cityreviewbrighton(may)

♦ 4 5 ♦palife.co.uk may 2012 • PALife

PAlife v e n u e s

seaside glamour


Welcome to the first of our monthly city reviews. over the next few pages you will find out everything you need to

know about holding events or accomodating people in

Brighton. look out for further information online, and be sure to suggest other cities for us to

study in our forums, at palife.co.uk

BrightonCity Review:

n the first of its series of in-depth city Guides, pa life talks to Visit Brighton about the historic,

cosmopolitan, and royal destination on the south coast of england, famed for its grand hotels and an appealing seaside setting. unique restaurants, and party political conferences make this one of the top destinations to bring your conference or event, with something available to suit all needs.

famed for its seaside atmosphere and easy-going lifestyle, the city of Brighton is one of the most recognisable cities in the uk. and with its substantial facilities and diverse venues, it is no surprise that Brighton is the largest conference destination in the South and is recognised internationally as a leading business destination, not least because it benefits from some of the best weather in the uk.

Here emma cooke talks to VisitBrighton, the official destination tourism unit for Brighton & Hove, about how Brighton maintains its position as one of Britain’s leading destisnations, what new venues are popping up over the city and, over the coming pages, looks at some of the best venues it has to offer.

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PAlife v e n u e s

palife.co.uk may 2012 • PALife

Brightoncity Guide

v i l l a g e s o f B r i g h t o nBrighton is naturally divided into eight villages,

each with a distinct atmosphere. The areas include the Beachfront, Brunswick, Montpelier, the Cultural Quarter, Hove, Kemp Town, north Laine and The Lanes, all of which contribute to

Brighton’s active lifestyle.

n e w v e n u e sAcross all areas the city’s conference facilities

continue to see investment with many undergoing upgrades and renovations.

In January 2012 the first phase refurbishment at the 5,000 capacity Brighton Centre was

completed. Renovations included a glass façade, extended foyer and enhanced meetings facilities, with panoramic views of the seafront.

The largest addition to the visitBrighton portfolio, the AMEX Community stadium,

opened last summer and adds another sporting venue to the city alongside Brighton

Racecourse. The state-of-the-art 22,500 seat stadium can cater for a variety of events and

boasts nine stunning lounges and five concourses with outside space for

teambuilding activities.

h o t e l f a c i l i t i e sWith national and international conferences

coming to Brighton every year accommodation is also being revolutionised in the city. Already

with 10,000 beds in 150 hotels, ranging from boutique to modern the city is continually

expanding its hotel product with major investment.

The Grand Brighton has also completed a £300,000 refurbishment of its largest events

space, the empress suite, while Hotel du vin invested £150,000 in its 49 bedrooms, adding

state of the art iPod docking stations and designer coffee machines.

h i s t o r i cThe Cultural Quarter is home to many historic

venues where delegates can experience the grand state rooms of George IV’s Royal Pavilion,

a spectacular setting for evening dinners and receptions. The three spaces at Brighton Dome, designed and inspired by the Corn Exchange in

Paris create an impressive setting for banquets.

no delegate experience is complete without a visit to the seafront. The famous Brighton Pier attracts over four million visitors a year and is

available for exclusive hire for up to 300.

u n i q u e B r i g h t o nWith such an array of venues, hotels and history,

Brighton's Convention Bureau offers an unrivalled service to event planners and PAs

tasked with creating an event or conference. As well as a venue finding service, the Bureau

offers accommodation and booking recommendations, special delegate offers,

branded goods for gifts, and maps of the city. Definitely worth checking out if you're planning

an event on the coast.

Julia Gallagher, Convention Bureau Manager at visitBrighton comments: “The attitude of our

organisation is very indicative of the atmosphere within Brighton, relaxed and unique. The wealth of accommodation,

restaurants, quality retail and iconic seafront enhance Brighton’s place as a leading

conference destination and is something we are very proud of. By continuing to excite guests

through our product we will continue to attract conferences to our city”.

f a c t f i l e : w h a t B r i g h t o n h a s t o o f f e r

Meetings, conferences and events at the American Express Community Stadium

A culture of care that combines an effortless ability to handle large events with an understanding that success comes from looking after each person. Every detail. Each event. Whatever its size.

