At Lucy Claire Events, venue finding is never about choosing the obvious option — it’s about uncovering the places that elevate an event from good to unforgettable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a senior team offsite or a private celebration, the right venue sets the tone, shapes the experience and determines how people feel the moment they arrive.
At Lucy Claire Events, venue finding is never about choosing the obvious option — it’s about uncovering the places that elevate an event from good to unforgettable. Whether it’s a leadership retreat, a senior team offsite or a private celebration, the right venue sets the tone, shapes the experience and determines how people feel the moment they arrive.
When you think of the Waldorf, you think of elegance, precision and world class hospitality. What you might not expect is that behind the scenes, Executive Chef Malcolm Camilleri is quietly leading a movement — proving that luxury and sustainability not only can coexist, but can elevate each other.
Unveiling Excellence at Lucy Claire Events: International Women’s Day 2026
This International Women’s Day, as I celebrate 10 years of Lucy Claire Events, I’m reflecting on the theme Give to Gain — a message that resonates deeply with me as a female founder navigating an industry built on collaboration, creativity and resilience.
One of the most meaningful ways we “give” in events is through sustainability. Reducing food waste isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsibility. I’m committed to working with venues, chefs and food‑waste charities to champion smarter, more sustainable practices — from menu planning to post‑event redistribution. When we choose partners who share these values, everyone benefits – clients and communities. Later this month, I’ll be sharing an interview and insights from the Executive Chef of a world‑famous hotel.
This renewed sense of purpose aligns perfectly with the launch of our new website — a space that showcases our work, our approach and the venues we know inside out. Our first blog of the year is now live, featuring insights from Tenerife North and our visit to the newly re‑imagined Gran Hotel Taoro, a destination already inspiring conversations for retreats and incentives.
Behind the scenes, 2026 has begun with energy and momentum and a record number of venue finding and event bookings. We’ve been sourcing venues for a range of clients, curating image selections and shortlists that reflect the quality our clients expect. We’ve also welcomed a new American client searching for London venues — a lovely reminder of how far our reach now extends. With several new 2026 openings added to our Little Green Book, we’re excited to share the first of our “New for 2026” recommendations.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on excellence — in the venues we recommend, the events we deliver and the relationships we build. With the website live, new projects underway and a calendar already filling fast, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year.
If you’re planning a retreat, awards ceremony, corporate party, boutique event or conference — or simply exploring venue options — we’d love to discuss your plans and how we can work together.
The year has started on a high with a visit to the newly re‑imagined Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz, north Tenerife — a destination that is set to make a real impact in the meetings, incentives and retreat space this year. After first hearing about the project at a dinner in London last November, it was a pleasure to finally experience the hotel in person and see how beautifully it has been brought back to life. Perched above the town with views across the Atlantic, the property blends heritage, calm and contemporary design in a way that feels both refreshing and genuinely unique.
Across the stay, we explored the hotel’s event potential, including its 199 bedrooms, three meeting rooms for groups of 14–142, and a versatile conference centre accommodating up to 600 theatre‑style. It’s a venue that lends itself naturally to leadership retreats, incentive groups and offsites — helped by the slower pace of the north of the island and the surrounding landscapes. A day in Teide National Park with Ten Travel DMC highlighted just how much this region can offer: dramatic volcanic scenery, forest trails, and a sense of authenticity that sets it apart from the more familiar south.
There will be more to share soon, but for now it’s safe to say that Gran Hotel Taoro is one to watch for 2026 and beyond. If you’re considering the north of Tenerife for a retreat or incentive and would like to explore how this venue could work for your group, I’d be delighted to chat through the possibilities.
Lucy Claire Events announces a strategic expansion into high-end corporate programming, with a renewed focus on founders’ retreats, awards dinners, conferences, summits, and company incentives. This marks a new phase for the business, building on its reputation for seamless delivery and unforgettable experiences across the UK and Europe.
From discreet leadership gatherings to large-scale summits, Lucy Claire Events brings clarity, creativity and precision to every brief. Recent projects include multi-day retreats in Europe, gala dinners for global firms, and bespoke offsite experiences designed to inspire, connect and celebrate.
With a trusted network of international suppliers and exclusive venues, the team delivers events that are both logistically sound and emotionally resonant. Services include venue finding to full event management, including concept design, guest communications, transport coordination and budget oversight—always tailored to the client’s brand, audience and goals.
