Venue Hire in London: The Top Event Spaces for 2020

London is an international hub for ideas, innovation, and creation. Rightfully so, some of the top venues in the world are found here. With the volume of venues that showcase the city’s capabilities, there’s no reason to settle for mediocre. Whether you are looking for a space with conference facilities, all-inclusive packages, or iconic city views, this list covers the best room hire in London.

Read on for the best venue hire London:

1. Best Budget Conference Venues London

2. The Best Conference Venues Central London

3. Best Hotel Conference Venues London

4. Best Large Conference Venues London

5. Meetings and Small Conference Venues London

6. Most Modern Conference Venues London

7. Best Private Venue Hire London

8. Most Unusual Venue Hire London

THE BEST BUDGET CONFERENCE VENUES LONDON

Mary Ward House

WHY IS IT COOL? If you’re searching for a venue with a compelling history and a reasonable price point, Mary Ward House is the venue for you. Constructed in 1898 in the Arts and Crafts style, Mary Ward House now serves as an exhibition and events center. It features a bright, spacious event space combined with interesting architectural detailing.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, exhibits, parties, cocktail receptions, fashion shows, products launches

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 3 floors of dedicated event space, the largest of which is on the first floor and can seat 400

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house AV

SUSTAINABILITY: Mary Ward House has a commitment to sustainability, exemplified by its environmental management plan, waste disposal, and resource efficiency.

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Russell Square Station); street and garage parking

The Loading Bay (at Techspace Shoreditch)

WHY IS IT COOL? The Loading Bay (at Techspace Shoreditch) is an airy, modern event space venue in London’s Shoreditch neighbourhood. It offers several flexible, well-appointed, and well-priced room rental options, perfect for technology events. Rental fees include a dedicated event manager.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, conferences, board meetings

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 2,000 square feet with seating for 100

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house AV including a fully integrated sound system, microphones, live recording/streaming services, and big screen TVs

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: Arranged through event manager

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Old Street Station); street and garage parking

15Hatfields

WHY IS IT COOL? 15Hatfields is a meeting and exhibition center that offers modern and flexible meeting spaces at a reasonable price point. 15Hatfields places high emphasis on environmental responsibility, styling itself London’s most sustainable venue.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, networking events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 4,306 square feet of event space across 10 meeting rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: 15Hatfields has received several environmental awards and certifications for sustainability practices like banning bottled water, pushing to have zero waste to landfill, and helping with a bee population project by distributing 2 million wildflower seeds

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Southwark Station); street and garage parking

THE BEST CONFERENCE VENUES CENTRAL LONDON

Sky Garden

WHY IS IT COOL? Sky Garden is a botanical garden at the top of the skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street in the City of London. Sky Garden is an expansive event venue with multi-story glass windows and a glass ceiling – perfect for enjoying some amazing views.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, cocktail receptions, meetings, product launches, conferences

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 300 seated banquet style and 700 reception style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Monument Station); street and garage parking

Whitechapel Gallery

WHY IS IT COOL? Whitechapel Gallery, founded in 1901 to “bring great art to the people of the East End London,” is an industrial style art gallery with multifunctional event spaces. Whitechapel Gallery has bright and airy rooms to accommodate groups of all sizes.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, conferences, cocktail receptions, parties, product launches, brand activations

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 38,000+ square feet of event space across 6 function rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Aldgate East Station); street and garage parking

Battersea Arts Centre

WHY IS IT COOL? Battersea Arts Center is a Victorian Era town hall building that now serves as an events venue and exhibition center. It features a stunning Grand Hall with interesting architecture and a cool, grunge vibe.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, meetings, conferences, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: The Grand Hall and Octagonal Hall can combine to accommodate 300 seated banquet style and 800 reception style; the Council Chamber can combine to accommodate 120 seated banquet style and 200 reception style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: Battersea Arts Center is committed to reducing its environmental impact and has received awards for reducing its carbon footprint through sustainability practices like passive heating and cooling, energy efficient lighting and motion sensors, and the utilization of a net zero waste provider