From intimate dinners to receptions for up to 650 guests, the Amex caters for everything. Meetings. Conferences. Presentations or exhibitions. In one of the most stunning and well-equipped new buildings in South East England. With superb public transport links, great parking and views across the next-door National Park. Conference & Events Team, American Express Community Stadium, Village Way, Brighton BN1 9BL [email protected] | 01273 878272 | amexstadium.co.uk

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Brighton


city Guide

Jurys InnStroudley Road, Brighton Bn1 4GQnumber of Rooms: 234 bedrooms, nine meeting roomscost: poabrightonhotels.jurysinns.com

Background: Jurys inn Brighton is located in the new england Quarter of the city. adjacent to Brighton Railway station, it is only a five minute walk from Brighton centre and all the main tourist attractions such as Brighton dome and theatre Royal. Jurys inn is the idea venue for the business guest with convenience in mind, a resting place that won't surprise or disappoint.facilities: all guests can enjoy spacious comfortable bedrooms, warm friendly service, and a stylish bar and restaurant, as well as wifi in public areas. perfect for quick meetings on the fringes of the main event.anything else? Jurys inn Brighton offer cut-price rates when you book at least seven days in advance. Just look for the advance purchase rate online, and book early to avoid disappointment.

Royal Pavilionprince’s pl, Brighton Bn1 1ednumber of rooms: eight venue spacescost: prices starting at £525 for a half day, or evening lecturebrighton-hove-rpml.org.uk

Background: located in Brighton’s cultural Quarter, the Royal pavilion makes a stunning setting for any conference or event. the lavish interiors evoke times long past, with design ranging from the edwardian, to the Victorian, to the oriental. facilities: the main State Rooms are available for drinks and dinner as well as meetings. accommodatinga maximum of 200, guests can start with drinks in the Great kitchen, then move on for dinner in the Banqueting Room, before enjoying a performance or lecture in the music Room. the king William iV Room is a versatile space, with private entrance, lobby, and caterer’s kitchen, available for all day or evening functions. anything else? the prince Regent used to entertain in style at the Royal pavilion nearly 200 years ago, meaning you'll be following in the footsteps of some very grand guests indeed.

xxxxxx

Jurys inn

xxxxxxroyal pavillion

Thistle Hotelking’s Road, Brighton, Bn1 2GSnumber of rooms: 210 bedrooms/seven meeting roomscost: poathistle.com/Brighton

Background: Built in 1984-7, the thistle Brighton was the first major hotel to be built in Brighton since the new Bedford 20 years before, and opened at a cost of some £25 million. With an extremely spacious and lofty foyer, it is the only seafront hotel with access to both the Sea front and the lanes Shopping areas.facilities: the hotel is equipped with a main ballroom, accommodating 300 theatre-style, or 260 for a dinner and dance, and the noblesse Room, accommodating 60 for dinner and dance or 72 theatre-style. there are a further six meeting rooms on the 1st floor, accommodating 60 theatre-style. meeeting spaces come with plasma screen, or lcd tVs and projector, flipchart, mineral waters, Jelly Bean sweets, and three servings of tea or coffee and snacks. delegates’ lunches are served in the thistle’s promenade Restaurant overlooking the famous Brighton seafront and iconic pier.anything else? the pecksniffs treatment rooms are open to the public during the day, and will offer ten per cent off treatment for any conference delegates thatare at the hotel, during the time of their conference.a great way to relax after any particularly tense or grueling meetings.

The Brighton Centre is opening it’s doors for The Ultimate Site Visit on 21 June 2012, offering conference organisers, corporate business, associations and industry media the chance to see just how much as changed over the last year such as the extended, modernised glass fronted foyer and third floor restaurant, redesigned to provide a

dramatic, sweeping vista of the famous city seafront.

The Centre has also radically improved its connectivity and technological infrastructure, both real and virtual, and using film, sound and performance, The Ultimate Site Visit will showcase the creative, logistical and

technical capabilities of the venue and the city.

