Latest News
March 2010
Following an investment by Sodexo Prestige of £250,000, HMS Belfast has undergone an intensive restoration and refurbishment programme, with the new facilities ready for its first guests in December 2009. Already a busy venue located in the heart of London near Tower Bridge, HMS hosts around 300 events a year. The restoration and modernisation programme has brought technology, location, convenience and character to the London events market. The Admiral’s Quarters has become an exclusive private dining room and conference space with views over The Thames.
The Admiral’s Quarters, consisting of his private dining room and sitting room have been restored to their former glory, whilst the Ward & Ante Room have also been carefully restored bringing back the original character and atmosphere that would have been found in 1959 combined with 21st century technology. The Gun Room and The Ship’s Company Dining Room have also been updated and modernised with new carpets, AV equipment and broadband.
The restoration goes hand in hand with restoration of the ship's side and projects to enhance the visitor's experience of this great historic ship.
Brad King, the ship's Director says "Thanks to this unique partnership of commercial investment and historical expertise, you can now step back in time and soak up the atmosphere of a bygone age. The restoration has been meticulously researched from the original plans, historic photos and even the archaeology found as work progressed. The Wardroom bar for instance, much of which was hidden behind panelling, has emerged to take its place once again on public view.”
HMS Belfast was launched in March 1938 and served throughout the Second World War, playing a leading role in the Battle of North Cape and in the Normandy Landings. She later supported UN forces in Korea and remained in service until 1965. In 1971 she was saved for the nation as a unique reminder of Britain's Naval Heritage and is the only surviving example of the great fleets of big gun armoured warships built for the Royal Navy in the first half of the twentieth century.
72 years after its original launch on 17th March 1938, HMS Belfast will be hosting an exclusive event to celebrate the restoration of the event spaces as well as works done throughout the ship on 17th March 2010, further reinforcing its place on the banks of the Thames as an iconic and unique events venue in London.
Guests at the event will be greeted by a naval piper and treated to hot rum punch and entertainment from a live party band playing music spanning HMS Belfast's lifetime. HMS War Veterans will also be on board to regale partygoers with stories of adventures and intrigue.
HMS Belfast is the only venue on the Thames where you can celebrate summer on the decks with a BBQ, or indeed take the opportunity to be piped on board in traditional naval style. This will guarantee a grand entrance for your guests, reminiscent of the arrival of the Admiral himself. HMS Belfast veterans can take your group on a tour of the ship before dinner, whilst talking about first-hand experiences of their time at sea.
HMS Belfast, Morgan’s Lane, Tooley Street, London SE1 2JH
For more information or to arrange a visit please call 020 7403 6246, email hms.belfast@sodexo.com or click here for more information on meetings and conferences at HMS Belfast.