The mention of 'team-building activities' can strike fear into the hearts of many. With visions of a drab meeting room, a flip chart and some awkward ice breakers; why is it always so hard to think of something interesting about yourself on the spot?
In reality, team building can be huge amounts of fun, with the right venue, some activities (possibly involving inflatables), the day can be hilarious and memorable as well as strengthening teams and creating an opportunity to learn new skills. And don't worry, if the thought of inflatables is also terrifying, there are other options such as Lego robot making and croquet.
1. Drink, Shop, Do
A charmingly kitsch cafe by day and lively club at night, Drink, Shop, Do is a bar that combines stylish decor with a substantial range of food, great cocktails and lots of gin!
Drink, Shop, Do has three spaces available for hire, the Dome Room, the Steam Room and the Upstairs Cafe. They all boast some of the original features from its former use as a Victorian Bathhouse including some of the original tiles. The Dome Room is a bright and airy space with double-height ceilings, a huge sky light & original Victorian columns. The Cafe has a more casual vibe, whilst the Steam Room has a very different feel with a stunning vaulted ceiling lit by candle light and a DJ booth on top of a piano. The whole venue can also be hired for larger parties of up to 140 guests.
With the emphasis on 'Do', this quirky King's Cross venue has a whole menu of activities that you can add to your team building day. From Lego Robot making, mug decorating and origami to dance classes and bingo, you won't be short of a few laughs along the way.
2. Alexandra Palace
With its distinctive Victorian facade, Alexandra Palace is one of London’s most recognisable buildings. As well as events, festivals and exhibitions, 'Ally Pally’s' nine spaces are also well suited for team away days.
Built in 1873 as a public centre for recreation, this versatile venue is set within 196 acres of parkland (so there's plenty of room for activities) with panoramic views of the City.
Packages can accommodate from 50 people and include room hire, a BBQ or bowl food lunch on the outdoor terrace plus an onsite activity including ice skating, boating or pitch & putt.
3. Riverside Rooms
Last month, Riverside Rooms launched brand-new ‘Fun Day’ packages, which combine the iconic Merlin attractions around London with a themed event within the beautiful blank-canvas space venue.
The space can be transformed into a quintessentially English garden party, complete with astro-turf, garden furniture, fairy lights and includes traditional games such as croquet; a great way to enjoy the British ‘summer’, without fearing the unpredictable weather. Throughout the day guests are also treated to breakfast, an indoor BBQ lunch and afternoon tea all provided by Food by Dish.
The packages also give priority entry to two of London’s top attractions; the Coca Cola London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, the London Dungeon, Shrek’s Adventure and Madame Tussauds London.
4. Pop Brixton
Pop Brixton is a community project, that was built to support local businesses and social enterprises. Comprised of restaurants, pop-ups and retailers, the venue also houses office space and plenty of room for events.
Pop Brixton includes a number of event spaces that are available for hire. Pop Box is a multi-use arts and event space built from up-cycled shipping containers. It can hold up to 450 people and is suitable for anything from a meeting to a yoga class, ideal for an away day as it has such flexibility.
Grab your sports kit for this one; Pop Fields, introduced this year in time for the summer of sports, includes a multi-sport pitch that can be used for football, rugby, tennis. It's a perfect spot for outdoor activities in a great London location.
5. Raven's Ait
Raven's Ait is a beautiful island in the middle of the Thames that is only accessible by boat.
The Marquee, located on the manicured front lawns has panoramic views of the river and Hampton Court Palace. The outside space is ideal for team-building activities, there's plenty of room for inflatables on the lawn and as it's surrounded by water, there is ample opportunity to splash around competitively (Viking boat racing anyone?).
The venue also provides a 'Garden Games Package' created by supplier Clownfish, that includes venue hire and a plethora of games from table tennies, to giant Jenga and croquet.
6. Hoxton Holborn
The Apartment at The Hoxton Holborn is comprised of six different rooms and a Pantry Kitchen. It's highly flexible and with its vintage 60s decor, it's so stylish you'll feel like you're in an episode of Mad Men - someone pass me an Old Fashioned.
It can be hired as a whole, providing ample space for team building in each of the rooms. The Pantry also comes fully stocked with goodies to keep everyone going throughout. And after a hard day of getting to know each other, The Apartment can be used as a party space for 250 people.
For more team-building venues visit hirespace.com