The right venue sets the atmosphere, but it’s the speaker who brings the content to life. Whether you’re planning a flagship conference, an intimate dinner, or a creative team offsite, the right setting makes all the difference.
Once you’ve found that backdrop, though, the details can start to feel overwhelming, especially if you’re also looking for a speaker to shape the day. Pairing the perfect venue with the right speaker can take your event to the next level, leaving guests talking about it long after it ends.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite UK venues, each uniquely different, and PepTalk has matched them with the speaker styles that will make them shine.
Five Brilliant UK Venues You Need To Know
The Flagship Conference Venue: The Brewery
- Why it works: Recognised as one of London’s leading venues for over half a decade, The Brewery combines historic 18th-century architecture with cutting-edge technology. With six versatile rooms for 30–1,000 guests, it has hosted everything from government conferences and corporate product launches to award ceremonies and charity galas, making it a true powerhouse for large-scale events.
- Why Venuescanner loves it: The Brewery is the ultimate “all-rounder.” It’s versatile, professional, and always impressive. It’s one of those venues that never fails to wow clients or deliver a flawless experience.
- PepTalk pairing: Business and behavioural science speaker Rory Sutherland (behavioural economics, creativity, brand strategy) or Dragon Deborah Meaden (sustainability, leadership).Big, bold thinkers who bring authority and fresh perspective to match the scale and ambition of The Brewery’s flagship stage.
The Creative Offsite Space: Arding & Hobbs (x+why)
- Why it works: Once a grand department store, Arding & Hobbs has been beautifully restored and reimagined as a vibrant hub for meetings, conferences, and social events. Its mix of historic character and fresh, modern design makes it a standout choice for offsites, strategy days, and celebrations, offering both inspiration and flexibility under one iconic roof.
- Why Venuescanner loves it: It’s a great blend of history and creativity and it sparks fresh ideas while offering the flexibility teams need for productive offsites.
- PepTalk talent pairing: Make it a day of inspiration with Dr Lee Bofkin (culture, creativity, social impact) or Adam Pacifico (communication, collaboration, trust). Both of these expert speakers thrive in interactive settings where ideas, culture, and collaboration take centre stage.
The Elegant Dinner Setting: 14 Hills
- Why it works: Perched 14 stories above the City, 14 Hills offers 360° views over London’s most iconic landmarks, from Tower Bridge to The Shard. Known for its stylish design, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional cuisine, it’s the perfect setting for corporate dining, networking evenings, and private celebrations. The stunning Private Dining Room, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and state-of-the-art AV, makes for an unforgettable space for intimate events.
- Why Venuescanner loves it: Dining here feels like an experience in itself! The views, the design, the atmosphere. It’s a guaranteed way to make clients or teams feel special. Plus, the food is incredible.
- PepTalk talent pairing: Book telly icon Ben Fogle (adventure, resilience, storytelling) or Claudia Hammond (psychology, wellbeing, human connection). Both are engaging storytellers who bring warmth and insight to intimate dinners.
The Rural Retreat: West Midlands Safari Park
- Why it works: For teams looking to break out of the ordinary, Safari Venues at West Midlands Safari Park in Worcester, delivers a one-of-a-kind away day experience. Set against the backdrop of exotic wildlife, the three venues, from the grand Treetops Pavilion to the quirky Cellarz, offer space for team-building, workshops, and evening entertainment. With tailored packages, great dining, and even on-site bedrooms, it’s the perfect way to bring people together in a setting that inspires connection and adventure.
- Why Venuescanner loves it: It’s such a fun, memorable alternative to traditional away-day venues.
- PepTalk talent pairing: We'd choose psychologist Dr Ritz Birah (performance, resilience, leadership) or Wayne Barnes (rugby referee, decision-making under pressure). Look for speakers who match the adventurous, team-building energy of a safari-style retreat.
The Cinematic Event Space: Curzon Soho
- Why it works: A legendary arthouse cinema in the heart of Soho, Curzon Soho is renowned for hosting festivals, Q&As, and special events. With a 249-seat Screen One complete with stage, it’s perfect for panels, launches, and presentations that demand impact. Add in stylish reception areas, bars, and private spaces, including a hidden alcove adorned with historic film posters, and Curzon becomes much more than a cinema: it’s a storytelling venue that makes every event memorable.
- Why Venuescanner loves it: We love how Curzon transforms panels and launches into cinematic experiences. It’s the perfect spot for events built around storytelling and big ideas.
- PepTalk talent pairing: Legendary documentarian Asif Kapadia (storytelling, film, creativity) or Dr Mark Bloomfield (digital transformation, melding academia and business). For this venue, you want voices that make full use of the cinematic stage to tell powerful stories and spark big ideas.
When the right venue and the right speaker come together, events are transformed into memorable experiences. With Venuescanner’s unmatched choice of UK venues and PepTalk’s world-class network of speakers, organisers can create moments that inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impression.
