MAGAZINE

Give them some space

Without wanting to make any of our readers feel too old (or young, for that matter), the past couple of years have seen many people in my inner circle turning 40 – life beginning and all that. 

While many wince at the arrival of such milestones, I’m all for it, embracing not just the landmark moments but the celebrations that are thrown in along the way. We’ve done 21sts, 30ths, engagement dos, weddings (a couple of early divorces) and now it’s the 40ths’ turn. Bring it on, I say.

However, as each acquaintance begins to make plans for their respective soirées, there tends to be a common sticking point – where should these parties take place? If someone is looking to bring together 50 or 60 people to celebrate the turn of four decades or any other occasion, why is it that a decent venue is often hard to find? It seems space really is at a premium.

This consideration popped into my head several times while conducting this issue’s lead interview with Anthony Ellis of the Shiko Group, which took place via a tour around Shiko’s Manchester sites – every one of which was built to capitalise on events. Birthdays, corporate dos, live music, sport, you name it, and Shiko will host it. What’s more, it’s not like the 10-strong business only takes on venues with a certain square footage or layout. In fact, I’d argue that when it comes to the size and styles of these spaces, it’s one of the most eclectic estates I’ve seen from one business. With the rooms it has, Shiko goes way beyond providing an empty shell in the back of a pub.

“The number one rule is a space needs to stand out,” Ellis tells me from page 20. “Then we make sure the sales team is motivated enough to want to sell it. One plus one equals two – it’s not rocket science.”

Perhaps not. And yet even a group of friends in the south east seem to struggle to find an impressive yet affordable location to host significant steps in life. With considered design and effective marketing, there’s no doubt operators could bring in more large bookings of guests if you just give them a little space. 

Tristan O’Hana - Editor