Founder Lucy Claire commented: “We’re seeing a shift in how businesses invest in their people and partners. Whether it’s a strategic retreat or a celebration of achievement, our role is to make it effortless, elegant and impactful.”
The launch of this new corporate offering coincides with the unveiling of Lucy Claire Events redesigned website, created in partnership with All Things Web. The site showcases recent projects, outlines services and reflects the agency’s commitment to excellence across UK, USA and European markets.
Photo credit: Valentina Fraccaroli
For press enquiries, please contact: Kathryn Allison IPR Communications kathryn@iprcommunications.co.uk
Lucy Claire Events capped off last week with a dazzling celebration of women in business, delivering the European Women in Finance Awards dinner at Claridge’s, London. Held on Thursday evening, the event welcomed 190 exceptional women from across the finance sector to honour achievements, foster connection, and celebrate leadership.
Commissioned by a corporate client, the awards dinner was a standout moment in the corporate calendar—combining elegance, precision, and heartfelt celebration. Guests gathered in Claridge’s iconic ballroom for an evening of recognition and inspiration, with winners applauded for their contributions to finance, innovation, and inclusion.
Lucy Claire Events oversaw full event delivery, from guest logistics to production coordination, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees and hosts alike. The evening featured a bespoke autocue setup, dynamic lighting and sound design, and a carefully choreographed awards presentation.
Founder and Director Lucy Claire commented, “It was a privilege to be part of such a powerful celebration. Events like these remind us of the importance of community, recognition, and excellence. I’m incredibly proud of our team and partners who made it all happen.”
Key contributors included the outstanding Claridge’s hospitality team, AV and production specialists White Light, autocue operator Gita, and on-site support from Green Tulip Event Services, Jess, and Lochie.
The event reinforces Lucy Claire Events’ reputation for delivering high-impact corporate experiences with warmth, professionalism, and creative flair. From intimate gatherings to large-scale awards, the agency continues to set the standard for excellence in event production across the UK and Europe.
Photo credit: Philippa Gedge
For press enquiries, please contact: Kathryn Allison IPR Communications kathryn@iprcommunications.co.uk
Lucy Claire Events has successfully delivered a landmark four-day celebration for 115 guests at Villa Cordevigo, a Relais & Châteaux property between Verona and Lake Garda. Commissioned by a private American client to mark their 60th birthday, the event underscores the agency’s expertise in high-value international event delivery.
The celebration unfolded across multiple venues, featuring a progressive dining journey through the villa’s grounds and culminating in a gala-style White Party with live opera and dancing under the stars. Guests enjoyed curated experiences including wine tasting, cookery classes, and an exclusive opera outing to Verona, with flexible transport and on-demand excursions managed in real time.
Lucy Claire Events oversaw every detail, including:
“This project reflects the scale, agility and creative intelligence our team brings to international events,” said Lucy Claire, Founder and Director. “From sourcing the venue to managing spontaneous guest requests, our crew delivered with warmth, professionalism and total commitment to excellence.”
The event marks a strategic expansion of Lucy Claire Events’ portfolio, reinforcing its reputation for culturally rich, high-end experiences across the UK, USA and Europe.
For press enquiries, please contact: Kathryn Allison IPR Communications kathryn@iprcommunications.co.uk
As a destination for events, it’s hard to top Oxford. Now, I may be a little bias as it’s on my doorstep, but this city really does have it all!
Oxford’s biggest draw of course is the fact that it’s steeped in history and is beautiful with its cobbled streets, riverbanks and some of the UK’s oldest buildings. It has a magical air about it, which adds to the experience when hosting events here.
However, it’s not all olde world. Alongside the historical landscape, Oxford is a world leader in university education and has an array of venues to suit all sorts of events together with several new venues, hotels and restaurants all offering incredible variety and options.
As an event planning professional, having the opportunity to mix both the new and old is a wonderful option to have, as many of the colleges are perfect for hosting a variety of events and accommodating guests. They also add that air of nostalgia and exclusivity.
Oxford’s newest hotel opening is the long-awaited 5-star Store Hotel boasting 101 bedrooms, a rooftop bar, a spa and several event spaces. Opening in May in what used to be Boswells of Oxford, the city’s oldest department store which dated from 1738 and closed in 2020, this new luxury lifestyle hotel will provide guests with a wonderful base for their stay in Oxford. The Store combines with The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels, an elegant and historic Oxford landmark, to complement the 5-star offering in Oxford. There are also a handful of small boutique hotels all with individual touches and interesting event spaces with the Malmaison Oxford, on the site of the old jail, offering a quirky yet luxurious option.
