Spectra showcases the best of what the UK has to offer
See below to find top tips, recommendations and to stay up-to-date with all things Spectra.
Spectra Selects
Belmond Cadogan Hotel
Oscar Wilde’s favoured bolt-hole, The Cadogan, is set to relaunch early 2019 as the 5* Belmond Cadogan Hotel following a £multi-million transformation. With 54 rooms & suites, much lauded chef Adam Handling overseeing the restaurant and exclusive access to gated Cadogan Place Gardens, the return of this old Sloane Street favourite is hotly anticipated.
75 Sloane St,
London SW1X 9SG
Spectra Selects
The Clydeside Distillery
Glasgow’s stills are flowing again at the Clydeside Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery; the first dedicated Single Malt distillery in Glasgow for over 100 years. Come down to the Queen’s Dock and watch their craftsmen distill pure new make spirit by hand, the time-honoured way. Discover here the Dockside Story, brimming with fascinating takes about Glasgow’s history in the heyday of the Queen’s Dock and the birth of the whisky industry.
The Old Pump House, Queen's Dock,
100 Stobcross Road,
Glasgow G3 8QQ
Spectra Selects
Science Gallery London
King’s College London’s Science Gallery, located opposite the Shard in London Bridge, was built on the former east wing of 18th Century Guys Hospital which was destroyed during bombing raids in WWII The venue which opened last autumn has been described as a place where ‘art and science collide’ and features flexible indoor and outdoor spaces to host events for up to 500 guests.
Great Maze Pond,
London SE1 9GU
Spectra Selects
Musical magic coming to London’s West End
Smash-hit Broadway musical Waitress makes its West End debut at London’s Adelphi Theatre in February. Starring Katherine McPhee as waitress and pie-maker Jenna who is fighting to escape from a loveless marriage, when she heads to an out-of-town baking contest. The multi-award-winning musical features music from Grammy Award-nominee Sara Bareilles and boasts the first all-female creative team for a West End show. Meanwhile, ever popular Disney musical Mary Poppins is set to float back into the West End in 2019, to the Prince Edward Theatre where it premiered in 2004. Starring Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stem, the show will open next autumn; tickets go on sale in January.
Adelphi Theatre,
Strand, London, WC2R 0NS
Prince Edward Theatre,
Old Compton St, London W1D 4HS
Spectra Selects
Fingal
Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, has been transformed into a stunning luxury location with customer service to match. The vessel, which formerly sailed the storm lashed seas, bringing vital supplies and equipment to some of the most remote lighthouses in Scotland, now boasts 23 beautifully styled cabins, all named after Stevenson lighthouses. Berthed at Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, close to the famous Royal Yacht Britannia, the floating hotel is a short stroll from two Michelin starred restaurants in the vibrant Leith neighbourhood.
Port of Leith,
Edinburgh, EH6 7DX
Spectra Selects
Brasserie of Light
Caprice Group’s brand spanking new Brasserie of Light at Selfridges is dominated by Damien Hirst’s massive crystal Pegasus – with a 30 ft wingspan, it is the artist’s largest scale artwork in London to date. The light filled, Art Deco all-day brasserie is already wowing diners and critics alike. There is a glamorous private dining room, aptly named The Pegasus Room that accommodates 14 seated at one long table, or 30 standing.
Selfridges Duke Street Entrance,
400 Oxford St,
London W1A 1AB
Spectra Selects
Kimpton London Fitzroy
An £85 million refurb of Bloomsbury’s 19th century Russell Hotel has transported it with a bang into the 21st century under the new name Kimpton London Fitzroy. The salmon pink 5* hotel has 334 rooms, coffee house, cocktail bar, Palm Court winter garden and a neighbourhood seafood restaurant, Neptune.
Kimpton London Fitzroy
8 Russell Square,
London WC1B 5BE
Spectra Selects
Flight Club flies North
Flight Club the Social Darts company with venues in London’s Shoreditch and Bloomsbury is to open 2 more later this year – one in Manchester and one in Victoria. With a range of stunning private and semi-private spaces available for hire – both venues will cater for up to 650 guests.