If you would like to attend this uniquely Brighton experience, contact us on:

01273 292643 or email [email protected] for more details.

www.brightoncentre.co.uk/conference Conference O�ce: 01273 292643 Follow us on Twitter @bcconference

See theBrighton

Centre in adifferent

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P R o M o T I o n

centRe of attention Brighton Centrekings Road, Brighton Bn1 2GRnumber of Rooms: 18 meeting roomscost: poabrightoncentre.co.uk/conference

Background: following its recent £1 million makeover, the Brighton centre has announced a flurry of new conference and exhibition bookings for the South coast venue. the labour party has confirmed it will host its annual conference at the Brighton centre in 2013, and in 2012 the venue will host the liberal democrats conference and the tuc conference. the refurbishment has seen the foyer and reception area extended and a spectacular refurbishment to the restaurant, which includes floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a beautiful view of the historic beachfront. facilities: Being one of the largest conference centres in the south, with a capacity of up to 5,100, the Brighton centre is equipped to handle conferences of any size. auditorium 1 now includes 4,000 comfortable, brand new static and mobile seats. in addition, brand new projectors and plasma displays have been fitted in the centre’s meeting rooms. the third-floor restaurant, with spectacular sea views, has also been completely refurbished adding an impressive 320m2 of space, providing a fresh new catering and entertainment space, or an additional breakout or meeting area for organisers.anything else? the Brighton centre has announced that it will provide free delegate wifi as standard for all business and conference delegates attending the venue, with immediate effect. alongside this, for all conference bookings with 300 delegates or more, a fantastic new customisable iphone and android application is also available – allowing

as the largest conference and exhiBition centre in south england, the Brighton centre is one of the top venues to hold your Brighton event.

emma cooke finds out what makes the Brighton centre such a popular choice

your event to become a truly interactive experience. to officially launch the brand new refurbishment and rebranding of the Brighton centre, the ‘ultimate Site Visit’ provides Vip guests the opportunity to experience the centre’s £1million refurbishment programme. taking place on the 21st of June 2012, the unique event will feature an immersive and interactive tour of the venue, incorporating the use of film, sound and performance designed to surprise and inspire.

For additional information, or to find out how you can be part of the event, please visit brightoncentre.co.uk/conference or telephone +44 (0) 1273 292643.


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Brightoncity Guide

hotel du vin

Sussex County Cricket ClubBrighton and Hove, Brighton, Bn3 3number of Rooms: three meeting roomscost: poasussexcricket.co.uk

Background: the Sussex county cricket club has recently completed redevelopment of the pRoBiZ county Ground, with the new "1839" facilities now fully open for both match day and non-match day events.facilities: the Boundary Rooms can hold a maximum of 500 theatre-style or 300 for dinner, whilst the long Room can host 150 and 120 respectively. the more intimate dining Room can also be used theatre style with a capacity of 100 or seat 120 for dinner. anything else? the county already has 15 weddings set to take place at the ground during 2012. Sussex ccc has also recently been nominated in the Brighton & Hove Business awards category of Best place to entertain your clients.and if the locals are recommending it, then we do too!

Hotel du Vin BrightonShip Street, Brighton Bn1 1adnumber of rooms: 49 bedrooms/five meeting roomscost: double/twin rooms from £170, Suites from £275hotelduvin.com

Background: the fifth property in Hotel du Vin’s acclaimed micro-chain, Hotel du Vin Brighton opened october 2002. the hotel sits on a narrow street in the area of Brighton known as the lanes, just 50 yards from the famous seafront. the lanes is the oldest part of Brighton, steeped in history and linked by a network of intriguing cobble-stoned streets and alleyways. the city’s most fashionable district is the setting for a multitude of antique shops, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars.facilities: the Hotel du Vin is equipped with five meeting and events rooms, all offering high speed complimentary wifi, lcd projectors and a dedicated organiser. a former inn, all rooms are individual, and the largest, the dome, accommodates 86 seated, or 120 for a drinks reception. if the event requires it, it also has its own bar.anything else? the building was originally constructed in 1695 by a wine merchant, creating a beautiful setting with gothic-style touches. the bar is stocked with over 100 different whiskeys and rums, and the laroche wine tasting room allows guests to sample and dliberate on their favourite tastings from over 700 varieties.

The Old Market11a upper market Street, Brighton Bn3 1aSnumber of rooms: two meeting spaces, eight dressing roomscost: Variable, but in the region of £25 - £35 per delegatetheoldmarket.com

Background: Spectacular launch events, fundraisers, conferences, or grand get-togethers would all find ample provision in the old market’s (tom's) main Space and Bar. a variety of layouts cater to individual event needs, ranging from cabaret tables to catwalks, or even as a fully-functional theatre. tom’s staff are committed to providing a welcoming and professional environmentfacilities: able to accommodate 300 theatre-style, and equipped with projector in bar, flip charts and paper. delegates can enjoy the in-house bar, along with coffees, teas and snacks. the old market can also provide technicians, stewards and bar staff.anything else? the old market was built in 1826, and is said to be one of Brighton’s most haunted venues. Bought and renovated in 2011 by the creators of the West-end show Stomp, it is now a truly unique space for more theatrically inclined delegates, or those seeking to hold an event which will be remembered for its creative and unusual setting.