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Clapham Junction Station); street and garage parking

BEST HOTEL CONFERENCE VENUES LONDON

The Sea Containers Hotel

WHY IS IT COOL? The Sea Containers Hotel is fun and funky venue with trendy meeting spaces and views of the Thames River. It offers 11 stylish event spaces to accommodate groups of all sizes.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Cocktail receptions, small conferences, meetings, board meetings, parties

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 35,000 square feet of event space across 10 function rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Blackfriars Station); street and garage parking

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

WHY IS IT COOL? The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is conveniently located in central London, just above the Kings Cross Tube and Rail Station. Built in 1873, the Renaissance St. Pancras is a gorgeous historic property with elegant and airy spaces for groups of all sizes.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, board meetings, cocktail receptions, client events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 11,980 square feet of meeting space across 10 meeting rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube and rail (Kings Cross/St. Pancras Station), valet and garage parking

The May Fair Hotel

WHY IS IT COOL? Since it’s opening in 1927, the May Fair Hotel has been serving up both 5-star service and style. This posh property was renovated in 2016 and features beautiful, multifunctional meeting, conference, and private dining spaces.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, board meetings, cocktail receptions, client events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 16,092 square feet of event space across 16 meeting rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: The May Fair Hotel is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its use of renewable energy resources, as well as its water footprint

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Green Park Station), valet and garage parking

BEST LARGE CONFERENCE VENUES LONDON

Evolution

WHY IS IT COOL? Evolution is a large conference space located in the heart of Battersea park. It offers endless possibilities for customization and branding. Evolution aims to make the setup process as smooth as possible by not setting limits on set up time.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conventions, conferences, galas, parties, trade shows

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 48,438 square feet of event space, with capacity for 2000 seated banquet style and 4000 reception style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Complimentary parking, convenient to rail and ferry

Cavendish Conference Centre

WHY IS IT COOL? Cavendish Conference Centre is a large, contemporary conference venue located near Oxford Circus and Cavendish Square. Cavendish Conference Centre offers space for groups of all sizes, including a multi-tiered amphitheater, and gets high marks for great customer service.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, conventions, conferences, seminars, board meetings

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 5,823 square feet of event space across 9 meeting rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art meeting technology

SUSTAINABILITY: Cavendish Conference Centre is committed to sustainability and energy efficiency, as exemplified by it’s banning of disposable water bottles

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Regents Park Station), garage parking

Congress Centre

WHY IS IT COOL? The Congress Centre is one of London’s leading conference and events centers. Located in the West End, the Congress is a large, customizable venue with full meeting services.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, lectures, performances, banquets

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 15,310 square feet of event space across 16 function rooms

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art meeting and conference technology

SUSTAINABILITY: Congress Centre is committed to improving the Centre’s environmental impact through its recycling program, energy use, and supplier choice

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Tottenham Court Station), garage and street parking

MEETINGS AND SMALL CONFERENCE VENUES LONDON

Tate Modern

WHY IS IT COOL? The Tate Modern is London’s premier modern art museum and features stunning river views. The Tate Modern gallery spaces and private event rooms are a minimalist backdrop for meetings and events. It can help meeting planners create memorable guest experiences through enhancements such as private viewings.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Gala dinners, banquets, cocktail receptions, meetings, conferences, seminars

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 16 unique spaces available for rental, the largest of which can seat 200 banquet style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Southwark Station)

Photo Credit: Tate Photography

White Space London

WHY IS IT COOL? White Space London is located near London’s Leicester Square. This intimate space is a blank canvas for meeting planners to build their events. White Space London also has an in-house events team.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Cocktail receptions, meetings, brand activations, product launches

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 1,500 square feet of open concept white space

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: LED lighting, professional lighting rig, HD projector and screen, 1000W PA system

