Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Which London venues offer private event spaces with film screening capabilities?
Members recommend several London venues with private screening rooms and bar facilities suitable for drinks industry events. **Specific venues:** - **TT Liquor** — mentioned as a solid option with screening capabilities - **The Ministry Borough** — suggested as a venue option - **Shoreditch Arts Club** — has a smaller private room, approximately 24-seat capacity; members noted it's a nice room with good location and have toured it recently - **Firmdale Hotels** — reported to have cinema rooms in most of their properties, though exact sizes unknown - **Chiswick Cinema** — praised for having a lovely private screen and gorgeous bar - **Barnes Olympic Studios** — noted as convenient, particularly for those based in West London - **Battersea Power Station** — has a cinema with a large, nice bar attached Members appear to have direct experience with several of these venues, having toured or used them recently.
What industry associations and networking events are available for drinks-industry founders, particularly those looking to connect with the on-trade?
Members recommend a mix of formal industry bodies and community-led events for networking with the on-trade. **Formal associations:** - **British Distillers Association** — mentioned as a relevant membership organisation - **WSTA (Wine and Spirit Trade Association)** — praised for being helpful and supportive - **B Corp** — listed as an industry organisation worth considering **Networking approach:** Members emphasised that the most effective way to network with the on-trade is direct, grassroots engagement: spend time in bars, attend trade shows, and build brands from the bottom up. This hands-on approach is seen as more valuable than relying solely on formal association events. **Community events:** - **Kindred Spirits events** — the Kindred Collective itself hosts networking opportunities, including the Kindred Awards show (annual event) and social outings like golf days, which provide informal networking opportunities with fellow independent drinks founders. **Note:** The discussion suggests on-trade networking is less about formal association-hosted events and more about direct relationship-building in bars and at trade shows, supplemented by founder-community gatherings.
Where can members find low-key event venues in central London for casual drinks parties with live music?
Members have recommended a few central London venues that work well for informal drinks events with live music: - **SAMA Bankside** — used successfully for a launch party - **The Ministry in Borough** — described as "pretty sick" for this type of event One member also noted they have available space in Brighton if a splinter event appeals. For sourcing venues more broadly, members recommend contacting **Piers**, a serviced office broker in central London who can help identify suitable spaces (07877727267).