Tried&Tested

‘What They Say’

Case Study – The Meeting Room at The Chimney House

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

We’ve had a multitude of excellent comments, feedback and testimonials – so we’ve asked one of our National Chimney House customers to tell it like it is in a neat case study.

Internal Communications Manager -Associate

Business Development & Communications

Group Size: 40  Purpose: Away Day

Pre-event planning –
We heard about The Chimney House opening in Kelham Island and being so close to our office, we were keen to check out the facilities for some team away days we were planning. The main purpose for this event was to ensure that we were showcasing ‘the best of Sheffield’ to a national team of marketing and business development professionals whilst delivering an environment that enabled the team to receive presentations and take part in breakout sessions.

As soon as we met Sally we knew that our expectations would be exceeded. Her attention to detail is outstanding and nothing was ever too much trouble. Sally welcomed us to The Chimney House for numerous planning visits and provided a full range of options for various elements of our event – in particular walking us through mouthwatering menus from other local providers that resulted in us opting to extend our stay to make use of the pop-up dining hall in the evening to hold a team ‘feast’.

Challenges –
Our team travels to Sheffield from all around the country so we wanted somewhere that was easily accessible by public transport and straightforward for those unfamiliar with Sheffield to find. We are also quite a large team and in the past we have struggled to find somewhere that is large enough for us all, without us being swamped by some of the larger venues available. The Chimney House provided us with the perfect mix of space yet intimacy for this event.

Solution –
The event was a huge success and everyone was completely charmed by The Chimney House team. From the moment the team arrived, everyone was extremely well looked after and touches such as the flowers in the meeting room and the decoration of the ‘feasting table’ in the evening was noted by all.

The fact that we were able to combine our business meeting with a dining experience to remember has to be one of the clear highlights of the event and something that really sets this venue apart.

What happened on the day:

Guests arrived mid morning and were greeted with comforting mugs of tea and coffee to fuel a day of activity! The day started with a series of presentations in the Meeting Room which was set up theatre style – decorated with platters of maltesers to help delegates through the morning. Our presenter’s fed back that they felt really relaxed in the venue and they felt that this had a positive impact on the way they engaged with the audience!


A number of breakout sessions took place in the afternoon with the group coming back together to present to each other – although not before tea and cake at 3pm – perfectly timed to perk up the traditional afternoon dip and providing delegates with yet another opportunity to sample yet more locally sourced produce.

The formalities were wrapped up by 4.30pm when everyone retired to the The Front Room for drinks and talk of what a wonderful day we had!

Whilst we had taken the opportunity to treat the team to some exquisite fine dining in the evening, we did have a number of people that were unable to stay due to onward travel and personal commitments. However, they didn’t miss out! Those that had to leave to catch trains back to the four corners of the UK, left with a goody bag to be envied! Portions of homemade pies, salads, cakes and even some liquid refreshment were provided to the travelers to enjoy – ensuring that no-one felt left out. It’s thoughtful touches such as this that will keep us going back to The Chimney House!

Post-event analysis –
I am pleased to report that we have subsequently returned to The Chimney House on a number of occasions – hosting both internal meetings and client events as this unique venue. I think this just goes to show how highly we regard this venue and The Chimney House team.

This case study will be appearing in the June 11 issue of Conference and Incentive Travel.

For more details about planning your event, meeting, away day, training, workshop at The Chimney House please email sally@thechimneyhouse.com

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Star Struck with Glenn Foster

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Did we think we’d get more celebs running through the door at The Chimney House than we could chase up the stairs and round and round the room… of course we did. After our Heaven 17 biscuit eating experience (and very stylish interview and film making) we had high expectations…and naturally being of a positive and optimistic personality the standards had been set.

So who should call us and ask to use The Chimney House for his own personal use for the duration of his time in the UK (whilst over from LA) for interviews and star studded filming but Glenn Foster himself (He’s the one in the pic above jumping around on roof tops in a Bond sequence)

So these are the facts… Glenn Foster – stuntman to the rich, famous, most talented and brightest stars in the world – nominated for 2 World Stunt Awards (to be hosted in Hollywood in May) had decided that The Chimney House suited his style and tastes and would be the perfect base to hold court to the press and chat about his awe inspiring rise to the dizzy heights of the top of the tree.

