Funky Venues

Venue Review

Character: From crystal palaces to Georgian cottages and back.

Funky Features: Largest Victorian glasshouse; elegant 18th century orangery.

Location and History

The seed for Kew Gardens was sown in the exotic garden at Kew Park created by Lord Capel of Tewkesbury. George III enriched the gardens and later purchased Kew Palace, in 1781 as a nursery for the royal children. As well as 300 acres of gardens Kew’s landmark buildings include the Palm House, built by architect Decimus Burton and iron-maker Richard Turner between 1844 and 1848 and which was the first large-scale structural use of wrought iron. This was followed later in the 19th century by The Temperate house, which at twice the Palm House’s size, is the largest Victorian glasshouse in existence. In 2003, the gardens were put on the list of World Heritage Sites.

Interior

As well as 300 acres of gardens, which are open to the public throughout the year, Kew offers five distinct and magnificent venues for private hire.

Spaces for Hire

Cambridge Cottage, a former Royal residence is an exquisite example of Georgian design. Steeped in history it was originally the home of Lord Bute. The property passed through a distinguished line of British nobility from George III, the Duke of Cambridge to King Edward VII. It offers an intimate classical setting for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions throughout the year as well as corporate events and soirees. The Drawing Room is a sanctuary its walls adorned with paintings from Kew’s historic collections illuminated by natural light. Ideal for 50 guests seated or up to 80 for a reception. The adjoining Gallery has standing room for a further 120 and houses exhibitions of botanical art. Both rooms open onto the secluded Duke’s Garden.

Not far from the Main Gate is the 18th century Orangery featuring with its high ceilings and full-height windows. Lemon trees provide a hint of the building’s original purpose. Tall, arched doors open onto the terrace affording sweeping garden vistas. The Orangery can accommodate up to 400 people for a drinks party or seating for up to 230.

Kew’s most famous landmark The Temperate House is at the heart of the gardens. This Victorian glasshouse is both a masterful feat of engineering and a perfectly balanced environment for a vast array of plants. It houses over seventeen hundred species of plants and palms from the sub-tropics.

At an event guests are free to wander amongst the flora and fauna, ascend delicate spiral staircases and take in tree top views from the wrought iron gallery. The north and south octagons can house smaller receptions, before dining in the central House. Alternatively, the entire house can be used for larger events of up to 350 for a reception, 220 seated and 180 for a dinner/dance. By night, the glasshouse is spectacularly illuminated.