Following a multi-million pound, three year refurbishment, Senate House is now one of the most versatile conference and events venues in London. Originally built in 1936 as London's first skyscraper, this stylish and imposing art deco building combines modern facilities and technology against a setting of original architectural features. Offering a range of facilities from custom designed seminar rooms, original wood panelled lecture theatres and elegant function rooms, it is perfect for conferences, exhibitions, meetings, weddings, training, gala events and drinks receptions. Popular as a film and television location, Senate House has featured in many historical dramas and Hollywood blockbusters and is also a favourite venue for fashion shows and product launches.
An experienced catering and hospitality team pride themselves on offering a wide range of menus from working lunches and breakfasts through to bespoke canapé receptions and banqueting, all featuring fresh seasonal British produce and accompanied by a carefully matched wine list.
Senate House is situated amongst the garden squares of Bloomsbury, at the heart of the University of London's administration in the West End of London, just a few minutes walk from Euston and Kings Cross St Pancras stations.
The building was designed by Charles Holden, who was awarded Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Gold Medal for architecture in 1936. Best known for his popular designs for London Underground stations, Holden created Senate House from imposing Portland Stone, at the centre of which is the landmark art deco tower. This then controversial building was designed to, "appear with quiet insistence" above the London Skyline when it was completed in 1936. During World War Two, Senate House was taken over by the Ministry of Information with the top of the tower being used by the Royal Observatory Corp and George Orwell is said to have modelled his Ministry of Truth in the novel "1984" on Senate House.