Your Guide to Hiring 40th Birthday Venues in London
If you believe life begins at 40, you’re probably planning a fabulous party to celebrate this special milestone and looking for inspiration. So why not check out our round-up of the best 40th birthday venues in London? Here at Tagvenue, we list hundreds of 40th birthday party venues, from teeny-tiny tapas bars to extensive ol’ beer gardens. And the icing on the cake? We do the legwork for you, so you'll have more time to focus on making sure that your 40th birthday is a blast! This is the time for you to celebrate with gusto. You’ve reached ‘the big 40’, so why not make it count?
From bowling, laser questing and casino nights to huge parties with top DJs and all-night barbecues, there are plenty of venues available in London. Here is a list of some ideas for places to host a stag party in London:
- Dinner party. Invite all of your closest friends around for an intimate evening of good food and wine. The great thing about dinner parties is that they are so easy to put together. Hire a restaurant with catering and let them do all the work! You can also have a buffet dinner party instead, which is a great way to get people mingling and having fun.
- Boat party. Hire a boat on the Thames or on London’s canals and take advantage of the beautiful views while enjoying some drinks. If you’re looking for a birthday experience on the water, then this is the place to go.
- Wine tasting. Book a sommelier to guide your event in one of London’s great wine-tasting venues. London offers some of the best wine and whisky bars in the world. So if you’re looking to try something new during your stag do, these venues are the perfect places to start.
- Karaoke night. Grab your favourite tunes and get singing! If you love karaoke but sometimes wish you could just sing without the hassle of scrolling through the song list, then this is the perfect night for you! Grab some retro cocktails and sing to your heart's content.
- Garden Party. Mixing and mingling are at the heart of a garden party. Set in a natural environment, people can enjoy each other’s company while taking advantage of the weather and beautiful scenery. The garden party is the ideal occasion to host a birthday party and bring together family, friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Nightclub party. Get the music pumping and dance like no one is watching! If you're looking for something more than just a pub crawl, why not organise a night out at one of London's best clubs? Whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy a few drinks with friends, there are plenty of clubs in London that can cater to your needs.
- Relaxed Summer BBQ. A laid-back grill party is always a hit in the warmer months. If you don’t have much room at home, then why not host it at one of our venues? We have plenty of space for entertaining large groups, so no matter what time of year it is, you can enjoy yourselves with family and friends.
If you just turned 40 and are looking for some advice on how to celebrate, or if you know someone who just reached this golden milestone that we get to collectively refer to as the ‘4-ohhhh’s’ (that's a party horn, by the way), then you've come to the right place! Check out these tips and get ready to celebrate this momentous milestone with everything you’ve got:
- Decide whether you want to throw a themed party. You don’t have to choose a theme for your party, but it can simplify the planning process. Some ideas for themed birthday parties include Hawaiian luau, Hollywood glam, casino night, and pirate-themed parties. If you’re not sure what theme to choose, you can always go with an elegant cocktail soirée.
- Find a venue that fits the atmosphere of your party. The venue should reflect the tone and spirit of your event. For example, if you’re having a formal celebration with an elegant dress code, look for a venue that has high ceilings and ornate decorations. If you want something more modern, consider a space with sleek lines or industrial elements.
- Make sure there is enough capacity for everyone. It’s better to have too much space than not enough. If you have a lot of people coming over, add extra chairs or even tables. The last thing you want is for your guests to feel cramped or uncomfortable.
- Send out invitations in advance. This is one of the most important things you can do to make sure your party is a success. If you’re inviting people from out of town, send invitations at least two weeks in advance to give them time to make arrangements.
- Plan your menu. Think about what foods you might like to serve at the party, then check with the venue to see if they can accommodate your requests. Some venues allow you to bring in your own food or use outside caterers, while others require you to use their in-house service. If this is the case, be sure to find out what types of foods they offer and make sure that the menu will suit your needs. If you’re serving alcohol, check to see if the venue has a liquor licence.
- Decorate the venue to your taste. Find a venue that fits the atmosphere of your celebration. If you’re having a formal event, then you may want to decorate with flowers or candles. If it’s an informal party, then perhaps streamers or balloons would be better suited to the occasion. Make sure to check the venue's policy on decorations before you get started.
- Book entertainment. Popular entertainment options include magicians, comedians and other performers. You can also hire a casino dealer to run a poker tournament or blackjack games if you are going with the casino theme.
Luxury on a Budget: Tips for Hosting a Lavish 40th Without Breaking the Bank
Celebrating a milestone birthday like the 40th should be memorable, and adding a touch of luxury can make it even more special. However, hosting a luxurious party in London without overspending requires clever planning and creativity. Here are some essential tips for organising an opulent 40th birthday bash on a budget:
- Prioritise Your Splurges: Decide what aspects of the party are most important to you. It could be a stunning venue with a great view, gourmet catering, or top-notch entertainment. Allocate more of your budget to these key areas, and look for savings elsewhere.