And we are talking the top… See if you recognise any of these people that Glenn has worked with… I struggled – but you may find some familiar… So he’s Robert Downey Junior’s stunt double (Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man 2 – people on set included Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Mickey Rourke )

He has also starred (as an actor) in Bond (Quantum of Solace) and was responsible for pinching the limelight on more than several occasions – including the opening scenes with Daniel Craig (Casino Royale)and to list a few more blockbusters – why not… The Dark Knight, National Treasure, The Golden Compass, The Bourne Ultimatum, Munich, Alexander… you get the picture.

So as the UK press descend – and a rigorous round of interviews commence we’re there cheering him on… we’d have liked it if he did a stunt jump off the top of our chimney into the goit water below… but we’ve heard there are some pretty ferocious Pike in there…and that would be a whole different story…  

Check out his story(told in The Chimney House)…keep very posted for more!

The Yorkshire Post

The Business Desk

The Star Watch out for The Chimney House hitting small screens EVERYWHERE!!!

The Star Part 2

The Telegraph

Exposed Magazine

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Of News, Blogs and Mags

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Check out how we’ve been hitting the headlines….and small screens EVERYWHERE!

We get called ‘funky’ by Conference and Incentive Travel March 2011

We are up there with the best properties in Sheffield

We get snapped by PH Weddings.. sublime photography

We get immortalised by Visualis!

We’re the City’s first Christmas Pop Up Shop!

OOO how very enterprising… we get shortlisted for the Enterprise Award with The Sheffield Business Awards 2010.

Check us out smoozing alongside Chatsworth!! Page 2 of Conference and Incentive Travel if you scroll down!

We get called ‘beautiful, atmospheric and indulgent’ by The Guardian

We’re  a boutique Vintage bridal soiree host!! Love my Dress nonetheless!!

Inspired by Vintage

Larking about with lifestyle…

We get caught up in a Culture Vulture debate…

Check out the latest Hollywood interview FRESH from our Chimney House – we get Exposed!!! Page 20 and 21 – hold onto your hearts ladies…

Lovely blog about us from A4e and Mini makes her mark

La Squadra at The Chimney House

Bits about 93ft making our BLOG!

Recycling and re-use… bits about our parquet table…

We get called choice and unusual!!

More from 93ft….

All about us being a listed building and some pics showing the buildings transformation!

We get newsletter’ed

We get Wiki’ed

Cool designer bloggin…talkin about us…

A smidge of History

Tom Newell gets interviewed and chats about us…

We’re spied by Salvo News!!

We get Exposed as iconic… again… oops. pg 12

Fund out how we did it with 93ft

Elephant in the Room The Sheffield Telegraph – Tom Newell… fame after Sarah also  The Star

More Pecha Kucha …..

The Drum The magic number…

Yorkshire Forward talk about us…

The Star We’re on film… watch out for Sarah – our pet elephant!

Business Desk it’s all about elephants and Hollywood….

Tom J Newell

Boho Weddings and Events

The Sheffield Telegraph (we get called a Landmark… and cutting edge)

The Sheffield Star page 19

Event Industry News

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The Housewarming

Monday, March 29th, 2010

The day dawned bright and sunny… what else would you expect for such a momentous occasion? The  water was glinting beautifully next to The Chimney House, birds singing and the smell of brewing ale next door at the brewery…

It’s a bit like Christmas having your launch…Housewarming gifts poured in, nice people bringing us stuff, the final prep, guests inviting more guests and me worrying if I have ordered enough Chimney House special brew…

So anyhoo the clock sped around to 4pm… and they descended… they came, they ate, they admired, they ate and drank us out of house and home…( I take that as a measure of success for a housewarming…)

I looked around at the feast on the table – one minute it was there… the next… vanished!

We’ve been thrilled with the feedback from the night… we’ve met some amazing people – thanks to you all for coming… and as a result the bookings are flying for The Meeting Room…

Sheffield’s great and good… you’ve done us proud and we salute you from the top of our 93ft chimney…

We’ve had some amazing comment back… here’s what they say

With huge thanks to all of our guests! See if you can spy yourself on here!

