Being asked to review a new London building was something I thought I might be able to do from my home office, since it involved a drive around the North Circular Road. But I was wrong, as photos and a written description do not do justice to the brand new Meridian Grand multipurpose complex situated right by the North Circular Road. The drive round that took 50 minutes from my home opened up a delightful multisensory experience. It showed me how smart technology, thoughtful design and clever architecture can come together to create a very special environment for a very special day or event.
My host was the Meridian Grand Managing Director, Nikkita Mulchandani, daughter of Phatu Mulchandani.
Only 27 years old, she is a Warwick University graduate who worked with her father after taking up in an ad agency after university.
Mr Mulchandani, who runs a Cash and Carry, found that many of his catering customers were telling him that there were no wedding and events venues around North London of a sufficiently high standard to meet the needs of society.
So an idea was born and the family invested a multi-million pound sum into a creating luxurious venue. . Nikkita was put in charge, the place was gutted and a two-year refurbishment took place.
The result is a spectacular structure that is Dr Who-like in its amazing versatility and magical, app-controlled technological ability to transform inside.
The outside of the Meridian Grand is smart and modern, and the circular motif is visible not just outside on a fixed canopy but also inside, a central feature of the grand lobby, and even on the staircase railings.
On the night I visited, a big wedding was in progress so I was able to observe how the venue can be configured for such an occasion.
As Nikkita showed me round, she told me what was different about the Meridian Grand.
“A lot of people ask me what makes Meridian Grand unique; for me, it is the luxuriousness of the venue combined with the versatility of the ballrooms and suites,” she replied without hesitation. “The luxuriousness is born out of the attention to detail – from the stunning marble entrance hall with a four metre long pure Swarovski crystal chandelier hanging down in the centre, to the sumptuous crystal embellished leather panelled cupboards in the Bridal Suites. Our aim was to bring a taste of the West End to North London – with all the 5 star glamour and elegance of the WC1 postcode – combined with the ease of access directly off the North Circular with a large car park for up to 300 cars. The venue is flexible to accommodate varying sizes of party by using the ballrooms individually or combined. There are two main ballrooms, the Grand Ballroom, that can seat up to 650 guests with a dance floor, and the Meridian Ballroom, that can seat up to 350 guests with a dance floor. The two ballrooms are located on the ground floor and are separated by a moveable wall, which, when open, can seat up to 1,200 guests. There are two further suites, the Infinity and Eternity Suites, which are ideal for intimate Civil Registries or pre-Reception drinks and canapes.”
Nikkita told me that “Space” and “time” are themes she chose that echo throughout the building, inspiring the names of the Infinity & Eternity Suites.
She then explained the many different benefits the venue had to offer.
“There are so many benefits. My favourite thing about the venue is the high ceilings with the stunning chandeliers. The fact that the Ballrooms and Suites are all pillarless is a massive advantage because it means that there are no ‘bad seats’ – everyone feels included and part of the function. The venue also benefits from state of the art facilities such as bespoke colour changing mood lights. These are controlled via an iPad app. There is the facility to plug in video cameras to one of several ‘live view’ sockets throughout the venue – enabling guests to watch the event on the HD projection screens. There are integrated flat screen TVs in the entrance area that can be customised with pictures of the bride and groom from their engagement or pre-shoot. Or alternatively, save printing costs by showing the table plan for the event on these TV screens. You can play background music through PA speakers that can save DJ costs. There are rigging points in the ceiling from which high-end production can be levered off. There are cloakrooms and washrooms that are manned throughout functions; and a stunning powder room for guests within the ladies washrooms – to name but a few features.
The different spaces within the venue means that it lends itself very well to holding any event. For example, for a Gujarati wedding for 600 guests followed by a reception for 400 guests, the couple may choose to have their mandap ceremony in the Grand Ballroom, after which they can serve food separately in the Meridian Ballroom. If guests have come from afar and are not able to leave the venue in between the wedding ceremony and reception, the venue can offer Afternoon Tea in the Eternity Suite. Should the couple wish to have its Civil Registry on the same day in between the Wedding Ceremony and Reception, it could then use the Infinity Suite. For the comfort of the bride and groom, there are two luxurious VIP suites where they can change in between the functions.
There are even facilities to shower, and people can keep their belongings in a safe. There are tea and coffee making facilities. The venue also benefits from being a five minute walk / two minute drive away from a brand new Premier Inn, making it easy for guests who wish to stay the night.”
One of the remarkable aspects is flexibility, says Nikkita.
“The venue is flexible in allowing a variety of external suppliers. We also have the experience to help couples plan their special day by recommending suppliers for the evening. Guests are free to either use the venue’s own in- house catering, where they have the benefit of linen, crockery and cutlery being included within the catering package, and access to a completely separate vegetarian kitchen. Alternatively, for a modest fee, they can hire the kitchen and bring their own caterers subject to the venue’s approval of their chosen caterer.
The venue is conveniently located just off the North Circular road within easy access of East and North West London. There is a large, free of charge car park for up to 300 cars within the grounds of the venue.”
Meridian Grand is a concept design, and Nikkita created it with her design team as she travelled the world with her family, picking up ideas.
“Our family has been established in the wholesale sector for 27 years. We came up with the idea to open a venue when my father found many of his catering customers were struggling to find a really luxurious and large venue outside central London. There were no luxurious venues that matched the standard of the West End with the convenience of the North London location. Thus we set about creating something modern, luxurious and unique – inspired by our trips to Dubai, Europe and Singapore. We invested over two years and an eight figure sum (in pounds) into the Meridian Grand. We interviewed wedding planners, caterers, hair and makeup artists, and photographers – virtually everyone in the industry we could find – and we hired a team of professional consultants including an independent architect and interior design team, structural and mechanical engineers, commercial kitchen consultants and even a landscape architect.
Everything had to be perfect. All the features of the venue were designed bespoke and to purpose – one example being the ‘Romeo and Juliet Balcony’ where the bride and groom can greet their guests with a regal wave from above the ballroom. Other bespoke features include the customised emblem featuring the venue’s iconic ‘flowering compass’ in the marble entrance foyer and the bespoke wrought iron balustrading – as well as the beautiful silver, cream and gold bespoke carpet.
As a family, we were passionate about building a venue that would work for other families – a beautiful canvas for couples to paint their dream wedding onto. It is an incredibly demanding industry to be in –but the rewards when a family comes to you at the end of a night with a smile on its face and a big ‘thank you for making this the best night of my life’ make it worth it more than anything else in the world.”
Walking round, I saw what Nikkita said was true- she changed the room colour to my own favourite one and told me that the venue can cater for any type of event from a wedding, to a conference, fundraiser, fashion show, concert, exhibition, to seasonal parties such as Christmas and Diwali parties…. the possibilities are endless! And as if to prove it all, she also showed me lovely photos of her own recent wedding there- which looked like a Hollywood/Bollywood magical dream come true.
