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University of London Venues

Discover the Timeless Elegance of Senate House in London

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We caught up with Rebecca from the Venues marketing team to discuss how the timeless elegance of Senate House can make your event truly unforgettable.

Placed right in the heart of Central London, Senate House stands in Bloomsbury. Senate House stands as an iconic symbol of architectural brilliance and historical significance.  

It is popularly recognised for its distinctive Art Deco design, noticeable from many of the cosmopolitan London streets it’s surrounded by, making it a striking landmark in London. The interior spaces in the building are equally impressive, featuring high ceilings, grand staircases, and intricate detailing that transports you back to the opulence of the early 20th century. 

Crush Hall staircase in Senate House
The staircase in Crush Hall, Senate House 

The versatility of our spaces 

One of the standout qualities of Senate House is its versatility. The venue offers a range of spaces which can accommodate various types of events, from conferences and meetings to special events and ceremonies. This includes the following:  

  • MacMillan Hall: Ideal for elegant banquets, conferences, and exhibitions. 
  • Beveridge Hall: Perfect for conferences, gala dinners, and award ceremonies. 
  • Chancellors Hall: A sophisticated space for high-profile events. 
  • Senate Room: for smaller, more intimate gatherings. 

Each room is equipped with modern amenities, whilst retaining its historic charm, ensuring a seamless blend of past and present. 

Kitchen doors in MacMillan Hall
MacMillan Hall, Senate House

The building's timeless appeal

To many visitors, Senate House is not just a venue; it’s a source of inspiration. Its classy aesthetic has made it an admired location for numerous events – from fashion shows at London Fashion Week, to Hollywood films like Batman. The building’s timeless appeal continues to attract creatives from various fields, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. 

Senate House in London is more than just a venue; it’s a testament to architectural excellence and historical richness. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, a grand celebration, or a creative project, the entirety of the building offers a unique setting that combines elegance, versatility, and modern convenience. 

Wood panelling in the Jessel Room in Senate House
Original features in the Jessel Room, Senate House

The interview 

University of London caught up with Rebecca Clayton, who is part of the marketing team for venues at University of London, sharing insightful and exciting facts that not many people may know about: 

UoL: Based right in the heart of Central London, an area visited by millions each week. What's one surprising fact about the area many of UoL venues are based - that many people don't know? 

Rebecca: Bloomsbury is part of the London Borough of Camden, and we have the third highest concentration of blue plaques in the whole of London! There are 166 scattered throughout our neighbourhood, many of them only a short walk from our home on Malet Street.  

UoL: What's quite a noticeable and unique feature about the venues? Do they hold any specific designs or layouts in common?  

Rebecca: Chancellors Hall has a genuine cork floor, which we work very hard to protect! You can still see the heel marks from decades of usage, some even dating back to the Second World War!  

UoL: It's time to name drop... two recent cool things that have happened here! 

Rebecca: The SAS 30th anniversary, when we got a visit from our Vice Chancellor Princess Anne, and the honorary graduation ceremonies back in June, when hundreds of retired teachers who didn’t receive a full degree 50 years ago, finally got their Bachelors! It was a very wholesome moment and reminds you of how special it is to work here.  

Crush Hall in Senate House
Mezzanine level of Crush Hall, Senate House

Our unparalleled location

UoL: What are the large benefits for clients or organisations keen to hire this space? 

Rebecca: Our location is unparalleled – less than 10 minutes to Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street, 15 minutes from Euston, and 20 minutes from King’s Cross. I think that is a major deciding factor for our clients. We have so many tube stations and bus stops nearby, it’s just so easy to get to us.  

UoL: What do people in UoL genuinely like about the venues we have? 

Rebecca: The staff that work here. We have a friendly hospitality team who are experts in their field, do everything to make sure our clients have everything they need, and serve seasonal food with a smile! 

UoL: What does the rest of 2024 look like? Any exciting events or plans in the pipeline? 

Rebecca: The Festival of Higher Education will be back here in November, with over 500 guests over two separate days. And we will be throwing our doors open for the Open House festival in September, so members of the public can come and have tours of our beautiful building. Tickets are free, but are on a first-come, first-served basis, so register your interest soon if you want to come! 

 Complete our enquiry form 

Experience the grandeur of this iconic landmark and make your event truly unforgettable. If you're ready to discuss your next event with us, simply complete our enquiry form and our team will be in touch. 

 

This page was last updated on 2 September 2024