Activity-wise, there is something for everyone. You can sit back and relax while punting along the beautiful River Thames and Cherwell or cycle along the cobbled streets and riverside paths or allow your creativity to flow and paint the stunning buildings of Oxford perched on the riverbanks. Recently I assisted with a music meditation experience at the Holywell Music Room, the oldest custom-built concert hall in Europe which can be hired for conferences, weddings and lectures. This was an amazing experience for all, and my first.
The beauty of Oxford is that you can walk everywhere! One summer, I organised a company offsite for 450 Norwegians in Oxford. It was an amazing event to be a part of. Guests stayed at three colleges – Pembroke, Queen’s and St Anne’s – and participated in a variety of activities both in and out of Oxford. We hosted a wonderful Edwardian Ball at the Oxford University Museum of National History and a finale event at Oxford Town Hall, which was fabulous. The guests loved how quintessentially English Oxford is and loved being able to walk the cobbled streets to each destination or activity.
Recently I freelanced on the Skoll World Forum hosted by the Skoll Foundation who are dedicated to building a sustainable world of peace and prosperity for all. For the last 20 years they have hosted this global forum in Oxford, pretty much taking over the whole city – over 1,700 delegates attended this year! My role as Evening Events Assistant was varied and took me to a wonderful range of venues – 25 in total – across the city providing dinners and experiential events in restaurants and colleges.
In September, I am working with an American company on their CEO Forum for 55 people in Oxford. They will be staying for two nights at the Malmaison Oxford with the Forum taking place each day at Christ Church College, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and a dinner in the semi-private area of the Cosy Club. Once again, their mode of transport will be their own two feet, and I’m really looking forward to seeing their reaction to Oxford and hearing their thoughts!
As well as the city itself, Oxford is the gateway to the Cotswolds, has Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor within easy distance, and is one of the best places in the UK to live and work.
Do let me know if you have visited! It will be great to share some experiences
There have been some fabulous new venues open recently including Raffles London at the OWO, The Peninsula, The BoTree and The Broadwick Soho in London, The Post Barn near Newbury in Berkshire and Port Lympne’s stunning new Orangery. It is so exciting visiting these new venues and seeing the potential of their event spaces – it certainly gets the creative juices flowing with possibilities….
There are also more on the horizon for 2024! Here are a few I am really excited about!
The Other House, Covent Garden
This new luxury hotel is going to feature a pool, gym, wellness studios and a rooftop terrace, together with some amazing dining venues such as The Other Kitchen Cafe and the Owl & Monkey Cocktail Bar. Consisting of seven separate historic buildings, including a former rectory, with plans to include a four-storey internal glazed atrium and an additional three-floor extension, this new hotel is going to be a definite must see for me!
The Zetter Bloomsbury will be the first new property from the Zetter Hotels group in 10 years. Fusing together six 300-year-old townhouses to create the hotel, it will be located just steps away from the British Museum. With plans for a gym, alfresco garden restaurant and terrace, and 71 guestrooms, there will be a Georgian aesthetic for the interiors with antique furniture and restored original detailing.
The Orangery at Blenheim Palace
In 2024, the doors to Blenheim Palace’s revitalised Orangery are opening for private gatherings. It will be the ideal setting for private parties and celebrations, a variety of corporate events and more. The Orangery, restored to its former glory, now embraces a captivating bar area and seating arrangement for up to 120 guests. The designers have successfully merged contemporary chic with timeless charm, which has amplified the allure of this stunning historic venue, creating a unique and memorable exclusive event destination. It’s just on my doorstep and I can’t wait to explore!
Nestled in the pretty village of Kington Langley in north Wiltshire, Kin House is a Grade II listed manor house set among walled gardens and private woodland. Available for exclusive hire, this stunning house will be able to host everything from woodland lunches and workshops to team retreats, launch events, photoshoots and beautiful celebrations for up to 200 people.
A place with a definite wow factor is new restaurant, Jacuzzi in west London. Spread over four floors and with 170 seats, this stunning space is crammed with Italian treasures from Roman statues to Murano glass! It is definitely an amazing option for very special events, and don’t even get me started on the food – it looks and sounds divine!
