Insight Type: Venues

Our founder Amanda Edgcumbe has just returned from 24 hours at the historic Lygon Arms in Broadway, where she was a guest at DBF’s fabulous networking event, Be Our Guest. Hear how she spent her time, who she met and her thoughts on events such as these…

Amanda says…

These events are such an important part of our industry and this one didn’t disappoint. I met many new suppliers and old industry contacts and caught up with what’s new, unique and interesting.

First up, our host venue – The Lygon Arms.

“This is such a stunning hotel in many ways – steeped in hundreds of years of history, with nooks and crannies, a vaulted dining room and flagstone corridors once walked by Kings and celebrities alike! Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor allegedly started their affair at the hotel and there is even a cocktail named after them – a gin-based, violet coloured drink called a The Taylor/Burton Affair (it was delicious!)”

Be Our Guest is a 121 networking forum, short but sweet, hosted over 24 hours on site. It’s amazing what you can achieve, who you can meet and what you can learn in such a small space of time!

Here’s a run down of highlights from the venues who attended.

These incredible, high-end, floating event spaces have a new oceangoing boat arriving in Barcelona in 2028 which will accommodate 600 for meetings and events.

The Jockey Club

Fourteen racecourses – all with excellent event spaces – tells me that you can hire a steam train from Broadway to Cheltenham Race Course even on race days – what a fabulous idea for corporate hospitality.

The Infinity

The largest hotel in Munich – complete with Bavarian Cottage on site with it’s own biergarten which you can hire for private lunches/dinners.

Iconic’s Strand Palace Hotel

Following a recent £60m renovation, it is well worth checking out.

Le Plaza

Based in Brussels, the main meeting room has capacity for up to 700 for theatre style conferences.

The Lygon Arms

Our generous host hotel, shared that they are building new meeting space to hold 100 delegates with natural daylight – ready in 2027! They will also be adding more bedrooms to bring the total to 100. Perfect for high end leadership retreats.

The Carlton in Cannes

Has had an exciting new refurbishment and a whole stretch of Cannes beach has been remodelled

Hotel de Paris

Built in 1864 as much more than just a hotel and to promote the new Monte-Carlo experience throughout Europe, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is now writing a new chapter in its history having been newly reopened by SBM Group.

Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel

Newly renovated (formerly the Boscolo) with 151 beds. It looks delightful with various roofs and terraces to hire for events.

Chateau de Cremat

Located in Nice, this is an amazing place for gala dinners and meetings. They also have their own organic vineyard!

Whilst not new to me, I was also able to reconnect with the Aviator Hotel and it’s looking slick – such a hidden gem of a hotel not far from London if you’re looking to escape the City for a day or two for your corporate events.

With huge thanks to all those who attended, and to Lisa, Ben and Mickey for organising. I had a fabulous 24 hours – and honestly could have spent longer connecting with and learning about all of the exciting suppliers in attendance!

If any of these properties have peaked your interest, get in touch to discuss – we’d love to help you find what you’re looking for.

The perfect escape for corporate events and retreats

When it comes to corporate events, away days, or creative retreats, the right venue can make all the difference. The newly opened Crafted at Powdermills is not just another hotel or meeting space. It is a destination designed to inspire, refresh, and reconnect your team with themselves, each other, and nature.

Life-friendly spaces for work and play

Crafted is a series of life-friendly hotels and clubs where guests and neighbours can be themselves. At Powdermills, this philosophy comes alive across 78 acres of private ancient woodlands, streams, and a seven-acre lake. Here, the focus is not just on getting through the day. It is on enriching, entertaining, and fulfilling experiences that leave everyone recharged and motivated.

When we sent Emma and Amy to visit, it was all about reconnecting with what feels good. They stepped off autopilot, explored the estate, and found a space where work and play could happily coexist.

Corporate life can be overwhelming. Deadlines, meetings, and constant notifications leave little room for reflection or creativity. Crafted at Powdermills offers a natural antidote. Physical wellbeing is woven into the estate with activities like freshwater swims, paddleboarding at sunset, full-moon kayaking, and yoga by the lake. For teams looking to spark creative thinking, workshops encourage experimentation, making, and collaborative problem-solving in a playful, relaxed environment.

Flexible spaces for every corporate need

From intimate brainstorming sessions to large conferences, Crafted at Powdermills has a space for every purpose.

These spaces are flexible and can be tailored to your team’s needs, whether it is a structured corporate retreat or a relaxed day of creative exploration.

Easily accessible, yet immersed in nature

Located in East Sussex (TN33) and just a short drive from London, Crafted at Powdermills is close enough for convenience yet far enough to feel like a true escape. The estate’s 78 acres of lake, woodland, and meadows create a secluded sanctuary for focus, reflection, and team bonding.