Jurys inn

the old market


Meetings & Conferences• Superb Dinners• Family/Team Building Days• Corporate Parties • Weddings and more!•

SUSSEX COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

THE VENUE FOR ALL OCCASIONSIN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON & HOVE

CONTACT KEVIN BERRY ON 0844 264 1736 OR EMAIL [email protected]

The most unique sporting venue in Sussex

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Brightoncity Guide

The Brighton Domechurch Street, Brighton Bn1 1eenumber of Rooms: five meeting roomscost: poabrightondome.org

Background: Built for the prince of Wales, who went on to become George iV, and steeped in Regency history, the Brighton dome is part of the glorious Royal pavilion estate located in the heart of Britain’s cosmopolitan city-by-the-sea. following a £22 million refurbishment the Brighton dome reopened in 2002.facilities: equipped with five event spaces, the venue can offer flexibility for events of up to 1,742 delegates. all rooms provide the high-tech equipment necessary for all today's conference and business needs, including plasma screens, pa Systems, and Wi-fi. anything else? the venue hosted abba's victory in the eurovision Song contest in 1974 with 'Waterloo'. other acts who have performed range from the Berlin philharmonic. orchestra to the Rolling Stones.

The American Express Community StadiumVillage Way, Brighton Bn1 9Blnumber of rooms: eight meeting roomscost: packages from £35 per delegateamexstadium.co.uk

Background: the american express community Stadium, home to Brighton & Hove albion, opened summer 2011 as an exciting new venue on the South coast. the £93 million stadium is fitted with state-of-the-art giant tV screens and with even the cheapest seats padded to the same specifications as the Vip seats at london’s new olympic stadium, the amex guarantees maximum comfort.facilities: the stadium is equipped with nine stunning lounges, five concourses and outside space for team-building activities. all lounges have state of the art equipment including plasma screens, built-in pa systems and wireless internet access. 14 executive boxes are also available which seat up to 12 guests. anything else? fatBoy Slim will perform at the Big Beach Bootique from 1 – 2 June this year at the amex Stadium. the Stadium has also been shortlisted for four different categories at the prestigious Stadium Business awards. With the stadium’s reputation for sport, leisure, and business growing on a global level, the amex is in the running for the Venue of the year, new Venue, customer experience and Sponsorship, marketing & Sales awards. not bad for a new building.

the grand Brighton dome

amex stadium

The Grand Brighton97-99 king’s Road, Brighton Bn1 2fWnumber of Rooms: over 200 bedrooms/seven meeting roomscost: poadevere-hotels.co.uk

Background: the Grand Hotel has recently announced it will be embarking on a refurbishment to all bedrooms, public areas, restaurant, bar and leisure and spa facilities.facilities: the main conference suite has state-of-the-art visual facilities and complimentary internet. the empress Suite’s flexibility allows the area to be broken down into four different sections, and accommodates 800 theatre style, 350 cabaret, or 500 dinner and dance. the Grand will offer all bedrooms to conference clients and are also able to give exclusive use options.anything else? the hotel has been awarded the aa rosette for its exceptional menu at the king's Restaurant, and remains one of only 11 venues in the uk to hold the coveted aim Gold Standard for their events delivery. awarded by the meetings industry association, the Gold Standard denotes venues that offer the highest level of service, outstanding catering, and staff who excel in all areas.

◆To start planning your conference,

call 01273 224357 or email [email protected] for packages and

availability. Make sure you quote PA Life

A venue that goes beyond art...

Historic Unique Versatile

Did you know? If you book a corporate event at Brighton Dome, the income helps to support our year round Arts Programme and the highly renowned annual Brighton Festival. As a not for profit organisation, we are funded by the Arts Council and local authority, and by choosing to host your event with us, you too can help to support us.

Call us and quote ‘PA LIFE’ to be instantly entered into our prize draw to win two tickets to a show of your choice and a champagne reception at our bar.

