Since its top-to-tail refurbishment two years ago, 195 Piccadilly has become much more than just BAFTA HQ. Among our members, it has become established as a great venue for meeting colleagues, clients and friends. For corporate customers, it has very rapidly gained a reputation as one of London’s leading event venues. In December 2008, readers of Event Magazine voted 195 their Top Event Space, above such established venues as Madame Tussauds, the Science Museum and the London Aquarium.

Corporate hire activity provides the largest single income stream for the Academy, and the rise in profile has helped business at 195 remain strong, despite the current economic crisis. The 2008 budget was met and we are working even harder to ensure the same for 2009. The range of corporate events is wide, from regular screenings and Q&As for LoveFilm, Royal Television Society and BBC events, to wine tastings, conferences and product launches. The changes to the mezzanine space next to the Run Run Shaw Theatre have helped to create a much more flexible facility.

Members have taken 195 to heart, enjoying the range of BAFTA-hosted events and also making use of the facilities for their own occasions. Recently, many have taken advantage of our special hourly screen hire rate and hosted short screenings, which often help to spark excitement about the venue among visitors who may not have experienced it in its rejuvenated state.

There is more to see here, too, not just in the increased numbers of members and guests coming through the doors. We have put a lot of energy into producing a dynamic, engaging series of exhibitions for the walls of the bar and restaurant. The last 12 months have seen eight different displays, including exhibitions of posters for Ealing comedies, the Academy cinema and the films of Nic Roeg and Alexander Korda.

There’s a lot to be proud of, and even more to look forward to.

From top:
1. One of many events held in the Princess Anne Theatre
2. Socialising in the members’ bar
Credit: Marc Hoberman