SUSTAINABILITY: White Space London practices sustainability in part through its use of LED lighting

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Leicester Square Station), garage parking

15 Bateman Street

WHY IS IT COOL? 15 Bateman Street is a beautiful old Victorian storefront venue located in London’s trendy Soho neighborhood. While it has retained its original moldings, wood beamed ceilings, and flooring, the whitewashed walls allow event planners to create a custom event from the ground up.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, cocktail receptions, product launches, brand activations

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 150 reception style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Wifi and integrated sound system

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house beverage, outside catering

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Tottenham Court Station), garage parking

MOST MODERN CONFERENCE VENUES LONDON

Plexal

WHY IS IT COOL? Plexal is an innovation center with co-working space, indoor park, and Centre Stage space that can seat 300. It provides cutting-edge AV technology and projection screens.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, product launches, conferences, lectures, hackathons, and other tech events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate groups from 20-300

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: Cutting-edge in-house technology

SUSTAINABILITY: Plexal has an accelerator program designed to promote clean air initiatives and the sustainable growth of travel networks.

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by rail, free shuttle from Stratford Tube station, paid garage parking

8 Northumberland Avenue

WHY IS IT COOL? Originally constructed in 1887 as the Hotel Victoria, 8 Northumberland Avenue expertly blends Victorian architecture with cutting-edge technology to create a unique and exciting guest experience. 8 Northumberland Avenue is centrally located just off London’s Trafalgar Square.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, banquets, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 11,000+ square feet of event space across 9 function rooms; the ballroom can seat 500 banquet style and 700 reception style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house including a cutting-edge responsive lighting system

SUSTAINABILITY: 8 Northumberland Avenue practices sustainability in part by reducing its use of single use plastics

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Charing Cross Station), rail, garage parking

CodeNode

WHY IS IT COOL? CodeNode is the UK’s largest venue specifically dedicated to hosting tech events. This large warehouse style space is located in London’s burgeoning tech district. CodeNode has a dedicated event services team to help you create a seamless, customized event.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, meetings, product launches, brand activations, lectures, hackathons and other tech events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 23,000 square feet of space

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: AV can be coordinated through the event services team

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: Catering can be coordinated through the event services team

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Moorgate Station), rail, garage parking

The Brewery

WHY IS IT COOL? Located on the site of The Whitbread Brewery from the 18th century, The Brewery melds it’s historical character with cutting-edge AV technology and an open concept floor plan.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conferences, galas, banquets, cocktail parties, product launches, brand activations

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate groups up to 1,000

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house AV and IT services

SUSTAINABILITY: The Brewery received a British Standard for sustainable events management

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Moorgate Station), rail, garage parking

The Crystal

WHY IS IT COOL? The Crystal was built as part of Siemen’s Sustainable Cities initiatives and is one of the most sustainable conference venues in the world. It features panoramic views of the Victoria Docks and River Thames. It’s currently undergoing refurbishment and will be fresh for your next event.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Conventions, conferences, meetings

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 14 function rooms, the largest being the auditorium, which can seat 270

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: State of the art in-house technology

SUSTAINABILITY: The Crystal has received the highest BREEAM and LEED certifications

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Canning Town Station), garage parking

BEST PRIVATE VENUE HIRE LONDON

Daphne’s

WHY IS IT COOL? Located in London’s Chelsea neighborhood, Daphne’s features seasonal Italian cuisine in a charming atmosphere. Daphne’s offers a unique experience with a conservatory-style private dining room, complete with retractable roof for warm weather and fireplace for the winter months.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, team events, meetings, client events, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Private dining room that can accommodate 40 seated and 50 reception style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (South Kensington Station); street and garage parking

The Ivy, West Street

WHY IS IT COOL? The Ivy, West Street offers modern British dining in a space that dates to 1917. The large private dining room was recently refurbished and now features glamourous décor, a sparkling bar, and contemporary art.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, team events, meetings, client events, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 60 seated and 100 standing

