Not thought about client entertaining for 2020 yet? Scroll down to read our list of options near London that are fun, cultural and in budget.

For a busy EA as the year draws to an end it’s easy (and also rather fun) to get swept up in the buzz of Christmas; throwing all your energy into preparing the Christmas party (see our survival guide here), planning presents and cards for clients and, more often than not, helping your boss to plan their own Christmas celebrations. (Hands up if you’ve ever had to make a last-minute dash to John Lewis for the gifts they “forgot” to buy…)

Christmas is fun (this post is not about being a Scrooge – we love Christmas!) but it’s also overwhelming, tiring and generally quite stressful. All too often this means as a busy assistant you arrive back at work in January with a to-do list for the year ahead bursting at the seams with all the tasks that never made it to the priority list in December.

Client entertaining is a classic example, if you want to get the best tickets and ensure that everyone is free and available to attend it’s essential to be prepared, have a plan in place and get the organisation done and invites sent out early. From Wimbledon to Queens to Henley and even racing at Ascot, there are so many opportunities for fun ways to entertain clients near London. And client entertaining packages don’t have to break bank, below we’ve listed some of the best deals we’ve found to help get you started now and one-step ahead in January!

Client Entertaining Ideas for 2020

POLO IN THE PARK

Date: Friday 5th June Price per ticket: £575pp Package information: A VIP event ticket for the day includes polo, a Lanson champagne reception and 2 course cold buffet lunch with matched wines, English afternoon tea, TV screens and audio and an evening Cheeseboard. Complimentary bar includes champagne (until 4pm), pimms, beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Find more details here.

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Hospitality for the Chelsea Flower Show is taking place in the newly created Le Jardin Blanc, a garden and dining experience created in collaboration with Raymond Blanc. We think it looks lovely and you can take a look at it on this Youtube Video.

Options Package: LE JASMINE Date: Friday 22nd May Price: £325 per person This is an afternoon into evening hospitality offering. It includes a Champagne afternoon tea within Jardin Blanc, complimentary bar including Champagne, Master Sommelier selected wines, beers and soft drinks, ticket and VIP seating at the bandstand for the unmissable ‘Last Night in Chelsea’ concert.

Package: LA SUNFLOWER Date: Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd May Price: £340 per person This includes a three course lunch and cookery demonstration by Raymond Blanc OBE. It takes place in a stunning private garden featuring an outdoor bar serving complimentary Master Sommelier selected wines, beers and soft drinks and garden-themed dining rooms. Chef Blanc and his team will entertain you with a cookery demonstration at the outdoor wood oven.

For more details click here.

QUEENS CLUB TENNIS

Taking place between 15th and 21st June there are numerous hospitality options at Queens. You can of course just buy tickets and take your clients to a match but they also have a number of packages which include a meal in one of their restaurants, drinks and centre court tickets.

Restaurant: Love Fifteen Price: £355pp Suitable for any group size. Includes 3 course dining in rustic, tennis-themed restaurant Love Fifteen with selected wines, Pimm’s and beer. Centre Court tickets. Situated on the ground floor of the Southern Pavilion.

Restaurant: Roof Garden Price: £505pp Suitable for any group size. Includes 3 course dining in the roof garden which is a smart/casual setting with large outdoor terrace. The meal features self serve elements alongside selected wines, Pimm’s and beer. Centre Court tickets.

More details: https://www.keithprowse.co.uk/queens-club/

WIMBLEDON

There are lots of different hospitality packages for Wimbledon but because of the popularity of this event they are more expensive, prices start at £700pp. If you’re interested in Wimbledon packages you can take a look on their website here.

HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA

Located outside of London yet still easily accessible for a day trip, Henley is a great option for a fun day out with clients. You can get the train from London Paddington straight to Henley station in as little as an hour or hire a taxi to take you straight to from home to the Regatta. If going with the latter option be aware that traffic can be very busy in the centre of town during the Regatta week.

Fawley Meadows Price: from £263 per person plus VAT, with the option to pay an additional £55 per person plus VAT for the Stewards' Enclosure upgrade. Ideally situated along the picturesque bank of Fawley Meadows, you will enjoy an enticing array of features including a riverboat cruise, private outdoor area, live entertainment and, of course, award-winning hospitality throughout the day, ensuring a memorable occasion for you and your clients. Click here for more information.

Find The Hidden Garden Step through the door to The Hidden Garden into an oasis of greenery. Step away from the hustle and bustle of the busy towpath and see the races from a custom built terrace, sip on superbly chilled champagne from the comfort of your own sofa, meet and greet guests in your own exclusive private area then dance the night away alongside a fabulous DJ. With a range of tickets, food offerings and packages on offer you can create your very own Hidden Garden experience. • Terrace Dining Price: £375pp (min 8 people but smaller or larger bookings can be arranged) Private table with river views. Access to viewing terrace. Champagne and canapé reception. Banquet lunch by top London caterers. Selected wine and beer included. • VIP area Private area for up 10 or 20 people. Dining and lounge seating. Access to viewing terrace. Champagne and canapé reception. Banquet lunch by top London caterers. Selected wine and beer included. Private hostess. Please contact The Hidden Garden for availability & prices • General Admission Price: From £25 per person Access between the hours of 11am and 11pm. Drink on arrival. Access to viewing terrace. Food and drink available throughout the day. For more information click here.

ASCOT

We suggest the May Friday Raceday as the perfect Ascot experience for clients. There’s a fun Friday atmosphere and the venue is filled with a host of street food pop-ups and eclectic bars. You can keep things casual and plan a day here or you can treat your clients to one of the fine dining restaurants or private boxes.

Package: Parade Ring Restaurant Price: £228 per person Rightly described as a jewel in the crown for Fine Dining at Ascot, the Parade Ring Restaurant offers guests the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Parade Ring ahead of racing alongside a three course set menu. The restaurant is situated adjacent to the Royal Box, with views of the Parade Ring and Winners' Enclosure, and includes access to an exclusive trackside seating area on level two of the Grandstand, perfect for enjoying the day’s racing. After a Champagne reception on arrival, guests will be shown to their private tables, complete with racecards and racing papers.

Package: On5 Restaurant Price: £254 per person ON 5 offers contemporary design, a private balcony, roof terrace, spacious bar and spectacular views over the track from a panoramic window that spans it length, ideal for watching racing along the Straight Mile. Enjoy a welcome drink and three-or-four- course à la carte menu, with guests assured the very best in terms of Fine Dining and ambiance. For more information on both of these packages click here.

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