Group of people at Cloth Hall Court Winter Special: Exclusive Conference Rates for January & February

Winter Special: Exclusive Conference Rates for January & February

Looking for meeting rooms in Leeds? Kick off 2025 with an exclusive January and February offer at Cloth Hall Court, the University of Leeds’ premier conference venue. With a discounted day delegate rate of just £39 (including VAT) or £35 for University of Leeds staff, this is an unmissable opportunity to host your meetings, training sessions, or client events in a convenient city-centre location.

Cloth Hall Court is renowned for offering modern and stylish meeting rooms in Leeds, designed to create an environment for impactful presentations, team-building days, and professional seminars. The venue’s central location, just a two-minute walk from Leeds train station, adds to the ease and convenience for attendees, making it an ideal choice for businesses across the region. Begin the new year with exceptional value and quality by securing this special rate, and make your event memorable with the experienced support of the University of Leeds Conferences and Events team.

Meeting rooms in Leeds - Cloth Hall Court

Why Choose Cloth Hall Court?

  • Stylish meeting rooms in Leeds: Thoughtfully designed to provide the perfect setting for your meetings, workshops, and conferences.
  • Prime city-centre location: Located right in the heart of Leeds, ensuring easy access for both local and visiting attendees.
  • Seasonal dining: Enjoy a seasonal menu with over 90% of dishes prepared on-site, including delicious hot buffet lunches.
  • Extra amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, AV equipment and dedicated event support from start to finish.

What’s included?

  • Main room hire
  • Dedicated event manager
  • Wi-Fi and AV equipment
  • Arrival refreshments with coffee, tea, mini-Danish pastries, and fresh fruit platters
  • Mid-morning refreshments with coffee, tea, and biscuits
  • Two-course hot buffet lunch with water, fruit juice, tea, and coffee
  • Afternoon refreshments with coffee, tea, and biscuits

So if you’re looking for exceptional meeting rooms in Leeds and want to take advantage of this limited-time offer, contact the University of Leeds Conferences and Events team today:

 

Terms and conditions: Offer valid for any date in January and February, subject to availability. Day Delegate packages available from £39, inclusive of VAT or £35 for University of Leeds staff. New bookings only.

Two people smiling at a team away day.

Top tips for organising a team away day

Planning a team away day is an excellent opportunity to bring colleagues together, spark creativity, and strengthen relationships. To ensure your event is both memorable and effective, follow these tips: 

  1. Choose an inspiring venue

Selecting the right venue sets the tone for your day. Look for spaces that inspire collaboration and creativity, such as those with natural daylight, spacious layouts, and unique settings. Venues that provide substantial catering options are a must – good food leaves a lasting impression! 

  1. Take time to plan a diverse agenda

A well-thought-out agenda ensures the day is engaging for everyone. 

Incorporate: 

  • Key speakers: Invite inspiring voices to share insights. These don’t have to be external – look to inspiring people outside of your department but within the University of Leeds, such as our world-class academics. 
  • Facilitators: Have someone guide discussions to spark new ideas. 
  • Creative activities: Include tasks that challenge the team in new ways, from hands-on workshops to problem-solving games. 

Top tip – ask the University of Leeds Conferences and Events team if you need suppliers. We have lots of connections!  

Group of people at Cloth Hall Court waving to the camera

  1. Be intentional with team-building activities

Define your goals for the day – whether it’s strengthening communication, collaboration, or simply having fun. We can help you find cost-effective team-building activities, from larger experiences like an interactive scavenger hunt or Taskmaster-style challenges to smaller, focused workshops. 

There are also companies that create teamworking activities that unite your team in service while making a positive impact on communities in need. We’ve made a water filtration system blind folded that is now being used in Uganda to aid a community.   

Large team pose for a photograph at University of Leeds

 

  1. Allow time for networking

Some of the best conversations happen during unstructured moments. Build in time  for casual networking. You could host a reception or even plan an informal outing to town after the main agenda. 

Two people smiling talking to each other at the end of an event

Best venues for a team away day 

At the University of Leeds, we offer a range of venues perfect for team away days: 

University House 

University House - Great woodhouse suit set up with round tables with white table cloths and colourful flowers

  • Capacity for a team away day: Up to 80 people (please note we do have larger capacity but would recommend no more than 80 for a team away day if you wished to be in one room) 
  • Features: Flexible breakout rooms, on-campus location, VIP feel, award-winning catering
  • Ideal for teams seeking a sophisticated yet functional setting. 

Cloth Hall Court 

The outside of Cloth Hall Court

  • Capacity: Large rooms and flexible layouts with up to 200 in one space with room for activities on the table.  
  • Features: City-centre location, casual networking opportunities, award-winning hot buffet lunch 
  • Perfect for those wanting an accessible space with easy access to Leeds city centre. 

Devonshire Hall 

Devonshire main hall

  • Capacity: Up to 50 people 
  • Features: Picturesque, old-English charm, cost-effective 
  • Ideal for smaller teams looking for a cosy and inspiring environment. 

Top Tip – Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about our exciting new venue coming soon. It’s a top secret we can’t wait to share! 

Ready to plan your away day? 

Our team at the University of Leeds Conferences and Events is here to help you create a memorable and productive experience. From venue recommendations to activity planning, we’ve got you covered. 

 Get in touch today to start planning your next team away day! 

 

Turkey dinner with all the trimmings and a Christmas cracker

How to cook the perfect turkey: expert tips from award-winning chef Aaron Tong

Cooking the perfect turkey is a hallmark of festive celebrations, and it doesn’t have to be daunting! Our award-winning Head Chef, Aaron Tong, has shared his expert advice to help you achieve a succulent, flavour-packed bird every time. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a family gathering, these five simple steps will guide you to perfection.

  1. Bring your turkey to room temperature

The key to an evenly cooked turkey is starting at the right temperature. Take your turkey out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. This small step minimises shrinkage during cooking and ensures even heat distribution, delivering a better final result.

  1. Prep aromatic vegetables for added flavour

A great turkey begins with a flavourful base. Wash and peel carrots, celery and onions – arrange them around the turkey in the roasting tray. These aromatic vegetables infuse the meat with depth and can double as the base for a delicious homemade gravy. 3. 3.

  1. Season, cover, and cook

Place the turkey in a roasting tray and rub it generously with oil, seasoning it well with salt and pepper. Cover it with tinfoil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (gas mark 4). To enhance the flavour, add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the tray an hour before the turkey is done. During the final hour of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown beautifully.

  1. Perfect cooking times

Always preheat your oven for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Follow these general guidelines based on the turkey’s weight:

  • 4–5kg: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
  • 5–6kg: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
  • 6–7kg: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
  • 7–8kg: 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours

 Top tip: Use a meat thermometer or check the juices near the thigh—they should run clear when the turkey is fully cooked.

  1. Rest – for maximum juiciness

Once cooked, remove the turkey from the tray and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour, lightly covered with foil. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender turkey. While it rests, it’s the perfect time to prepare your side dishes and gravy using the strained pan juices for added richness.

How much turkey should you buy? 

For a whole turkey on the bone, allow 450g per guest. If you’re serving hearty eaters or want plenty of leftovers, go for 650g per person. 

Arron and Tob winning an award at Tuco

Why trust Aaron’s tips? 

Aaron Tong, our Head Chef at the University of Leeds, has years of culinary expertise and a passion for crafting unforgettable meals. These tips are tried, tested, and guaranteed to impress your guests. 

Give Chef Aaron’s tips a try and share your masterpiece with us! Tag us on social media – we’d love to see your creations!

 

MIA accredited venue Green Tourism Academic Venue Solutions Member