Ellison & Co.
Prepared for the Northbeam team
Hi Priya, Here are the five venues I looked at for the March offsite, with the three I'd put in front of you first. I've listed day rates, capacity and what's included so you can compare them properly rather than digging through five websites. Two things worth knowing now: The Foundry will only hold March 12–13 until the 28th, and Cedar & Vine's catering minimum goes up in January. Have a look and tell me which two you'd like to tour — I'll arrange them. Thanks, Maya
Recommended
The three I'd shortlist, in the order I'd rank them.
The Foundry at Mill Street
41 Mill Street, Harlow BendA converted textile works with exposed brick and a glass roof over the main hall. Warm, informal, and the best natural light of anything I saw. The breakout rooms are on the same floor as the main space, which matters more than it sounds when you're moving 100 people between sessions.
Dana Reyes — Events Manager
Harborlight Loft
9 Pier Road, Alder QuayTop-floor space with water on three sides. The view does a lot of the work, and it films well if you're recording any of the day. Honestly a little tight at 120 seated — comfortable at 90.
Sam Okonjo — Venue Director
Cedar & Vine
388 Vine Street, Harlow BendThe most straightforward of the three. Purpose-built for corporate days, so nothing needs solving — but it has less character than the other two. Best food by some distance.
Alice Fenner — Sales Manager
Also considered
Ruled out for this one, but worth knowing about.
Union Hall
12 Canal Street, Alder QuayLarge and noticeably cheaper, but the main room is one open box with no breakout space and a ceiling that makes it loud. Worth keeping in mind if the group grows past 150.
The Glasshouse
5 Orchard Lane, Harlow BendGenuinely lovely, and genuinely too small — 60 seated at most. I've left it in because I think it's right for the leadership offsite in the autumn.
Next steps
Pick two to tour
Tell me which two you'd like to see and I'll arrange visits for the week of the 8th. Most venues want about a week's notice.
Hold dates by the 28th
The Foundry is holding March 12–13 for us until the 28th. After that it opens back up. The others have wider availability through March.
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