owners of the renowned gastro empire that includes The Gun and The Prince Arthur.
What's it got? Named in honour of Sir Hans Sloane, collector of natural history specimens, the venue consists of a restaurant and bar that are adjacent to each other. The restaurant, which is light and airy and features sketches from Sloane's collection, can be booked non-exclusively for groups of up to 20. Similarly, the rear of the bar can be reserved for up to 20. For larger events, The Botanist will consider exclusive hire for up to 200 for a drinks and canape reception.
Who do I talk to? Vera Dennhardt on (020) 7730 0077
Web: www.thebotanistsloanesquare.com
Largest space: 200 (standing)
Tube: Sloane Square
Postcode: SW1W 8EE
Cost: POA
CREWE HALL
Where is it? In the heart of Cheshire, a few miles from Crewe station and a 45-minute drive from Manchester Airport.
What is it? A four-star deluxe hotel that has just undergone a £13.5m refurbishment and is part of the Q Hotels stable.
What's it got? The new Conference and Events Centre comprises five self-contained suites, the largest of which can accommodate 380 guests theatre-style or 280 for a banquet. Each of the rooms is equipped with wi-fi access and provides a striking contrast to the Jacobean style of the main hotel. In addition to this, 53 new garden-view suites have been added, bringing the total number of bedrooms to 117. A 3.5-acre secret walled garden has also been built, which lends itself to endless opportunities for outdoor events.
Who do I talk to? Central events team on 0845 0345 333
Web: www.qhotels.co.uk/hotels/crewe-hall-crewe-cheshire
Largest space: 380 (seated)
Station: Crewe
Postcode: CW1 6UZ
Cost: POA
GREAT LEIGHS
Where is it? On the site of the former Essex County Showground, between Chelmsford and Braintree.
What is it? The first new British racecourse to open in 81 years.
What's it got? Costing £40m in a phased development, the venue is one of only three floodlit racecourses across the UK. There are two restaurants in the Grandstand: the Hospitality Restaurant, which can seat up to 250 guests; and the Brasserie, catering for groups of up to eight people. Both enjoy unobstructed views over the track, parade rings and winners' enclosure. Other hospitality areas include private boxes with terraces, champagne lawns, outdoor bars and alfresco eateries. When the Phase Two Grandstand is complete there will be more hospitality boxes and a 750-seat dine and view restaurant for organisers to choose from.
Who do I talk to? Events team on (01245) 362412
Web: www.greatleighs.com
Largest space: 250 (seated)
Station: Chelmsford
Postcode: CM3 1QP
Cost: POA
15 HATFIELDS
Where is it? Inside the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) building, on London's South Bank.
What is it? A unique concept venue, 15 Hatfields is one of the most sustainable in London and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and facilitating sustainable events.
What's it got? From the ecologically produced goat hair carpets to the Fairtrade, organic and locally sourced catering options, everything is designed with the highest environmental specifications in mind. The four main rooms - Earth, Water, Air and Fire - can host up to 90 guests each, or be opened up into one large function room for up to 550. For smaller gatherings, three additional rooms - Sustain, Energy and Renew - can each hold up to 50. Profits from events at the venue will be put back into CIEH's charitable activities.
Who do I talk to? Warren Campbell on (020) 7827 6301
Web: www.15hatfields.com
Largest space: 550 (standing)
Tube: Waterloo
Postcode: SE1 8DJ
Cost: POA