Sophie Stade Cohn | Founder & MD of Menier Venues London

Founder & Managing Director

From repurposing warehouse buildings to running London Bridge’s most stylish venues, Sophie brings vision and flair to every space.

The inspiration always comes from the buildings themselves. For example, the grey Venetian-style plaster walls in the Penthouse pair beautifully with chrome and Italian-inspired furniture, creating a subtle nod to 1970s design.

How did you first set up Menier Venues?

I founded Menier Spaces in 2017, repurposing empty units in Southwark Square’s portfolio for photoshoot locations. These spaces quickly gained popularity and I began developing them into event spaces for more corporate clients.

In 2018, when Southwark Square sought new management for their businesses, I transitioned to working with them full-time, expanding the venues into more of their properties and overseeing the modernisation of their wider portfolio.

Menier Spaces evolved into Menier Venues, which launched in 2018, focusing on a few flagship venues which showcased our unique style and offering. One of my earliest and most memorable projects involved overseeing the installation of the huge penthouse windows, an exciting feat that required closing Southwark Street to crane the windows over the building.

How has your role changed over the past 7 years since you started the company?

In the early years, my focus was primarily on design and managing the day-to-day operations of our events. By 2018, I began taking on more responsibility in property management, and developing into larger scale refurbishments like the recently completed Menier Building redevelopment. After a few rocky years with the coronavirus epidemic impacting how people could come together and use spaces we have gone from strength to strength and it has been great to be able to grow the team and the venues over the last few years.

What was your initial vision for the brand?

My initial vision was for quite blank canvas spaces for filming and photoshoots which focussed on showcasing the stunning backdrops we had in the buildings. I have always loved vintage style, eBay finds and making things, so being restricted by so much character already inherent in the spaces has been something I love working with.

I think our venues have a really good feel to them, and my aim was to bring this to a wider audience giving an alternative to conference rooms for corporate events. We wanted to keep the unique feeling, but make the space practical to use and inspiring to be in.

Where do you get your ideas for styling each venue?

The inspiration always comes from the buildings themselves. For example, the grey Venetian-style plaster walls in the Penthouse pair beautifully with chrome and Italian-inspired furniture, creating a subtle nod to 1970s design.

The Menier Lounge, on the other hand, with its exposed brick and ironwork, lends itself to rich jewel tones, antique wood pieces and brass accents, celebrating its industrial past. It is very popular for Christmas product launches! And whisky brands…

I also wanted the spaces to feel like somebody’s home, rather than like a bar or restaurant, or conference space. Each venue reflects its own personality while remaining adaptable for clients to customise, and I think the spaces retain a feeling of homeliness which guests find very welcoming.

What other London spaces inspire you?

The Department Store in Brixton, designed by Michael Squire for his architecture practice, was a major inspiration for the Lounge – creative transformation that respects the history of a space and says something new with it. I also love how The Ned celebrates the old. Both spaces show how quality and care for your space makes people feel good – immersive yet authentic.

What are the highlights of your time running Menier Venues?

Finishing the Menier Building refurbishment, and opening the Playhouse as our 3rd venue are major highlights. But day to day I love when there’s a good vibe in the office and team are having a good time. I see lots of innovation and tenacity, which translates into a confident and considerate team who make it a really nice place to work.

I’m always pleased to see our spaces pop up on TV and in campaigns and to welcome brands I admire; it is a very satisfying feeling when they pick our spaces.

I’ve also enjoyed working on our marketing, working on brochures and relaunching our website – it is great to learn about a new area and to continue solidifying our brand identity.

Outside of work, what are you most passionate about?

Food, yoga, and hiking. I love to be in the mountains, dramatic landscapes do something for my soul! I love being a Londoner – seeing pals, going to shows, listening to music and visiting restaurants. Also, I am a sucker for a sample sale and I’m always on the lookout for another random prop for the spaces, or my home!