Having taken on a new role in the Pretty Clever team, I have been busier than Anneka Rice (and in her time, she was the busiest of ladies.)  What’s that, you’d like to hear a fact about Anneka Rice?  Her name is actually Anne…not quite the same ring to it.

This month I am hopping from venue to venue in Brighton and Sussex absorbing mental images of bedrooms, conference rooms, meeting spaces, out door areas…the lot!  I have seen over 25 brilliant venues and I’m not even half way through.

For me, I think it is vital to visit the venues we are potentially presenting to clients.  It is hard to get the feel of a venue from a website photo and is a great chance to start building relationships and promote business for both parties.  I really enjoy the huge variety of venues; each place boasting its own personal assets and targeting all varieties of custom.  From the extravagant Ashdown Park with its modest 186 acres of breathtaking scenery and Chapel with working organ to Hotel du Vin with its quaint brick wall underground wine cellar; Sussex really has the lion’s share of venue options.

I wanted to turn your attention however to the ‘Petit Fromages’ (if you will) of the venue world and what they have to offer.  There are a couple of places which really stood out to me for a variety of reasons and I’d like to share my discoveries with you.  Are you sitting comfortably?  Then I’ll begin.  If not, fetch a cushion or perhaps a throw and then I’ll begin.

Snooze. Nestled in the quirky surroundings of Kemp Town is Snooze, a 4 star award winning boutique Hotel with 8 double bedrooms.  As soon as I entered, the décor hit me like a wonderous paint palette to the face.  The ceilings proudly offer tailor made graffiti, the walls are clothed with pop art style images, complimented by vintage furniture and kitsch multi coloured tables.  And I haven’t even started on the bedrooms!  Each room has a different theme with incredible décor from head to toe gaining inspiration from the 60’s, Asia, Vintage shabby-chic to name but a few.  Snooze would be a great venue to hold a small private corporate meeting with sole use of the dining area which is bathed in natural light (or just for a cheeky weekend away!)

Lighthouse. This hugely versatile little treasure is hidden in the North Laines, and is a digital culture agency.  I stumbled upon its brick exterior whilst intrigued about the free exhibition that was happening but did not realise that their bow has plenty of other strings.  The upstairs function space with breakout conference room are the epitome of a canvas with no markings (thus, blank) getting me excited about theming ideas.  Downstairs offers two spaces, great for a small conference or meeting with delegate catering provided from a local café.  Lighthouse offers vibrant events throughout the year, supporting film makers and artists which I think is a big old thumbs up.

Before I sign out, I have to mention myhotel.  This differs from the others being a chain Hotel, however being voted the ‘Trendiest Hotel in the UK’ myhotel really is a work of art.  Where Freddie Mercury meets the Maharishi, each room holds a soothing crystal, curved walls and inspiration from the guidelines of Feng Shui.  Two state of the art, natural light conference rooms are housed in this tardis as well as an amazing selection of bedrooms and not to mention rather a nice cocktail or two from the hotel bar Merkaba.  Amazing traditional Indian cuisine is offered by the award winning Chilli Pickle restaurant located underneath the hotel.

If this small selection of venues sounds appealing to you and you would like to arrange a visit or find out any rates then drop us a line!  We work closely with these venues and pride ourselves on the personal approach with great rates and added bolt ons!  Got an event in mind?  Why not use our free venue finding service to find out more about the rest of the unique venues we have to offer.