Everyone needs a safe space from time to time, a place where you can recharge, restore and refill your positive energy. We’ve had the opportunity to offer just that, by welcoming homeless support charity Crisis through our doors this Christmas for the third year running.
Crisis do amazing work in leading those experiencing homelessness into a better life. By offering guidance to poverty sufferers, Crisis provides the support they need to empower themselves to create a positive change through education, support, employment and health. Our doors are open this week as the host venue for Crisis@Christmas, offering health and wellbeing support along with company, warmth, hot drinks and turkey baps with all the trimmings.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Crisis’s work with the community, please click here to visit their website.
Cathedral Christmas lunch…
This Saturday our chefs will be putting in some voluntary overtime to cook off a fantastic feast! In the spirit of Christmas, we’ll be dishing up 300 freshly cooked Christmas dinners for those in need at St.Peters Cathedral … a hot meal, some friendly faces and a place to be safe and warm for those in difficult and challenging circumstances.
Not just for Christmas, an extra slice…
Did you know, in an attempt to crack down on food wastage, thestudiobirmingham has been donating all leftover and excess food to Let’s Feed Brum? An amazing 4000 meals have been provided over the last couple of years. Let’s Feed Brum are a fantastic Birmingham based charity who aim to help alleviate poverty one meal at a time… Serving up delicious hot meals, the opportunity to restock on essentials and a chance to connect with other people.
If you’d like to know more about the charities, we currently work with through out our locations please click here.
We wish you all a wonderful Christmas break full of festive cheer, we look forward to welcoming you in the New Year and sharing with you another exciting studio year in 2019.
It’s dark! And with the darkness sets in an undeniable urge to retreat, armour yourself in the cosiest of clothes and surrender to your duvet. Trust us, you’re not alone! The sunny days of afternoon teas and wicker basket picnics feel like a hazy memory. It’s painful to waving good bye to that sun kissed glow you’ve worked on all summer, but don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to stave off the winter blues…
Energy boost…
Cold weather and comfort foods go hand in hand but before you help yourself to that second serving of that dangerously delicious lasagne, remember balance is key. Our energy levels during the day are greatly influence by the quality of our sleep, food and our hydration levels. So, before you comatose on carbs, get some iron rich greens will help you power through the fatigue!
Goals…
“If you can see it and believe it, it is a lot easier to achieve it.” – Oprah
Visualisation is a powerful tool. It’s proven to boosts confidence, reduces stress and increases positivity! Imagining your achievements to come is only half of the process. Forget saving your resolutions for the new year, this new focus will help you overlook the looming snow days.
For a limited time only…
Pulled out your thermals at the first sign of a falling leaf? Find comfort in the promise that there will be another (hopefully hotter) summer in the coming year. Alternatively, how about all the positives this season brings. Short of ideas? How about hot chocolate, cosy clothes and unwrapping presents!
Get Christmassy…
This could be the solution to everything! For many it’s the most wonderful time of the year, it would be scandalous to not to play some festive classics in the office. Christmas brings along a fantastic season of gift giving and over indulgence. Even if you’re a bit of a Grinch, it’s proven that doing good makes us feel good. Fight off the winter blues by making someone else smile… you’ll definitely win a good citizen award from the ghosts of Christmas past.
Time to cosy up…
HYGGE! This Danish tradition of wellbeing through all things cosy. So, if you’ve sought refuge in a blanket on a cold day and enjoyed a hot soup to go with it… you’ve been unknowingly practising “hoo-ga”. Scandinavian countries are notorious for their sub-zero winters, even still they rank as the some of the happiest places in the world! Must be all thanks to Hygge. On that note… time to grab a hot chocolate!
Whether you’re a winter baby or love the sun, we wish you a fantastic season!
“It’s all about you! And it’s all about laughter, positivity and fun!” – Body Confidence
Confidence is a thing of beauty, it’s that inner driving force which makes you shine in everything you do. It’s the deciding factor whether we choose to take the bull by its horns or shy away from the opportunity. Being sure of yourself isn’t just about taking things in your graceful stride, it’s all about how you feel. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is key but knowing yourself is most important.
Here @thestudio we appreciate people come in all shapes, sizes and confidence levels! Recently we had the brilliant opportunity to host Body Confidence Live’s inspirational event. A positive gathering all about body confidence, well-being and self-esteem. Dust off a new you by embracing an alternative perspective.
