Mayfair PA members explored the Royal Hospital Chelsea recently at a special event to showcase the beautiful site as a venue.
Greeted with a glass of fizz or ginger beer with apple and pear purée in the torchlit courtyard, guests were taken on a tour. A harpist played tranquil music to set the scene in the State Rooms, which were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and embellished by Robert Adam, and a Chelsea Pensioner gave a talk.
Continuing the live music theme, a choir sang at the doors to the beautiful Wren Chapel, which features a mural of The Resurrection by Sebastiano Ricci dating from 1714.
After exploring the State Rooms and the chapel, guests were taken through to the dramatic Great Hall, the largest room at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. A string quartet created a lovely atmosphere and long buffet tables were laden with food – one with treats such as smoked salmon, potted shrimps, bread and other tasty morsels, another with vegetarian risottos made to order, with lots of different ingredients to add.
David Hellens, development director at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, gave a speech to the crowd of attendees about how the venues are hired out to support the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the pensioners (all profits from the hire go to the charity the Chelsea Pensioners’ Appeal). He also noted that private parking is available – something not too common in central London – and thanked everyone for coming.
Guests were given goodie bags on their way out and the evening certainly made a good impression, with the rooms – and the food – wowing attendees.
Contact the events management team on 020 7881 5298 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to book a private viewing of the venues.
See pictures from the evening below.
