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Counting down the days to your summer holiday? Us too. But don’t be too impatient – the folks at Hire Space have scouted out the latest venues to keep you happily occupied until then. Sure, the Thames isn’t quite the Med, but delicious Italian food, spritzes galore and plenty of rooftop spaces are perfect for get-togethers and parties this month. See you there.
Henrietta
Henrietta hotel and restaurant occupies two stunning townhouses at 14 and 15 Henrietta Street in Covent Garden. Inspired by the surrounding streets and applying a touch of Italian design, the hotel’s 18 bedrooms and suites – each of them unique – feature fabric panels, marble and handmade bedheads. Henrietta comes from Experimental Group, which created Experimental Cocktail Club in London and the Grand Pigalle boutique hotel in Paris, and is blessed with a restaurant by brilliant chef Ollie Dabbous. It’s beautifully designed, built to impress and has flexible space for holding events and meetings. It’s pretty high on our list of new hangouts.
The Ten Bells – Milano Bar
If you have a bit of an obsession with Aperol, the new pop-up at The Ten Bells in Spitalfields is somewhere you should visit. Usually known for its cosy charm and great beverages, the first floor has been transformed into a leafy, summery, Italian oasis. With iconic Campari artwork, Italian Carrara marble and a great list of spritzes to try out, you can feel like you’re on the Italian Riviera (with a bit of imagination). There will also be a selection of Italian wines, meats and cheeses, so grab a group and have a celebrazione.
Giant Robot
A 500-capacity ‘rooftopia’ is how Street Feast describes its latest venture. You’ll find it at Crossrail Place in Canary Wharf and, really, you can’t miss it. Giant Robot is an apt name for this imposing building. The format here is similar to Street Feast’s Dinerama and Hawker House, so expect awesome street food from the likes of Bob’s Lobster, Little Jose and Yum Bun, alongside great cocktails and the all-important electric atmosphere. Oh, and there are some pretty swell views over the City too. You can book for groups of ten or more or make the most of a private hire option for a really cracking event.
The Curtain
The Curtain, in Shoreditch, bills itself as a London home for creative entrepreneurs. As well as 120 guest rooms there’s a rooftop pool and lounge, a 24-hour fitness centre, treatment rooms, co-working space and 6,000 square feet of event space, including a beautiful ballroom. The ballroom can hold up to 350 people and is total a gem. Sparkling chandeliers and velvet curtains accent the elegant room which boasts period features with a modern twist. It’s the type of space that’s great for grand gala dinners or charity balls – you’ll even get an event planner so they can do all the legwork and you can just enjoy the party.
Radici
Radici is Italian for ‘roots’, a fitting name for a restaurant inspired by Francesco Mazzei’s southern Italian heritage. The latest venture from restaurant group D&D London is serving up pizza, pasta and rustic Italian dishes and with Mazzei at the helm, so you can expect some pretty delicious fare. With a restaurant, bar and roof terrace, there are plenty of spaces to host your summer event. This elegant Islington venue is the perfect fit for private dining and drinks receptions, and it’s a truly beautiful venue for any celebration.
For more cool London venues, head to hirespace.com.