Lindsay Reid from Body Confidence had this to say about the event – “The event was great. We set out to have a positive and fun day and we really seemed to achieve that with amazing feedback about the way we’d helped make people feel which was everything we wanted. Our speakers were amazing, the venue was great, and our audience left feeling positive and uplifted.”
I’ve got the power…
We encourage our team to be confident by allowing them to be themselves and to interact with guests in the way they instinctively feel is right rather than following a script. We think this helps contribute to the family feel we’ve created across our spaces!
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” Phyllis Diller
Say Cheese…
Smiles are a wonderful thing, they’re a lovely sign to ourselves and others that we’re feelin’ fine. We think everyone looks their best when they show off their pearly whites, you could even say they offer an instant makeover!
Tweet @studiovenues what makes you grin
What makes thestudio smile?
YOU!
It might sound cheesy, but we just can’t help it! We’re self-proclaimed feedback fanatics as without the good, the bad and the ugly, we wouldn’t know how to put a smile on your face.
There is another reason why we’re grinning from ear to ear… recently thestudioglasgow was chosen to host Children in Scotland’s young person’s question & answer session with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon!
This charity event was aired on Scotland Tonight and can be caught on youtube! (Just click here if you’re curious ‘Scotland Tonight FMQT:Next Generation‘.)
Event Organiser Erin Butler from Children in Scotland shared some lovely words about her experience with us –
‘The young people on the design team for FMQT Next Generation were keen to find a venue that was relaxed, fun and flexible and The Studio ticked all of those boxes. We knew from experience that the staff are always so accommodating and true to form, nothing ever felt like too much trouble even when responding to the demands of the three different organisations involved with this project. I can’t speak highly enough of both the sales team in Birmingham and the operations team in Glasgow. I literally couldn’t fault them and we can’t wait to come back!’
So we’re celebrating world smile day with positive thoughts! P.S a cheeky grin is contagious, so the next time you see some give them your best as you never know… it could travel the world!
Scouting the perfect location for a team get together is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack.
Why not tie that team gathering this summer into … “Celebrating Yorkshire”? We’ll let you in on 3 reasons why getting out of the office and spending time with your team in this beautiful shire will be great for mind, body and soul.
Writers block…
Thoughtful spaces inspire fresh thoughts, unique ideas and encourage new perspectives… The best way to reap the benefits of a new mind set is to change your view! And what a better place to do this than good ol’ Yorkshire? Displaying the most beautiful British scenery, the two national parks: Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are the perfect places to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Being surrounded by nature soothes the motorway of speeding thoughts we experience and help us to hone in on our problem-solving skills. Remember… you’re a human being, not a human doing!
Value for money …
Feeling like you’ve got the most out of your buck can be extremely satisfying. A guiltfree splurge is just what the doctor ordered, especially if it’s for the benefit of your team! Getting good value and being mindful of the best way to spend your pennies is on everyone’s mind … Leeds is a hot destination for everything you could want from a city in a neat little package. From great night life to stunning views, its also home to thestudio’s 3rd venue where we are offering some fantastic summer team away day packages including BBQ’s on our roof terrace, the perfect spot to take in those amazing Leeds views.
Stick the kettle on…
We British love our tea. Whether its black, herbal or a builder’s brew, everyone has that little extra room for an afternoon treat. And what better way to enjoy it than have a Yorkshire’s finest! Yorkshire Tea is one of England’s proudest blends but when it comes to food and drink, the north has it all! Who doesn’t love Yorkshire puddings, Jelly Tots, Wensleydale Cheese and Henderson’s relish?
Offering a break from reality, inexpensive meeting spaces and a whole host of delectables, Yorkshire delivers in abundance. We hope to see you there soon!
We’ve made it to the semi finals! It’s the perfect reason to be singing football’s coming home. With the World Cup in our sights, football fever has truly gripped the nation, including of course thestudioteam who’ve been listening to matches on the radio! We all love a bit of retro.
Did you know our sporting prowess and events co-ordination go hand in hand? Check out our top 3 similarities we noticed whist watching the world cup!
Dream Team…
If you’re an avid sports fan, we’re sure you’ve dreamt up a team made from your favourite players! Managers always substitute players for a change of pace. A brilliant game outcome really does hinge on skill, co-ordination and most importantly a great team effort. Which made us think… The smooth running of any event can become quickly undone without flawless team work! Thankfully, for those on the pitch and in your dedicated events team, collaboration is what we do best, we strive to be a team of players!