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: The Ivy follows sustainable seafood sourcing practices

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Leicester Square Station), valet parking

Bistrotheque, Bethnal Green

WHY IS IT COOL? Bistrotheque, Bethnal Green is a highly rated restaurant in London’s Bethnal Green neighborhood. The restaurant’s uniquely large private dining is beautiful, with an industrial vibe and a 1930’s Baby Grand in the corner.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Parties, team events, meetings, client events, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: The private dining room can seat up to 80

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube Cambridge Heath Station and rail

BEST UNUSUAL VENUE HIRE LONDON

Getty Images Gallery

WHY IS IT COOL? Getty Images Gallery is a bright, open event space located next to Oxford Close. The Getty Images Gallery features exhibitions of the Getty collection and allows guests the chance to experience the images in an intimate and personal way.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: 3,000 square feet of event space; Can accommodate groups up to 150 reception style

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Oxford Circus Station), garage parking

Victoria & Albert Museum

WHY IS IT COOL? The Victoria & Albert Museum is one of the world’s leading art and design museums with over 2.3 million pieces in its collection. It is an iconic London landmark and offers stunning dome, gallery, and garden spaces that work particularly well for banquets, galas, or cocktail parties.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, banquets, parties, cocktail receptions

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: The dome can accommodate 250 seated and 600 standing

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: Sustainability is a priority

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (South Kensington Station), garage parking

ICE BAR London

WHY IS IT COOL? ICE BAR London is a -5° celsius experience that is constructed from ice from the River Torne in Sweden, and its theme and sculptures change each year. Its fifteenth installation was created by sculpting, chipping and carving a staggering 30 tonnes of ice to create a mystical norse theme. Visitors also look the part in the classic fur-lined cape and gloves like a true Viking to keep out the cold.

ICE BAR London now offers four parts that can be hired out for private events: Fire Bar, The Alfresco Terrace, ICE BAR London, and Yuu Kitchen @ ICE BAR. These offer meeting planners the opportunity to give their guests a ‘bucket list’ experience.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Cocktail receptions, client events, team building events

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 270 with a full buyout

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Piccadilly Circus Station), garage parking

Electric Cinema, Portobello

WHY IS IT COOL? Located in London’s iconic Notting Hill neighborhood, Electric Cinema, Portobello is a unique luxury theater space with cool architectural features and leather lounge seating. If you’re screening a new commercial or film, featuring a lecture, or having a meeting, Electric Cinema, Portobello is the unique venue you are looking for.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Meetings, parties, lectures, premieres, performances

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 83 seated

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: In-house

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: In-house

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Ladbroke Grove Station)

Crypt on the Green

WHY IS IT COOL? Crypt on the Green is a historic venue with vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, and beautiful parquet floors. Eight large windows provide lots of natural light to this fully customizable event space. Crypt on the Green is located in London’s Clerkenwell neighborhood. It’s an interesting, beautiful venue that’s not nearly as creepy as its name might suggest.

WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS IS IT MOST SUITABLE FOR? Galas, parties, meetings, product launches, brand activations

GENERAL SPACE DESCRIPTION: Can accommodate 150 seated and 300 standing

AV AND TECHNOLOGY: N/A

SUSTAINABILITY: N/A

CATERING: N/A

TRANSPORT: Convenient to get to by Tube (Farringdon Station); garage parking is a 10-minute walk

Photo credits: Chris Green Photography

IN CONCLUSION

The venue space is the foundation of an event. Without picking the proper location, your mental vision can never come to full fruition. Thankfully, London’s venues live up to the city’s global reputation. From trendy to time-honored classics, the scope of venue space in London continues to draw in conventions, conferences, and celebrations from around the world. If you’re googling anything from event venue hire London to party venue hire London, this list has you covered.

Now onto you:

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