We have been lucky enough recently to visit a number of venues with permanent marquees and teepees that are suitable to use for dinners and meetings. Most are heated so can be used all year round.
They are definitely not like a traditional meeting room, but they are normally self contained so offer complete privacy and something a little different.
Many of these structures enable smaller venues to host larger numbers in their gardens – without the client having the expense of hiring a structure from an external supplier.
Pendley Manor
Pendley Manor has the Rose Garden Grand Suite. This is a permanent rigid marquee, complete with its own decking, entrance foyer and kitchens. The Grand Suite can hold up to 600 delegates theatre style, 500 banqueting style and 400 cabaret style – but it should be noted that the pre-function area can only really hold 280.
Quy Mill, Cambridge
Quy Mill, Cambridge has a permanent marquee that can hold up to 350 for a banqueting. It is set away from the hotel in a field that is perfect for team building and BBQs. The marquee has heating and is suitable for meetings and dinners.
The Lodge at Duxford
The Lodge at Duxford has recently replaced its teepee that covers one of its courtyards. The new teepee has removable sides so it is suitable for use all year round. It has its own heaters and bar. It can seat comfortably 50 for a meeting or dinner.
The Gonville
The Gonville in Cambridge also has a teepee set in its own garden. The fully heated teepee is available to hire throughout the year and comfortably hold 50 for dinner and can also be used for meetings (just not for video conference links as the traffic noise is picked up). In the warmer weather you can spill out into the garden.
Hunton Park
Hunton Park just of the M25 North of London has 2 permanent marquees. The largest of which, The Garden Marquee, can hold up to 700 theatre style and 500 for banqueting. The Terrace Marquee can hold 170 for a seated dinner.
Rutland Hall
Rutland Hall, close to Rutland Water, has the Pavilion. The Pavilion has its own lounge, that is ideal as a breakout space. The Pavilion itself can hold 300 theatre style and 150 cabaret style.
There are many more venues around the country that either have permanent structures or have their own temporary structures. The tents/teepees really lend themselves to team meetings with activities, because they are often set away from the main hotel and nearly always in their own part of the grounds or gardens.
