Just came back from the Sicily Fest London, I’m exhausted in a good way! Non stop dancing, drinking and of course EATING.
It was only £5 in, we made sure to book in advanced to secure tickets, we came at 11am so we could enjoy without big queues and get somewhere to rest our bags etc. There are tables and chairs but they get taken fast. Some people brought small dogs, I wish I took mine!
The place started to fill up by 2/3pm.
Average cost of food was £13 while snacks were £5-£6, drinks were £10-13.
It was my first time eating cannoli and I didn’t like it 🥴 maybe I should have gotten a smaller one. I have a sweet tooth but this was way too much, I couldn’t even take my time to try and finish it unfortunately. I ate half of it so at least I liked that much, 🙂↔️. During the busy periods you had to wait 20 mins for your pizza.
A famous singer from Sicily was there I didn’t catch her name and a brilliant DJ, so definitely had the Sicily vibe from when start to finish.
Wear comfortable shoes!
Peter Burch
5.0
I’ve been visiting the Business Design Centre for many years, and it’s always a great experience. There’s a consistently impressive range of shows, design brands and local businesses within the building itself. The team is incredibly friendly, always willing to help, and the accessibility is excellent, with the added bonus of being just a short walk from Angel tube station. Food and drink gets top marks too!
Bella Central
4.0
One of my go-to venues for conferences. Attended 3 different events this year.
The highlight for me was being invited to FOCUS 2024, the annual Film conference, which began a few years ago.
All about the business of film - locations, production, sets, security, sustainability, Union, and more.
Last year, I attended to moderate a Q&A - first time I'd heard about the conference. This year, I enjoyed listening to others and soaking up the atmosphere. I got to meet people from all over the UK and the world 🗺️ 💞
Just received the wrap press release from the organiser, which stated:
"Over 3900 delegates, exhibitors, sponsors, and international delegations, from 72 countries, enjoyed two packed days of conference sessions, meetings, and networking events."
Although this is a specialist business exhibition, I want to give you a glimpse into this behind-the-scenes event in London, which helps to get our favourite movies to the big screens! 🎬 😘
Galin Lowe
5.0
Had a great day out at the stitch festival…. The place was organised despite a long queue initially. The food was amazing and reasonably priced.
David “DC” Cho
5.0
The Business Design Centre (BDC) is one of London's premier venues for exhibitions, conferences, and events. Located in the vibrant district of Islington, it combines historic charm with modern facilities to cater to a wide range of business needs.
## **Overview**
- **Location:** 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH.
- **History:** Originally established in 1862 as the Royal Agricultural Hall, it was transformed into the Business Design Centre in 1986. The venue retains its iconic architectural features while offering state-of-the-art facilities[2][5].
- **Capacity:** Accommodates up to 2,500 attendees in various event spaces, including the Auditorium, Gallery Hall, and Mezzanine[5].
## **Facilities**
- **Event Spaces:** The BDC offers 14 flexible spaces suitable for exhibitions, conferences, trade fairs, product launches, and networking sessions. These include large-scale areas like the Auditorium and smaller breakout rooms[5][8].
- **Office and Showroom Space:** The venue hosts over 100 businesses across industries such as design, legal services, and recruitment. Office spaces range from 100 sq. ft. to 12,000 sq. ft., making it ideal for startups or established companies[3][6].
- **Sustainability:** The BDC is an award-winning sustainable venue and was the UK's first CarbonNeutral-certified event space. It continues to implement eco-friendly practices[5][8].
## **Location Advantages**
- **Transport Links:** The BDC is conveniently located near Angel Tube Station (Northern Line), King’s Cross St Pancras International (10-minute walk), and major airports like Heathrow and London City Airport[2][4].
- **Surrounding Amenities:** The area offers restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions for dining and entertainment. Nearby facilities include Pure Gym and Hilton Hotel[6].
## **Accessibility**
- Fully DDA-compliant with ramps, lifts, wheelchair-friendly paths, and accessible toilets. On-site parking includes 250 spaces but falls within the Congestion Charge Zone[2][5].
## **Key Features**
- **Networking Opportunities:** Frequent events attract professionals from diverse industries, fostering collaboration and partnerships[2][3].
- **Technical Support:** Advanced audio-visual setups, internet connectivity, and on-site technical support ensure smooth event execution[6][8].
- **Opening Hours:** Typically open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and until 5:00 PM on weekends. Event-specific hours may vary[2].
The Business Design Centre’s blend of history, modernity, and strategic location makes it a top choice for businesses seeking a versatile venue in London.
Citations:
[1] Business Design Centre - LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/company/businessdesigncentre
[2] Guide to the Business Design Centre in Islington - HOLD Storage https://www.holdstorage.co.uk/blog/business-design-centre-islington
[3] Serviced Offices Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington ... https://www.completeofficesearch.com/office-space/serviced-offices-business-design-centre-52-upper-street-islington-n1-0qh/
[4] How to get to the Business Design Centre? - Bellavita Expo https://www.bellavita.com/en/magazine/how-to-get-to-the-business-design-centre/
[5] Business Design Centre | United Kingdom - Conferences-uk https://www.conferences-uk.org.uk/venue/business-design-centre
[6] Showrooms & Office Space - London - Business Design Centre https://www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk/showrooms/
[7] business design centre limited - Companies House - GOV.UK https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01593648
[8] Event Space for Hire in London | Business Design Centre https://www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk/event-space-for-hire-in-london/
[9] Visiting Us - Venue Information - Business Design Centre https://www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk/visitors/
[10] BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE (2025) All You Should ... - Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d1420000-Reviews-Business_Design_Centre-London_England.html
[11] About - Business Design Centre https://www.businessdesign
