Hear…See…Smell…Touch…and Taste your event.
The ‘events’ business is a major revenue stream for hotels: awards, business conference, business banquet, wedding receptions, organisation lunch or dinner – or simply a party! And very competitive, especially if your hotel is centrally located in a city like London.
The magnificent view of Hyde park from the upper floors of the Lancaster London
Now, Lancaster London have launched London’s first Senses Room: an innovative concept that allows guests to enjoy a complete and complimentary preview (for up to 10) of the event that they’re planning. H&CNews travelled to the Lancaster to find out more.
Like all good ideas after they’re introduced, the concept is simple and seems obvious: the pioneering “Senses Room” replicates the details of a guest’s specification, from the menu and table setting, to the colour scheme and decor, to the lighting and music. Not quite as simple to achieve as it seems, and the Lancaster has invested in the sound and lighting technology to accurately represent the different options available to events.
It has also positioned its Senses Room close to its banqueting suites and within its kitchen complex, ensuring that event organisers and their clients can transport their impressions and ideas directly into this ‘testing’ facility.
Event organisers often provide a site visit and menu tasting for clients before an event, but this innovation by Lancaster London has dramatically extended this. No longer is the ‘sense of taste’ the only one to be considered: a full sensory trial, including menu tasting, will now give guests the ability to test options and combinations, and to arrive at a real preview of their event.
The Lancaster’s comprehensive refurbishment programme
The Senses Room has been created as part of the major £11.5 million refurbishment of the Lancaster London’s magnificent banqueting spaces, The Westbourne and Nine Kings Suite, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people.
This follows the installation of brand new, state-of-the-art kitchens and complete overhaul of all the processes involved in serving high quality dinners to 1,000 and more guests at a time.
H&CNews will be reporting soon on the impressive operation of the new kitchen, as well as the thorough and effective environmental and sustainability principles that underpin it.