Pass, run, score…
Funnily enough, quick thinking and nifty footwork are event management essentials! It takes a lot of flair and experience to effortlessly pirouette through bespoke requests and offer valuable customers just what they’re looking for. Problem solving and seeking opportunity are bread and butter, at times it might seem as impossible as working through France’s defence, but rest assured it’s possible!
Saving the day…
No one likes the nail biting, cut throat nature of penalties. But all is not lost in the hands of a great goalie! Much like having faith in a player’s capabilities, leaving your planning to the experts takes the edge off!
Fingers crossed we make it to the final. Come on England.
Famous for their love of maple syrup, bacon and delicious cheesy chips with gravy combination (poutine), this northern gem is definitely a bucket list favourite. One that has been ticked off by a few of our team! In celebration of National Canada Day, our Jyoti and Jodie have shared their experiences from across the pond. And who knows… maybe we’ll have a studiocanada one day!
Jyoti – Marketing Assistant
Canada’s majestic natural beauty is truly remarkable. Ribbons of rainbows strewn over a back drop of rugged, glittering ice capped mountains, decorated with luscious ever green trees… Welcome to Canada. Everywhere you look, your eyes will be greeted by picturesque landscapes worthy of any postcard. It must be seen to be believed! Other than the amazing views, Canadians really do live up to their super friendly nature. I’d recommend anyone who loves wildlife and being surrounded by uninterrupted nature to go. If Canada is on your to visit list but are stuck for ideas, check out what I got up to…
Here’s my top 10 of things to do/see in Canada 😊
1. Road trip it!
2. Capilano bridge – scared of heights? Don’t look down!
3. Niagara Falls – get up close and personal on a boat (umbrellas needed)
4. Glacier walk – slip those crampons on!
5. Orca Whales – they’re bigger than you imagine…
6. Banff – just stunning
7. Montreal’s Notre Dame
8. Sky walk in Jasper – maybe not for the faint hearted
9. Hang out in Vancouver
10. Bear watching – which I’m so sad I didn’t do!
Safe travels!
Jodie – Financial Manager
Should you ever be lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Canada grab it with both hands, pack a bag and go! I flew into Vancouver and from there visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Abbotsford, Hope, Lake Louise and Banff. A packed schedule in a week but enjoyable from start to finish.
The highlight of the trip was without a doubt Lake Louise and Banff. It was freezing cold, there was snow on the ground and the lake was frozen over. This provided a spectacular view from the Fairmont Chateau Hotel which overlooks the lake. All with a back drop of snow-capped mountains. Then Banff, it feels like walking through a film set! Again, all with a back drop of the Rocky Mountains. You could never tire of such a view. The scenery is almost unreal.
I didn’t see a bear but I’m certain I would have been in close proximity to one at some point!
The only downside to this trip was that it wasn’t longer. I hope I get the chance to visit Canada again…
As you can tell our studio family loves new adventures! With each new experience we create timeless memories, become wiser and inspire ourselves with fresh ideas. That’s why, especially in today’s busy world, it’s important to pry yourself from the keyboard and live. Perhaps see you one day… #studiocanada
Dive into a truly alien world where luminous creatures glow in the dark and where giants slumber… We’re not talking about the latest sci – fi to hit the silver screen; welcome to our oceans.
Deep Blue
Today we want to hone in on our oceans being much more than just a body of water: they’re home to all marine life, complex currents which affect the climate and not to mention their inspirational sheer beauty.
If thestudio has had the pleasure of welcoming you, there’s no doubt you’ll have noticed our love of quotes! Here’s one of our ocean themed favourites (tweet us @studiovenues if you know which room/venue it can be found):
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Andre Gide
Gentle giant…
A little bit of trivia to impress your guests… the great Pacific is our largest ocean and has a Latin name which means “peaceful sea”!
Oxymoron…
Did you know our oceans help to produce oxygen? It’s True! Little, tiny plants called Phytoplankton are thought to contribute a mind blowing 50-85% of the air we breathe!
Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface and making up to 78% of our own bodies, water’s importance in creating and sustaining life is undeniable. Apart from being a vital component to life in general, we wouldn’t be able to have half as much fun without our seemingly infinite amount of H2o… Imagine a life time without water parks, balloons and fights! Or never getting to watch the sun dip below the blue horizon. Pretty dull right?
