As the old adage goes, you never know what’s just around the corner in London, never has the phrase been truer than with the magnificent Middle Temple – one of only four ancient Inns of Court.

Covering 3600 sq feet and with one of the largest banqueting halls in London, you may be surprised to hear that one of the biggest challenges facing sales and marketing manager Lorraine Butler, is getting people to realise it’s there.

Superbly placed within the square mile, Middle Temple looks on to the Thames and has the iconic London skyline in view – the London Eye and Big Ben included.

Although very central, located next to Temple tube station, Middle Temple feels like an untouched part of London that provides a snapshot back in time to a different era, so it comes as no surprise that it has been used for filming scenes from Downton Abbey, Pirates of the Caribbean and Shakespeare in Love.

Since joining Middle Temple over a year and a half ago, Lorraine has been responsible for bringing one of London’s most ancient venues back into the modern day, launching Middle Temple into the world of social media, Lorraine has also been responsible for opening up the venue to all industry sectors, not just legal. She has also introduced new caterers, including Harbour & Jones Events, and most recently been appointed as Events Chair to the prestigious London City Selection (LCS), a handpicked group of venues situated within the city of London.

Harbour & Jones Events caught up with Lorraine at a festive feeling Middle Temple, decked in boughs of holly, traditional wreaths and the best Christmas tree we’ve seen so far this year.

Why did you want to be the Events Chair of LCS?

I believe that the more I can raise the profile of Middle Temple, and my name in association with the venue and LCS, the better. Being appointed to LCS has already created press interest for the venue and LCS and it gives me the opportunity to further strengthen my links with event bookers, as I am the first point of contact for the fam trip weekend I am planning for March 2014.

What are the advantages of working within a venue group like LCS?

They add gravitas, the more rigorous the selection process the more important it is to be apart of the group. We are able to refer business amongst each other and share best practice as a whole. LCS maximises your venue’s exposure and increases the number of business leads, after the fam trip last year I received at least four solid enquiries to use Middle Temple.

What are you currently working on?

My first big project for LCS! – In March will be LCS’ biggest fam trip of the year. Ever year we invite over 50 event bookers and agents to London for a fun packed weekend. Stopping off at as many venues in LCS as possible I am tasked with keeping them entertained and making sure the day runs smoothly.

Any inside information on what can be expected?

The theme this year is pinstripes and pearls…. That’s all I’m saying!

Have you got any objectives in your new role?

I would like to start focusing on smaller and more targeted networking events so event bookers can spend time at venues they really want to use and have the opportunity to engage with the sales manager and chefs where possible.

How do you manage your time spent working on both Middle Temple and LCS?

I am quite strict with myself at the moment and try and make sure I only work on it on Friday afternoons, however this will ramp up the closer we get to the fam trip. I am lucky to have a good support network as well and I am already working with a committee that includes Susan Innes from Holiday Inn London City and Zoe Edwards from Trinity House.

What’s next for Middle Temple?

Next year we’ll be launching our first external e-shot and there will be a new Middle Temple logo revealed. I also want to gain as much exposure for Middle Temple as possible, we’ll be doing more exhibitions including IMEX in Frankfurt, which gave us fantastic results this year.

And finally, your favourite part of the venue?

It has to be the hall! No matter how many times I walk through it and no matter who I show around, it still has a huge impact and complete wow factor.

Other venues in the prestigious London City Selection group include London Stock Exchange and St Paul’s Cathedral.

To book a visit around Middle Temple, or one of our other LCS venues, call – 020 3206 7763.

Want us to let you know next time we do a fam trip? Click here and we’ll make sure we notify you.

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Harbour & Jones Events
Venue hire & event catering London

1st Floor, The Lightbox, 127–133 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0EW

www.harbourandjonesevents.com | 020 3206 7750