Brighton Dome | Church Street | Brighton | East Sussex | BN1 1UETel: 01273 261 524 | Email:[email protected] | www.brightondomeevents.org

VeNUeS

aUdrey emertoN BUildiNg ● uniQue Venue capacity theatre-style: 200 capacity Banquet: 100 audreyemerton.co.uk the americaN expreSS commUNity StadiUm● uniQue Venue capacity theatre-style: 380 capacity dinner: 500capacity Reception: 650.amexstadium.co.ukSEE PAGE 54

BrightoN ceNtre ● confeRence centRe & exHiBition VenueVenue capacity: 5000 brightoncentre.co.ukSEE PAGE 50

BrightoN dome ● Venue Venue capacity: 1742brightondome.orgSEE PAGE 54

BrightoN racecoUrSe ● confeRence centRe & uniQue VenueVenue capacity: 1100brighton-racecourse.co.uk

the graNd● Hotel & confeRence centReBedrooms: 200Venue capacity: 800 delegates devere-hotels.co.uk See paGe54

holiday iNN BrightoN● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 131 Venue capacity: 800 delegateshibrighton.com

hotel dU ViN BrightoN ● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 49 capacity theatre-style: 100capacity Banquet: 80capacity Boardroom: 40hotelduvin.comSEE PAGE 52

hotel Seattle ● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 71Venue capacity: 150 hotelseattlebrighton.com

JUBilee liBrary ● uniQue Venue capacity theatre-style: 80 capacity Boardroom: 35 brighton-hove.gov.uk

JUryS iNN ● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 234 capacity theatre-style: 110capacity Banquet: 80 brightonhotels.jurysinns.comSEE PAGE 48 laNSdowNe place ● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 84 capacity theatre-style: 850 capacity Banquet: 200 lansdowneplace.co.uk

mercUre BrightoN ● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 117 max capacity theatre-style: 180 max capacity Banquet: 140 mercure.com

myhotel BrightoN ● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 80 capacity theatre-style: 25capacity Banquet: 40myhotels.com

old Ship hotel ● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 152 Venue capacity 300 oldship-brighton.com

royal alBioN hotel● Hotel & Venue theatre: 160 Banquet: 120 / 186 Bedroomsroyalalbionhotelbrighton.com

StaNmer hoUSe ● uniQue Venue capacity theatre-style: 70 capacity Banquet: 70stanmerhouse.co.uk

SUSSex coUNty cricket clUB● uniQue Venue capacity dinner: 300 sussexcricket.co.ukSEE PAGE 52

the hiltoN metropole ● Hotel & confeRence centRemeeting Rooms: 28 Venue capacity: 2000 hilton.com

the hoVe ceNtre ● confeRence centRe capacity: 1500 delegateshovecentre.co.uk

the old market ● uniQue Venue Venue max capacity: 450 theoldmarket.com

the royal paVilioN ● uniQue Venue capacity theatre-style: 80 capacity Banquet: 90 brighton-hove-rpml.org.ukSEE PAGE 48

theatre royal BrightoN ● uniQue Venue meeting Rooms: 5 atgtickets.com

thiStle BrightoN● Hotel & Venue Bedrooms: 208capacity theatre-style: 350capacity Banquet: 360 thistle.com

UNiVerSity of BrightoN ● uniQue Venue Bedrooms: 1300 capacity theatre-style: 250 capacity Banquet: 200brighton.ac.uk

UNiVerSity of SUSSex ● confeRence centRe & uniQue VenueBedrooms: 850 capacity theatre-style: 350 capacity Banquet: 240 sussex.ac.uk

reStaUraNtS

moShi moShi Restaurant (Japanese)moshibrighton.co.uk

BeN mckellar’S giNgermaN reStaUraNt groUp : Ginger dog/Ginger pig/Ginger man/Ginger foxgingermanrestaurants.com

terre-a-terre Restaurant (Vegetarian)terreaterre.co.uk

the chilli pickle Restaurant (indian) thechillipickle.com

tweNty foUr St georgeS Restaurant (european)24stgeorges.co.uk

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PAlife v e n u e s


Brightoncity Guide

for details of advertising and sponsorship opportunities with pa life magazine and events, please contact Rob Hill t: 020 7367 4027 m: 07891 310741 e: [email protected]

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