Nature is part of the experience. From spotting kingfishers over the ponds to listening for the song of red-listed nightingales, your team can immerse themselves in a setting that inspires curiosity, calm, and creativity.

Crafted for corporate life

Crafted at Powdermills is not just about luxury. It is about creating a space where teams can unplug from usual pressures, explore new ideas, and return to work with renewed energy. Every detail, from naturally inspired rooms to thoughtfully designed activity spaces, supports wellbeing, engagement, and connection.

When Emma and Amy returned from their visit, they came back buzzing with ideas, refreshed, and full of stories from their time by the lake and in the woods.

Whether you are planning a corporate retreat, a milestone celebration, or a creative away day, Crafted at Powdermills offers flexibility, inspiration, and accessibility that makes every event memorable.

If you’re interested in exploring Crafted at Powdermills, or other options for an upcoming corporate retreat or offsite get in touch, we’re here to help.

At Powwow, we believe in creating meaningful connections through extraordinary experiences. Our ‘Big Powwow’ company offsite at Port Lympne Reserve proved to be the perfect embodiment of this philosophy, whilst also aligning perfectly with our ethos of being a business force for good.

A wild adventure just outside London

Nestled in the heart of Kent, Port Lympne offers an unexpected safari experience just a stone’s throw from London. This 600-acre wildlife reserve provides an extraordinary backdrop for corporate gatherings, combining luxury accommodations with unforgettable wildlife encounters. Our team discovered first hand why this venue works particularly well for high-level executive offsites and team-building events.

Accommodation for every preference

One of Port Lympne’s strongest suits is its diverse range of accommodation options, catering to different preferences and group dynamics:

• Luxury Lodges and Mansion House Suites: Perfect for senior leadership teams seeking premium comfort
• Safari Tents: Offering an authentic glamping experience with stunning views
• Wigwams: Adding a unique twist to the overnight stay
• Shepherd’s Huts: Providing a cosy, rustic retreat experience

Each accommodation type offers its own unique perspective of the reserve, with many providing panoramic views of the Kent countryside and the chance to wake up to the sound and sights of wildlife.

Beyond the ordinary: immersive experiences

Port Lympne sets itself apart with its array of immersive activities that foster team bonding while contributing to wildlife conservation:

Up close and personal with wildlife

Our team experienced first hand the thrill of feeding giraffes and participating in zookeeper talks, creating shared memories that continue to spark conversation long after the event. These intimate animal encounters provide natural ice-breakers and conversation starters, particularly valuable for senior leadership teams looking to strengthen their connections.

Purpose-driven team building

One of the most impactful aspects of hosting an offsite at Port Lympne is the opportunity to engage in meaningful team-building activities. Groups can participate in projects that directly benefit the reserve’s animals, such as creating enrichment toys or helping with habitat improvements. This “bonding with purpose” approach adds a deeper dimension to traditional team-building exercises.

Safari adventures

The reserve’s 600-acre expanse offers an African safari experience in the heart of Kent. During our Big Powwow, team members shared vehicles for guided safaris, spotting rhinos, tigers, and other magnificent creatures while engaging in natural, unforced conversations. These shared experiences created lasting bonds among our team members.

Conservation impact

What truly elevates the Port Lympne experience is knowing that every pound spent contributes directly to the Aspinall Foundation’s vital conservation work. This aspect resonates particularly well with organisations focusing on sustainability and social responsibility, adding an extra layer of meaning to corporate events.

Perfect for senior leadership offsites

We’ve found Port Lympne to be exceptionally well-suited for senior leadership team retreats. The combination of luxury accommodations, unique experiences, and relative privacy creates an environment conducive to both strategic planning and team bonding. The variety of spaces available means teams can easily transition from formal meeting sessions to relaxed social interactions.

The Powwow perspective

Having experienced Port Lympne ourselves during our Big Powwow, we can confidently say it delivers on our core promise of connecting teams through shared unique experiences. The venue offers:

• Easy accessibility from London
• Professional meeting facilities
• Unique team-building opportunities
• Memorable shared experiences
• Meaningful conservation impact
• Flexible accommodation options

Whether you’re planning a senior leadership retreat, team-building event, or full company offsite, Port Lympne offers an extraordinary setting that combines luxury, adventure, and purpose. The result is an experience that goes beyond typical corporate retreats, creating lasting memories and stronger team bonds while contributing to wildlife conservation.

For more information about hosting your next corporate event at Port Lympne or to discuss how we can craft an unforgettable experience for your organisation, get in touch!