Plastic pollution…
There’s no time to beat around the bush, though we love our oceans, the plastic we produce and dispose of is having a detrimental effect on our irreplaceable oceans. But all is not lost, if we change to create a better future. For this reason, thestudio is dedicated to reducing the amount of plastic used within our venues. In the 21st century we’re blessed with a multitude of options! Let’s raise a glass and celebrate World Oceans Day… paper straw anyone?
We’ve all experienced it. Gone to a disappointing BBQ where there were no welcome drinks, blackened burgers easily mistaken for coal and baps soggier than the British weather…
Thankfully we’re here to make sure, come rain or shine, that your BBQ’s are the best on the block! Be warned, intoxicated passers-by might want an invite!
Rock your grill with our top 5 sure-fire ways to organise and host the best BBQ ever…
1. Imagine being welcomed into a party where there was a fancy drinks station covering options from water to punch and another table filled with mouth-watering dips, crisps, crackers and only the best crudities… sounds dreamy. Having a drinks and nibbles station is the way to go in making a great first impression. Plus, it helps ease the pressure off having to slave away on the barbie straight away.
2. Sleep on it! Create out of this world flavours by marinating your fan favourite meats and veggies then leaving them to soak in the night before = winner.(As long as you don’t burn them of course!). Tease and tantalise your guests taste buds with adventurous spice blends. We’ve got a few in our cookbook, have you had a thumb through yet?
3. Finishing touches… compliment fiery, sweet and smoky barbecue flavours with sensationally seasoned salads and side dishes. These can be prepared in advance and assembled at the last minute to give you the ultimate title of being The Host with the Most!
4. Have the element of surprise by wowing your guests with sweet treats. Ever tried flame grilled pineapple kebabs? Delicious! How about a hot banana Sunday? The possibilities are endless…
5. Mood maker… set the feel of your event and say no to awkward silences by playing fun background music, it’s a brilliant ice breaker. Remember atmosphere is everything!
Bonus tip from our Grill Master Richard Holden:
“Use the lid and master the art of grilling vs. roasting on your barbecue. Closing the lid will surround your food with heat and cook it quicker than on an open grill. Start foods over the heat to achieve those gorgeous caramelisation marks before moving to an area of roasting heat to cook through thoroughly. I always use a digital thermometer to check my food is safely cooked before serving to guests and my golden rule is “75 – Stayin’ Alive!” The core of your food should be 75c in order that it’s safe to eat.”
Now you’re on the road to becoming a barbecue master! Interested in having an expert Richard Holden show you a thing or two? Feel free to ask our team or click here…
Happy hosting from thestudio, you’ll most likely catch us basking on our roof terraces!
It’s heating up at thestudio this May as we’ve got some exciting news to share! Our cookbook BALANCE has arrived in all of our venues and is rammed with over 60 healthy recipes!
The book fits perfectly with our food philosophy, an affordable but beautiful book that has been created in response to the amount times we have heard “lunch was delicious” can you ask the chef for the recipe!
But here’s a few things you might not have known about our little book of BALANCE …
Not for profit…
That’s right, this little number is a not for profit book! All the proceeds go directly to supporting the Nutrition & Diet Resource UK a not for profit organisation for patient centred care working in the public and private sector. It really is all about the food and promoting healthy balanced diets!
Daily dine…
If you’ve attended, are going to attend or actually are at thestudio this very moment, chances are you’ll be lunching on one of the recipes from “Balance”! With over 60 fresh, exciting and inspired dishes that have all appeared on our menus at some point, you won’t be short of combinations to choose from. Aside from an undeniably delicious afternoon break, it’s serves as the perfect time to show guests what thestudio’s made of!
Swapsies…
Things are better when everyone can enjoy them, that’s why on a lot of our recipes, whether it’s for ethical or health reasons, we’ve highlighted ingredients within the recipes that can swapped to suit your dietary needs. Balance has a section dedicated to adapting to special diets from veganism to gluten free… we’ve got a dish for you!
Hats off to the chef…
Compliments were driving force behind the whole idea, each location chef has been involved in the creation of the book, thestudio thought it would be great to give something back to the guests who love their food, offering up the opportunity to impress their friends and family with some tasty dishes. All of this whilst contributing to the bigger picture.
Nutrition is the key …
All the recipes have been analysed by Nutritics software, so you can be assured (if you can stick to just one portion!) of the energy, fat, carbohydrate, protein and salt content in each dish.
We’d love to hear about your favourite foodie experience at our venues, tweet @studiovenues your favourite dishes and remember, if you’d like to find out more, we’re just a fork call away…
