Venue Spotlight – October 2026

From an urban winery in Stockholm to a creative culinary experience in Manchester and a newly reimagined London landmark, this month's Venue Spotlight brings together three very different venues with one thing in common – they all offer something special for your next event.

Whether you're planning an international incentive, looking for a fresh approach to team building or searching for somewhere to impress clients, we've got some brilliant venues to share with you.

Let's take a closer look...

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The Winery Hotel, Stockholm

Who says you need to head to the countryside to enjoy a winery experience?

Just outside central Stockholm, The Winery Hotel is Sweden's only hotel built around a working urban winery, bringing together wine, hospitality and events in one rather impressive setting.

And this isn't just a hotel with a wine theme. It's the real deal.

The venue produces its own wine on site, using grapes harvested in Tuscany, and gives guests the opportunity to see the winemaking process up close.

With 184 bedrooms, seven flexible meeting spaces, restaurants, a rooftop terrace and a heated rooftop pool, there's everything you need for a memorable corporate event under one roof.

But it's the experiences beyond the meeting room that really make this venue stand out.

Imagine treating your delegates to a private winery tour, followed by a guided tasting or a carefully curated dinner where every course is paired with the perfect wine.

The winery itself becomes part of the event experience, creating opportunities for groups to connect, learn something new and enjoy something a little different from the usual corporate programme.

And then there's the rooftop.

With views towards Brunnsviken and Haga Park, it's a fantastic setting for summer receptions, informal networking or simply enjoying a moment away from the conference agenda.

The hotel's convenient location between Stockholm city centre and Arlanda Airport is another major plus, particularly for international groups.

For event planners looking to combine business with memorable experiences, The Winery Hotel has plenty to offer.

Whether it's an executive retreat, incentive programme, conference or VIP gathering, this is one venue where the setting becomes just as important as the event itself.

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Food Sorcery, Manchester

They say too many cooks spoil the broth, but at Food Sorcery in Manchester, getting everyone involved is exactly the point!

If you're looking for a team-building experience that gets people talking, laughing and working together, this could be the perfect recipe.

With two venues in Manchester, one at Deansgate Square in the city centre and another in Didsbury, Food Sorcery offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional corporate away day.

Rather than sitting through another presentation or taking part in the usual team-building exercises, delegates are invited to roll up their sleeves and get cooking.

From culinary challenges and collaborative cooking sessions to street food experiences, cocktail making and private dining, there's plenty of opportunity to get creative.

And don't worry, you don't need to be a budding Gordon Ramsay to get involved!

The experiences are led by professional chefs who guide participants through the process, making activities accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their confidence in the kitchen.

For event planners, it's a great way to encourage communication, build relationships and bring colleagues together in a relaxed environment.

Both venues offer fully equipped cooking facilities and flexible spaces, with the Didsbury location accommodating groups of up to 60 and the Deansgate venue offering space for larger gatherings.

There's also the option to combine cooking experiences with meetings or presentations, making it ideal for businesses looking to balance a productive day with something more interactive.

And perhaps the best part?

At the end of the experience, everyone gets to sit down and enjoy the food they've created together.

Food Sorcery proves that corporate events don't always need a traditional meeting room to make an impact. Sometimes, the best connections happen when you're creating something together.

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The Imperial, London

Next stop, London, where a familiar Bloomsbury landmark has been given a new lease of life.

Overlooking Russell Square, The Imperial has returned following a major transformation, combining its distinctive modernist architecture with contemporary design and a fresh approach to hospitality.

And it's certainly a venue worth rediscovering.

The hotel has been reimagined as a stylish lifestyle destination, with 357 bedrooms and suites featuring warm, mid-century modern interiors inspired by the building's heritage.

For corporate groups, the combination of comfortable accommodation, inviting social spaces and a central London location makes it an appealing choice.

But one of the biggest talking points has to be Arcus Rooftop Bar & Restaurant.

Located on the tenth floor, Arcus offers sweeping views across the London skyline, creating an impressive backdrop for client entertainment, networking and special occasions.

With indoor and outdoor spaces, a private dining area for up to 16 guests and a food and drink offering designed around the seasons, it's the kind of setting that can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Elsewhere, Edit Bar & Lounge provides a relaxed space for informal meetings, drinks and conversations, while The Bell Room & Terrace offers an exclusive retreat for guests staying in selected premium rooms.

There's also a dedicated gym and wellness terrace, giving guests an opportunity to recharge during a busy programme.

And of course, location matters.

Situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, The Imperial is within walking distance of King's Cross St Pancras and Euston, making it particularly convenient for guests travelling from across the UK and beyond.

With London's cultural attractions, restaurants and entertainment on the doorstep, there's plenty of scope to extend the experience beyond the hotel too.

For organisers planning executive stays, VIP gatherings, private dining or corporate hospitality, The Imperial combines character, convenience and a little rooftop magic.

A historic London favourite with a fresh new perspective – and one we're excited to see entering its next chapter.

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Thistle Holborn Hotel, London

Looking for a central London venue that combines character, convenience and versatility?

Say hello to Thistle Holborn, a stylish four-star hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury, where classic Edwardian elegance meets modern event facilities.

Just moments from the British Museum, Covent Garden and Holborn Underground station, the hotel offers a fantastic setting for corporate meetings, conferences, private dining and networking events. With London's cultural hotspots right on its doorstep, it's a location that gives delegates plenty to explore beyond the meeting room.

Inside, you'll find seven flexible meeting and event spaces, catering for everything from intimate boardroom discussions to receptions of up to 100 guests.

The impressive Albion Room brings a touch of grandeur with its sparkling chandeliers, while smaller spaces offer the perfect backdrop for workshops, presentations and team gatherings. Modern AV technology, complimentary Wi-Fi and bespoke catering options help ensure events run smoothly from start to finish.

For multi-day events or delegates travelling from further afield, Thistle Holborn also boasts 129 comfortable bedrooms and suites, alongside the Kingsley Two restaurant and Kingsley Bar.

Whether it's a working lunch, post-conference dinner or relaxed drinks with colleagues, everything you need is conveniently under one roof.

Combining an excellent central location with flexible facilities and timeless character, Thistle Holborn is a brilliant choice for businesses looking to bring people together in the capital.

It definitely gets our vote after the team were well looked after there following a recent on-site event.

Looking for your next event venue?

At Brighter, we're always on the lookout for venues that bring something different to the table.

Whether it's wine tasting in Stockholm, cooking up a storm in Manchester or entertaining clients above the London skyline, the right setting can turn a great event into an unforgettable one.

Planning your next meeting, incentive or corporate event? Get in touch with the Brighter team and let's find somewhere brilliant.