An Historic Discovery VINTNERS' HALL, UPPER THAMES STREET, LONDON, EC4V 3BG Tel: 020 7236 1863 Fax: 020 7236 8177 in the heart of the city FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Searcy Tel: 0207 248 4704 or Tel: 0207 651 0748 Email: searcys@vintnershall.co.uk www.vintnershall.co.uk
VINTNERS HALL - AN HISTORIC SECRET SWAN UPPING Vintners Hall has origins steeped in the history of the City of London and the import regulation and sale of wine. To this day the Company continues to maintain strong links with the UK Wine Trade, with Vintners Hall known as the Trade s spiritual home. THE LOVING CUP A key characteristic of Banquets and Dinners for Livery Companies is that of the Loving Cup. This Cup is generally of gold or silver and filled with Sack", another name for spiced wine. Those taking the Loving Cup stand up and bow to their neighbour who removes the cover with his right hand and holds it while the other drinks. This specialised knowledge of wine is reflected in the company's wine cellars which are one of the largest in the City of London. Wine, Port champagne and Madeira are stored in the cellars and some bottles are as old as 1850. The Vintners Company, together with the Crown and the Dyers Company, has owned swans on the Thames since the Middle Ages. Swan Upping, the ceremonial census and marking of swans, takes place between Sunbury and Abingdon in July each year, and, in addition to being part of the fabric of English pageantry, serves a useful conversational and educational role. The Vintners Company also supports the two swan sanctuaries on the Thames.
VINTNERS HALL AN EXCLUSIVE CHOICE The Hall is a magnificent venue right in the heart of the City of London. Arranged over 2 floors the Hall provides an exclusive venue for your event. It is perfect for a wide range of special events from a boardroom meeting for 24, a wine tutored tasting for 200 or a formal dinner for 158. FIVE KINGS HOUSE The northern section of Thames House, next to the Hall, is named Five Kings House in memory of the Five Kings who were entertained by Alderman Sir Henry Pickard, the Master Vintner, in 1363. The King of England, Edward III, the King of Scotland, David, King of France, John, the King of Denmark and the King of Cyprus, Peter were entertained in the Hall. Five Kings House provides a dedicated meeting space for up to 24 delegates for a boardroom style meeting or a stand-up networking event followed by lunch or dinner.
First Floor Drawing Hall (Upper Level) FACILITIES Drawing (1st Floor) Reception 158 Dinner / Lunch U shape 50 BESPOKE SERVICES & FACILITIES Dedicated and experienced on site staff to ensure your event is special Professional staff to ensure first class service Ground Floor Court Entrance Entrance to Five KIngs House Livery Hall (Ground Floor) Reception 250 Dinner / Lunch E shape 158 Round tables 144 Gassiot (Ground Floor) Boardroom style 24 Dinner / Lunch 24 Recommend AV suppliers, florists and entertainment Wireless Broadband Air Conditioning throughout the Hall Organisers office Manned cloakroom In-House PA system Swan (Ground Floor) Hall Reception 40 Swan Gassiot Boardroom Five Kings House Reception 60 Dinner / Lunch 24
FOOD FIT FOR FIVE KINGS Whatever the occasion, corporate or private, birthday or anniversary, your event will be personally catered for by our own creative and innovative team of chefs. The sample menus reflect our passion for food and use only the freshest ingredients. We endeavour to make everything in-house from breads to ice creams. We are happy to suggest a bespoke menu to incorporate any themes or special requests, thus making the best use of Seasonal produce as well as fair trade and organic products. To complement your event we have wide ranging, interesting and evolving wine list to suit all occasions.