Who we are
Alternative Venues London (AVL) is the dedicated venue hire department within the Greater London Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (GL RFCA). We are a non-profit organisation which generates additional funding by hiring out Military Venues in London.
With 39 Army Reserve Centres (ARC) and 75 Cadet Centres (ACF or JCC) spread across London available for commercial hire, the money generated by AVL is put directly back into supporting Reservists and Cadets in London.
We can offer an array of venues with flexible spaces and affordable prices! The venues range from a prestigious venue on the banks of the river Thames facing Tower Bridge, to a ‘village’ style hall on the outskirts of London. Whether you’re looking for a training space, a conference venue, filming location or a corporate dinner, we have something to fit your requirement.
Meet the team
Hamish Peters
Commercial Director
Mandy Clark
Operations Manager
Theresa Akintunde
Business Manager
Gianmarco Marotta
Sales Manager
Gabriela Tasso
Sales and Marketing
Ciara M'Crystal
Sales and Finance
Monika Ellis
Sales and Marketing
Matt Duff
Operations and Sales
What is Greater London RFCA (GL RFCA)?
GL RFCA plays a leading role in strengthening the environment for Armed Forces Reservists’ and Cadets across London. This helps the combat-readiness of the reserves, enhancing the operational capability of the Armed Forces as a whole.
It provides support to Reserves and Cadets by raising awareness and developing relationships with communities, employers and veterans. A large part of that is maintaining the Reserve and Cadet estate, to provide spaces for them to train. Alternative Venues London provides a considerable amount of funding to maintain these facilities.
With your help we hope to increase the funding that we provide to support Reserves and Cadets, while providing you with a suitable space for your requirements.
ESTATES
Our Estates Team manage 39 Reserve Centres in London (including Maritime Reserve and RAF) along with 131 Cadet Training Centres.
YOUTH
There are over 13,000 cadets across London. At GL RFCA we provide financial, administrative and logistical support that enable them to take on challenges and adventures that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
ENGAGEMENT
The GL RFCA works to establish and maintain strong relationships with employers and community stakeholders to develop a mutually beneficial working relationship with the Ministry of Defence.
Who are Reservists and what do they do?
Our experience at Bloomsbury Hall was absolutely fantastic! The venue is stunning, and the staff were incredibly flexible, understanding, and helpful from the earliest deliveries to the end of the event. They ensured my event was a success, and for this reason, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch venue in London. Can't wait to host another event here!
Gianmarco and the AVL team have surpassed themselves in their continued support and engagement with our company. I would thoroughly recommend their services and the ease of their engagement in support of our requirements. Thank you!!
Gianmarco Marotta has been dealing with my AVL booking/interest since last year. I first discovered AVL on the internet and called up and spoke to Marco for the first time and he was brilliant and went through everything with me - explaining and answering any questions that I had. He helped with what steps had to be taken in order to get a contract out with AVL. Since then I have my contract with AVL and Marco is still always helping as I prefer to make payments over the phone and he always ensures that I get the confirmation email right away for peace of mind. Thank you Marco for always helping! Five stars ⭐️
A brilliant venue. The booking arrangements all proceeded smoothly and the staff onsite at the event could not have been better or more helpful.
We worked with Alternative Venues to film our master interviews. They worked with us to find the right location (for both look and sound requirements), and Danielle's communication throughout was brilliant. I would highly recommend AV to future productions. Thank you!
Used Coulsdon Reserve Centre as a Unit Base for Filming, including the hall and other interior facilities. Fantastic service, very swift replies and turnaround from the team, reasonable pricing, tons of space. The caretaker on site could not have been more helpful and made the day run smoothly as well as accommodating our various site recces beforehand. Huge thanks from us. Very best, Chris
Employer Recognition Scheme
The Employer Recognition Scheme acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the armed forces community, and defence as a whole, by going above and beyond their covenant pledges.
Did you know?
If your business has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and has been recognised by the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), your company may be eligible for a discount when hiring spaces with AVL.
