The Board of Trustees of the Wellington Trust are proud to announce the launch of a direct venue hire and event space enterprise for HMS WELLINGTON.
HMS WELLINGTON is a former livery hall and was modified for hospitality after she was decommissioned by the Royal Navy after the Second World War. She has been an iconic and much-loved feature on the Thames at Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment since her arrival in 1948. WELLINGTON boasts a stunning oak-panelled courtroom, two private dining or meeting areas for either intimate or larger groups, a lovely wardroom bar, and unrivalled riverfront outdoor entertaining spaces on the quarter deck and boat deck. There is also an exclusive and totally unique overnight stay in the Captain’s Cabin, launching soon.
The venue hire business will be managed directly by the Wellington Trust and revenue generated will be used to maintain, conserve and preserve this iconic and decorated maritime heritage asset. This venue hire revenue will be a vital part of creating a financially self-sustaining business model for HMS WELLINGTON. Wellington Trust Chairman Professor Dominic Tweddle explains:
“Conservation and Education are at the heart of our purpose – these are our charitable objects. As a Trust, we must balance how we do this to ensure the physical and financial future of HMS WELLINGTON. We cannot do one without the other. Our new venue hire enterprise is part of our HMS WELLINGTON revitalisation project and will breathe life back into this iconic and important heritage ship.
This is exciting development in securing HMS WELLINGTON’s future. It will both provide much needed revenue for her conservation and preservation, as well as help tell the Wellington Story to brand new audiences. WELLINGTON is a wonderful ship with a remarkable history, and we look forward to welcoming our new clients and supporters onboard.”
The venue hire business will be fully supported by three carefully selected preferred catering suppliers:
In addition, we are delighted to announce San Greal a creative communications agency, and a specialist drinks, cocktail and hospitality operator will be operating our wardroom for Friends of the Wellington use and more intimate events.
All have excellent credentials in delivering high quality hospitality at heritage events both on land and afloat, and are very enthusiastic to be part of this new venture to help secure the future of HMS WELLINGTON:
Stuart Jenkins, Director at the Blue Strawberry Group:
“Blue Strawberry is thrilled to collaborate with HMS Wellington as one of their preferred catering partners. We share a commitment to exceptional quality, sustainability, and innovation in the event space. Together, we look forward to creating memorable experiences on such an iconic viewpoint on the River Thames.”
Alix Caiger, Founder & Director, Caiger & Co. Catering:
“We are elated to be partnering with HMS Wellington as a preferred caterer. As one of London's most iconic event venues, we look forward to collaborating with their team and bringing their clients' vision to life through our menus."
Marie-Laure Preynat – Founder of Easy Gourmet
“We are thrilled to join HMS Wellington on its remarkable journey and contribute to the success of this iconic London landmark. Being selected as the preferred caterer for the Wellington Trust is a true honour. We look forward to working with HMS Wellington’s and helping to secure her future and delivering exceptional culinary experiences with Easy Gourmet on board.”
Anthony Farrell, Owner of San-Greal Creative:
"San-Greal Creative is thrilled to be running the Wardroom bar onboard the historic HMS Wellington. In tandem with this, we will also be showcasing our newest bar concept , "AHOY" - exclusively onboard HMS Wellington."
The Wellington Trust has also carefully selected ancillary preferred suppliers to support our client needs and to ensure consistency and standard of delivery and can cater for weddings, corporate events, formal dinners and lunches, outdoor receptions and many more.
HMS WELLINGTON is the last surviving dedicated Battle of Atlantic convoy escort in Europe, the last Royal Navy Grimsby class sloop and the last surviving warship built at Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth. The Battle of Atlantic was the longest battle of the Second World War and was fought between 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945. WELLINGTON is of local, national and international historical significance.
In this 90th year since her launch in 1934, the Trust launched a 90th anniversary fundraising campaign to help secure WELLINGTON’s future for the nation to enjoy. All funds raised will both support WELLINGTON’s conservation and preservation, and to make her more accessible to the public as a visitor attraction.
Keep up to date with HMS WELLINGTON and what’s happening onboard by checking the latest news on our website or by following The Wellington Trust on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
