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You are very likely to be reading this article, asking yourself what on earth is a “livery hall?” Well to put simply it is the hall of one of the Britain’s historic livery companies. Okay, are you still confused? A livery company is the name of the guilds in the centre of London. In other words, it is the governing body for each of the trades. There are some, such as the Fan Makers and the Wheelwrights and other more well known and modern ones such as Insurers and Air Pilots. In fact, there are thirty eight livery halls in London but unfortunately, many of them cannot be visited unless you are attending a conference or a meeting in them. Some of them are truly stunning just to look at from the outside. A particular favourite with tourists and Londoners is the Goldsmith’s Hall located on Gresham Street. It’s a truly magnificent building full of history. Lots of exhibitions are often held in the Goldsmith’s Hall and it is not surprising why this is chosen as a venue. They do however have open days, usually once a month, which allows you to a have a free guided tour around the premises. If you get a chance to view this building you will see that it certainly was built to impress. The walls are marble panelled and you feel a sense of wealth throughout the whole building. Unfortunately, though, the majority of London Livery Halls have been rebuilt due to many company’s losing their halls due to the Great Fire of London and other tragedies including the Blitz. There is only the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, which has managed to retain much of its original splendour. It has a great kitchen that has been used used to provide dining opportunities for the Livery Company’s elite diners for several centuries. Of the oldest to Livery Halls to survive is the Apothecaries’ Hall, which is located in Blackfriars Lane. It was rebuilt in the year 1670, four years after the Great Fire of London. From the outside it has a set of circular windows giving the building a quirky yet appealing look. It also has a huge staircase made of oak which is very impressive. Once again you will not be given the opportunity to explore unless you are here for a function or meeting. Many of the modern halls are not quite the same and do not hold as much history. Although Founders’ Hall which was built in the 1980’s is one of the better modern buildings. This can be found slightly behind St Barthlemow the Great and you can tell you are near when you see the big projecting windows from a far distance. As you can see, Livery Halls are ideal for functions such as weddings, formal occasions, and exclusive parties. If you are planning an occasion in London, Livery Hall hire is available courtesy of Life's Kitchen who will cater for any kind of event.
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