Readers were welcomed with chefs hats as name badges and were able to walk the halls and gardens of this magnificent castle. The group of EAs were treated to an evening in Curzon Hall, a 117-year-old castle, and one of four prestigious Sydney venues operated by the highly regarded Navarra Venues Group.
The castle was built in 1899 by Harry Curzon as a present to his wife, and was many years later sold and converted to a function centre. The Navarra Group actively sought to maintain the early 19th century character by keeping its original elements intact and the property also now boasts the modern addition of the Lady Mary’s Pavilion, a multi-million dollar establishment.
After posing in front of a media wall in the foyer with props of pots, pans and wooden spoons, canapés were served and the Banquet Room doors opened. Formerly the chapel and renowned for its architectural features and magnificent chandeliers, this grand pillar-less ballroom with high ornate ceilings leads out onto one of three landscaped gardens.
The Sabrina’s View Ballroom was next on the tour with its full length walls of glass allowing the EAs to catch a glimpse of the towering castle façade and manicured gardens, while they listened to Larissa Auditore, Executive PA Magazine EA of the Year in 2014, speak about her conferencing experience.
In the stylish Sir Phillip Lounge, with floor-to-celling windows, they were treated to dishes of farfalle pasta in a creamy chive and Southern French noilly prat cream with flaked Tasmanian salmon, and casarecce pasta tossed with slow cooked tender veal osso bucco ragout in a rich tomato sugo infused with basil and a hint of oregano – to name but a few.
Then it was off to the cosy Curzon Room with ornate chandeliers and plush black ottomans before wandering at their leisure through the five cellars where music played and EAs could talk to the Navarra Venues team and chefs before picking up a bottle of wine to take home with them. Not a bad way to end a luxurious night in a century old castle!
HERES WHAT OUR READERS HAD TO SAY…
“Thank you for the fantastic evening! It was my first time at the historical Curzon Hall and I was most impressed by the spectacular indoor and outdoor spaces, facilities and the lavish food and beverage. Manuela was the prefect hostess and the staff were equally friendly – certainly a venue to consider for my future events!”
-Dora Spilbergs, Office Manager & PA of Enosys Solutions
“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting other EAs and networking. The venue is absolutely enchanting. I would not hesitate planning an event here, whether it be professional or personal. I loved the grandeur of each of the many function rooms and the gardens are immaculately cared for and a joy to walk through.”
-Caterina Zavaglia, Executive Assistant, The Colonnades
“The project I am working on had our Christmas Party there so I knew what to expect – the venue is still as grand as ever! Getting to see the entire castle was a thrill in terms of the grounds, and the basement, certainly a world of ambience can be felt through each area. The entire event exceeded expectations – very classy and glamorous all round!”
-Eli-May Martin, Personal Assistant, Lendlease Bouygues Joint Venture
