About Us
The Venue – The Great Hall Leyton
Located in the heart of East London, minutes away from Leyton Station (Central Line ) with close proximity to Stratford International Rail and Underground stations The Great Hall offers grandeur and finesse fit for all occasions with a stylish art deco environment, high quality ambience within an elegant Grade II listed building which offers a great range of adaptable spaces and a character that sets us apart.
A member of our Events team is ready to handle your enquiry and will be delighted to show you the venue or to send you some more details on what can be done in delivering your event the way you have envisaged. We have an excellent reputation of consistently delivering perfection on your special day and understanding our clients’ needs. With undeniable style and expert advice, it’s no wonder that we are among the top wedding reception venues in London. We look forward to hopefully seeing you soon and welcoming your guests to our Venue.
Our Cause – The LVE Charitable Foundation
Proceeds from the Leyton Great Hall go to support our charity, the LVE Charitable Foundation.
The Foundation has been created with a view to improving the lives of young people. Founded by Michael Polledri MBE, Chairman of Lee Valley Estates, the focus will be on the geographical area in which Lee Valley Estates have operated for over 27 years.
These factors are summarised in the Foundations’ Mission Statement:
“To work with young people from North London and the Lee Valley Corridor to help them achieve above and beyond society’s expectation of them in terms of work, leisure and their community”.
Our aim is to identify and assist young people who, for whatever reason, cannot find the full support they require to help them attain their goals. The support available can take many forms e.g. financial, training, mentoring, work placement etc. and will be designed to fit each individuals needs. We believe in being flexible.
Our young people are the entrepreneurs, community leaders, innovators, role-models, employers and work force of the future.
The Story of The Great Hall – 125 Years
Until the mid 19th Century, Leyton was a rural parish in south-west Essex, but the expansion of London and industrial revolution transformed it into a London suburb.
Before the First World War, the current Great Hall in particular which was the former Leyton Town Hall was used for showings of early silent moving pictures and reputedly seated an audience of approximately 300 people.
The Leyton Town Hall was designed in a rich Victorian eclectic classical manner and built using a combination of red brick and Portland stone. The main body of the old Town Hall is surmounted by a decorative timber and lead fleche, which still dominates the local skyline.
The official opening of the building was on the 18th March 1896 by the Duke and Duchess of York (who subsequently became King George V and Queen Mary) at a grand civic ceremony presided over by Councillor Edward Bare LP Chairman of the Leyton Urban District Council.
The Town Hall became known as Leyton Municipal Offices in 2006 and, in recognition of its special architectural and historic interest, it was Grade ll Listed in 1986.
Michael Polledri MBE, chairman of Lee Valley Estates, had long been interested in what has been constantly described as the most beautiful building within the Borough. When the opportunity to purchase the site came about in 2007, Michael and his team put together a successful bid and secured the property from Waltham Forest Council with a primary focus on protecting and enhancing the Grade II site.
A recent addition made by businessmen Michael Polledri is a gallery of framed photographs and programmes in the entrance charting the building’s history so that visitors can be reminded of its significant place in local government history.