Drum roll please… MASSIVE THANKS to…Urban Deli for stunning bites all all round excellent problem solving, The Milestone for the most incredible kitchen supper/feast/ Pie fest/work of food art I have EVER seen, Fancie for fab cakes, The ever fabulous Brendon Tyree from Flash Flash for our snaps, The dainty and beautiful Swallows and Damsons for florals, The unfazable Sarah Jackon from Le Bon Vin, Wildago for wall art and Tom Newell for Chimney Art. Also a huge and massively awe inspiring thank you to Claire Williams whose hostess skills and cool no probs attitude made life supremely fab!

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It’s all about us!

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Me me me… well at least Chimney Chimney Chimney… everyone’s talking about us…It seems there are Chimney Lovers EVERYWHERE!!

Here’s what they say…

We held one of our away days at The Chimney House and from organising to delivery, it was a real pleasure to work with Sally. The attention to detail and flexibility was great and everything went without a hitch. The feedback from the delegates was fantastic and absolutely everyone commented on how good the venue and food was. I have already passed on Sally’s details to a number of colleagues and will not hesitate to recommend this venue!

Claire Green PA to Ivor Lawrence – Director of Marketing Sheffield Hallam University

I just wanted to compliment you on your superb venue, it really made our day much more interesting and inspiring, what a difference it  makes not being stuck in a stuffy hotel conference room all day. Us
marketing types need to be surrounded by such creativity! it was a great day all round, service, venue and food was top notch! you’ve raised the bar for our conferences, im not sure how we’ll top this one. can’t wait to come back again.

Samantha Moore.   Faculty of Development & Society Sheffield Hallam University

Many thanks for hosting us all last Saturday evening.  Everyone really enjoyed the relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.  A real pleasure to spend an evening dinning in the middle of Sheffield’s industrial past!  I’m sure everyone will looking to hark back as soon as they possibly can.

Roger Pearson, Sizer

We held our first ‘out-of-office’ seminar at The Chimney House and the results were tremendous- the attendance was far higher than we experience doing ‘in-house’ talks and the client feedback was nothing short of ultra-positive. The décor, ambiance and service were first rate and we will undoubtedly become regulars!

Toni Cross, Coda Architect Studios

We had our Northern Area Sales Meeting at the Chimney House on Thursday 3rd June

We are a National creative paper company and strive to get our sales team motivated and inspired to go on and deliver to targets and perform in the market place

In the past we have had meetings at our HQ (in Hull) and have also used various hotels but The Chimney House is something else

Carefully restored a fabulous space/room to relax unwinds and opens up those creative juices

Every member of the team really enjoyed the setting, the lovely food and the very helpful staff that are passionate about their building and its history. I ended up asking Sally to give a brief talk about the history and the whole process they took to get the building to be what it is today as the team really wanted to know…

Would defiantly recommend this venue to anyone but not on the dates I want…!

Nick Rowley, GF Smith

The measure of a great venue is when your colleagues ask, ‘when are we going back?’! From start to finish, our Chimney House experience was exceptional! Sally was on hand both before the event and throughout the day, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. The catering was sublime and showcased Sheffield’s finest – great for entertaining out-of-towners! We ended our day with a gastro-feast, fit for a king and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the feed and felt very well looked after. We feel extremely privileged to have The Chimney House as our neighbors and we can’t recommend you highly enough….when can we come back?!

Kate Senter, Irwin Mitchell

Everything in the Chimney House shouts unique. It’s one of those rare finds where someone with an excellent eye for the eclectic has brought together styles and ideas with a level of panache that’s rarely achieved.

Luke Dawson O’Neil, A4e

Many thanks Sally for such a brilliant place to hold our event! Great facilities with lovely touches like candles in the toilet! The food was amazing and great to be able to eat it outside with the ducks for company! Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye but rest assured I’ll be back soon as soon as I find an excuse…

Melanie Parker, Irwin Mitchell

What a great location! We had one of our best Customer Days in years. We all felt that the style and quality of The Chimney House contributed to the relaxed but professional atmosphere and with a superb lunch we couldn’t have asked for more.