Flight Club Shoreditch
2a Worship Street,
London EC2A 2AH
Spectra Selects
V&A Dundee
The hotly anticipated V&A Dundee design museum opened on 15th September with “Ocean Liners: Speed and Style” depicting life on board the world’s greatest ocean liners. The exhibition shows how, from Brunel’s 1859 steamship, the Great Eastern to the QE2 in 1969, liners became one of the most powerful and admired symbols of 20th century modernity.
V&A Dundee
1 Riverside Esplanade,
Dundee DD1 4EZ
Hi Gary & Gillian –thank you for helping me to plan a wonderful event. I loved the fact that the team got to experience a little bit of everything Scotland.. Highland games, falconry, drumming, piping, whisky tasting and tea and scones. The team had an amazing time!
US corporate client, March 2019Dear Alan, I would like to thank you a million times for the great inspirational trip we had to London last week! It has certainly put London on top of mind again! The venues were amazing and surprising! Abbey Road Studios was an unforgettable experience, as it was promised to be. I truly hope to find a client to share this experience. Many thanks again and applause for you and your dedicated team!
Dutch Travel Marketing Company, February 2019Pamela, I would like to thank you, your team and Spectra for your excellent assistance with two very important back to back events in January. Given the extremely short timeline to execute these two events, you did so with extreme professionalism, accuracy and creativity. There were millions of changes and you didn’t miss a beat! I enjoyed partnering with Spectra and found the experience to be pleasant and excellent. I look forward to working with you on upcoming programs in the UK.
Multi-National Corporate Client, January 2019Hannah – Our meeting in London was a huge success largely because of you and your team. From transportation to décor at the venue – truly first class. We are not the easiest client but Spectra made us feel at ease from day one and it carried through the event – THANK YOU!”
US corporate client, November 2018Mark’s thoughtful and solutions oriented approach to problems and challenges, his knowledge of the travel options in Scotland and experience with American incentive programs makes him a perfect fit for one of our most important programs
US Incentive House, August 2018Anna, this was really a very successful program in Aberdeen you suggested to the group. Thank you so much for all help with all the details and changes on the way. You did a great job!
Norwegian Group, April 2018Tracy – Please extend our thanks to all involved… The whole program, from start to finish, was spectacular and the client could not fault anything… I know that this program was challenging in many ways, so the fact that everything came together so seamlessly is a true testament to how fantastic you all are!
Australian automotive client, July 2018Gary – thanks for your OUTSTANDING assistance. You were at all times personable, professional and willing to always go above and beyond in making this a memorable trip. I will always recommend to my friends that they too should seek out Spectra for any assistance in travelling to Scotland
US Barristers, April 2018Pamela – Personal thanks to you for being ahead of the game on all aspects of the program – you were always there to be sure coaches were set, meals ready, and last-minute changes were taken care of. I do hope I have another opportunity to sell London – I’ll be in touch with Spectra immediately. Many thanks to all who were involved with making this program such a huge success!
US incentive agency, May 2018Gary – We cannot adequately express our gratitude for your tour guide/driver. His knowledge of history, the sites that we needed to see, and the little things that would make our [Scottish Highlands] trip special was amazing. Thank you for your selection of hotels and planning our trip with so little direction. It was a trip of a lifetime!!!
US Lawyers, April 2018Alan, just a short message to extend our gratitude to the Spectra crew for a fam trip well organized. There is nothing more to be said than it was truly a Magical Mystery Tour. It was great fun, nice to spend time with you and very useful to see what Manchester and Liverpool is all about.
Norwegian Corporate MICE Agency, January 2018Paul – I LOVE your team in Edinburgh! The banter between Mark, Susan and myself is precious and fun. I only wish I could work with you guys 100% of the time. You have a WONDERFUL team/company and it is really a pleasure to work with anyone from Spectra
US Insurance Company, April 2018Pamela – thank you for all of your hard work, updates, photos and willingness to do whatever needed (punch holes in cards, find a fish bowl, get the video running on loop, etc.). I sincerely appreciate you make our events team and the company look good!
US corporate client, October 2017Paul – We’re proud to honor Spectra as an Inspirational Partner. Their high standards and attention to detail help us to deliver the excellent service our clients deserve. We look forward to continuing our partnership.
Global performance improvement agency, September 2017