Amy’s Aims: car-free cleaner travel to our venue

With World Car Free Day on the horizon, 15Hatfields’ venue supervisor and sustainability champion, Amy Perrett shares tips for travelling to our venue without hiking up your carbon footprint.

Choosing a venue with convenient transport links is key to ensuring a successful start to your event. A smooth journey for all helps to keep your schedule on time and sets delegates up for a productive day. Our unrivalled location means that we’re easy to find whatever your preferred mode of transport. As one of London’s leading sustainable venues we’re proud advocates of going car-free and in central London it’s never been easier.

I’ve been chatting to our team about their daily commute and the realities of going car-free.

Walking the talk

As the venue of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, here at 15Hatfields we’re attuned to the environmental and public health impacts of air pollution. Road transport is a major source of air pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, not to mention greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing car travel to our venue plays a key part in both mitigating climate change and improving the quality of the air we breathe. Our general manager, Warren Campbell, has pledged to walk all journeys that take less than 30 minutes.

Warren said: “I like being on my feet and the master of my own time. You won’t find many people in the events industry who are happy to sit around in traffic! One of things I love about our location is the community here in the South Bank. There are so many likeminded businesses on our doorstep. It makes taking care of our partnerships and growing our supply chain as sustainably as possible much easier. We’ve been working with Eden Caterers on seasonal menus and plant-based solutions since we opened in 2008 and they’re only a 15-minute walk away!”

Cycling and circadian rhythms

Those who enjoy travelling on two wheels can appreciate the effects of cycling on mental health as well as the environment. From raising serotonin levels to increasing exposure to morning sunlight, cycling can help to maintain a healthy sleep cycle and improve your mood. Our deputy general manager, Joe Harris, has been cycling to 15Hatfields since he joined our team 11 years ago. Whether he’s visiting a supplier or on his way to the venue, you’ll spot Joe on his bike.

Joe said: “Cycling makes me feel energised and ready for the day. A lot of people find the idea of cycling in London daunting, however, there are lots of quiet routes around the city. My commute from North London goes through parks and cycle lanes, with only a couple of road sections. The Citymapper app is great as it provides three routes to choose from – quiet, regular or fast. You can also find bikes to rent on there, including the Santander and Lime e-bikes.”

If you fancy cycling to our venue, you’re welcome to use our secure onsite bicycle rack. It’s available on a first-come-first-served basis or you can email us to pre-book.

Taking the train

On a sunny day you can’t beat exploring the South Bank on foot. Although for those longer distances, walking or cycling is not always realistic. I’ve found the London Underground to be the most efficient route for me travelling across London. Travelling by Underground allows me to dodge traffic congestion as well as reducing the climate impact of my travel. Research has found carbon emissions from cars to be three times higher than that of a train.

With three nearby Underground stations, we’re spoilt for choice. Waterloo, Blackfriars and Southwark stations are all within 15-minute walking distance of 15Hatfields. Waterloo, Waterloo East and Blackfriars are also mainline stations so if you’re travelling from further afield, you’re covered too.

The walk from Waterloo station takes you via Roupell Street. This 19th century conservation area is an oasis away from the bustle of the city. After passing rows of quaint houses and turning the corner, you’ll find 15Hatfields tucked into a peaceful side street. Meanwhile, the walk from Blackfriars station crosses the River Thames. And what better way to start your day than with a magnificent view of the South Bank!

By boat

If your journey passes through central West or East London, you may even be able to take in the stunning views by boat. River buses run from Putney to Woolwich, calling at 23 piers across the River Thames. You can use your Oyster or contactless card and services start early for commuters. There’s also the option to take your bike onboard with space allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Travelling to 15Hatfields by river bus is both scenic and efficient – you certainly won’t be stuck in any traffic! You can walk from Blackfriars’ Pier to our door in less than 15 minutes.

We’re here to support you every step of the way so in the event of a national rail strike we offer our clients a discretionary free of charge move. Thanks to our central London location, 15Hatfields is also accessible via a range of bus routes – so you’re covered for every eventuality!

If you have any questions about travelling to our venue or hosting a sustainable event, give the 15Hatfields team a call on 020 7827 5920.