We will be returning.

Philip Brown. PCI Systems

Sally Clark and The Chimney House surpassed all our expectations! We had a great day, and it was the perfect setting for our brand workshop – the surroundings helped stimulate some healthy, creative debate!

Samantha Royle Head of Marketing A4e

A memorable day!

Our group loved the venue and the food. The care and attention we received was first class. If you are looking for somewhere special… look no further.

Forward Ladies networking group.

What a great night, the Chimney House is very impressive and gets away from the stuffy boardroom/conference feel I detest so much – a great addition to the Sheffield scene. Congratulations.

Paul Cocker, Regional Magazine Company

Fabulous venue with 1st class food and hospitality!

BOHO Events

It is good to know that Sheffield now has a venue with pzazz.
Meeting facilities to be enjoyed, not just endured.
And so well rooted in its location. Tipping its hat with respect to its heritage, while looking forward to what lies ahead.
Where better to be inspired for creative business?
Or add a seasoning of fun to whatever the day’s work?

Jed Fraser  Comagogo

What a venue, exquisite attention to detail & fantastic taste!

Jonny Douglas

Wow! What a great night! Fabulous food – how amazing did that table look?! Groovy gang – where did all those gorgeous people come from? And host and hostess with the most and mostest!
Thank you so much – you must be delighted ( and exhausted!)  it s a super winning formula and another example of reinventing Sheffield! May your inbox runneth over and let the bookings commence ( or continue apace!)

Jill White and Andy Hanselman Compete or Get Beat

You have a fantastic venue and I’m sure word of mouth will soon be ringing around Sheffield.

Paul and Linda Frewin The Legacy Group & The Business Network, Sheffield

Thank you for a super evening last night. You put on a fantastic spread. The building looked amazing, great testimony to your creative talents. Rob and I enjoyed meeting you and will certainly spread the word about “The Chimney House”.

Chris Downham, Simplicity Financial Services.

Fab venue, great event and amazing food from The Milestone. Really lovely event, great vibe – congratulations!

Sarah Simpkins Printing.com
Wonderful launch event last night, Sheffield has been crying out for such a quality venue for an age.

Simon Cookson rckt

Just a quick note to thank you and your team for a wonderful launch party yesterday

The rooms were stunning and the food was outstanding! The location is very convenient but set in quiet surroundings.  I will certainly bear them in mind for future meetings

Paul Gregory, Legal & Business Affairs Limited

Yes everything went very well for us thank you very much, including the food, which was greatly praised (the freshness of the bread and the fillings). People definitely liked the room, the building generally, and the facilities such as being able to make coffee were greatly appreciated.

The frame around the screen received a lot of favourable comment! No doubt partially as a result of all this our meeting went very well too… no fights or even significant conflicts of opinions.

It was nice though to be able to celebrate the establishment of our new team under our staff re-structure by using the Chimney House for our inaugural team meeting

We would definitely use the Chimney House again

Jamie Lang. Finance Manager – Sheffield City Council Schools Statutory and Strategic Team

What a great venue, recommend it to everyone who needs a stylish space to hold a meeting or event in Sheffield!

Ben Hall Senior account director  Iris Associates

All the best with an amazing venue, I hope that the Sheffield community appreciate such a fine venue.

Ben Sequerra Chief Executive at Pro Sheffield

The Chimney House cleverly provides a creative, innovative and forward-thinking space with a clear nod to the heritage of the building and the city. The meeting room was therefore the perfect setting for our needs and topic of conversation. Everyone was impressed by the attention to detail. It is clear that a lot of effort and hard work has gone into make the Chimney House a unique meeting experience. We particularly loved the horn!

Creativesheffield

The Chimney House was a great place to shoot(film) A beautiful main room with its lovely design, layout and stylish mix of modern and old design perfectly captures the modern style of the city of Sheffield. It’s also very quiet and the shortbread’s yummy.

Director James Strong NOW AS IT WAS THEN: Heaven 17 the making of Penthouse & Pavement.

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