- Opt for a Chic Yet Affordable Venue: London is home to hidden gems that won't break the bank. Consider venues such as art galleries, private gardens, or chic lofts and dining rooms that offer a luxurious feel for less. Booking during off-peak times can also significantly reduce costs.
- DIY Decor with a Luxe Twist: Personal touches not only save money but also add uniqueness to your celebration. Use elegant DIY decor ideas like homemade centrepieces, sophisticated balloon arrangements, or candle clusters to create a luxurious atmosphere. Focus on details such as quality table linens, elegant place cards, and dramatic lighting to elevate the setting.
- Curate a Signature Cocktail: Instead of a full open bar, offer a selection of wines and beers alongside one or two signature cocktails that match the party theme. This approach reduces costs while adding a personalised and upscale touch to your drinks menu.
- Gourmet Bites on a Dime: Collaborate with a talented local chef or catering company to create a menu of sophisticated canapés and small plates. This can be more cost-effective than a full sit-down dinner and still offers a luxurious dining experience.
- Enlist Talented Friends: Do you have friends who are musicians, photographers, or DJs? Enlist their talents for the evening as a gift or at a discounted rate. This can add a personal and luxurious touch to the entertainment without the hefty price tag.
- Leverage Wholesale Flower Markets: Flowers add instant opulence to any event. Purchase wholesale flowers and arrange them yourself or with the help of creative friends. Opting for seasonal blooms can also cut costs while enhancing your venue with natural elegance.
- Digital Invitations with Flair: Save on printing and postage by creating sophisticated digital invitations. Platforms like Canva offer stunning designs that can be customised to match your party's luxurious theme.
- Group Transportation: If your venue is out of the way, consider arranging group transportation such as a chartered bus or vintage vehicles. This can be more affordable than individual taxis and adds a VIP feel to the event. If your budget allows for a bit more, it doesn’t get more exciting than an affordable party bus!
- Seek Out Package Deals: Some birthday venues in London offer package deals that include catering, decor, and entertainment. These can often be more cost-effective than sourcing each element separately.
By focusing on what truly adds value to your celebration and leveraging these tips, you can host a luxurious 40th birthday party in London that feels exclusive, staying within your budget!
Choosing the Perfect Date: Considerations Beyond Venue Availability
Selecting the ideal date for a 40th birthday celebration in London requires more than just ensuring your dream venue is available. It's about creating a joyful and hassle-free experience for you and your guests. Here are several considerations to take into account:
- Significant Dates: Consider choosing a date close to the actual birth date for a personal touch, but be flexible. A weekend close to the date might work better for guests' schedules, ensuring a higher turnout.
- Seasonality: London's seasons can dramatically affect your party's vibe. A summer event might suit outdoor venues, while a cosy, indoor space could be perfect for winter celebrations. Consider the seasonal aura you desire and how it aligns with your theme.
- Guest Availability: Before locking in a date, canvas key guests and close family members for their availability. Choosing a date without considering your VIP guests' schedules might result in significant absences!
- Holidays and Special Events: Be aware of public holidays, school vacations, and local events. These can affect guest availability and travel plans, potentially complicating logistics and increasing costs.
- Budget Implications: Different times of the year can impact pricing. Peak seasons in London might see venue prices surge. If budget is a concern, consider an off-peak date for potential savings. If your birthdate allows, of course!
- Cultural or Religious Considerations: Be mindful of cultural or religious dates that might affect your guests' ability to attend your bash. Respecting these considerations shows thoughtfulness and ensures inclusivity.
- Work Schedules: If you're inviting colleagues or know many guests have demanding jobs, a Friday or Saturday evening might ensure more can attend without work conflicts.
- Long Weekends: Utilising a bank holiday weekend can be a double-edged sword. It might mean guests are more available as they have an extra day off, but it could also mean they have pre-existing travel plans!
- Personal Significance: Beyond the actual birthday, consider dates with personal significance. Anniversaries, meaningful milestones, or even dates with lucky numbers can add an extra layer of celebration.
- Weather: Particularly for rooftop or other outdoor venues, London's weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast to ensure stable weather, or book a venue that has a suitable indoor backup plan.
Picking the perfect date for a 40th birthday party lies in balancing personal desires with practical considerations. A well-chosen date not only guarantees your dream venue is available but also maximises the likelihood that your celebration will be well-attended and cherished by all!
FAQs about 40th Birthday Venues in London
What is the average cost of renting a venue for a 40th birthday party in London?
The costs associated with birthday parties vary widely, depending on the venue you choose and the type of celebration you want to host. If you’re looking to host an upscale, elegant affair, expect to pay a hire fee ranging from £800 -£1500. If you're on a budget, consider choosing a pub or modest restaurant. These venues can range from £25 -£150 and operate on minimum spend which means that you have to pay for a certain amount of food and drink. (All data from Tagvenue.)
What are the best areas of London for booking a 40th birthday party venue?
- Camden Town. Camden Town is a popular area for party venues. You can find some great options here, including intimate lounges and chic cocktail bars. If you want something a little more unusual than your average party venue, this is the place for you!
- Greenwich. Greenwich is one of the most popular areas for party venues in London, as it’s close to Central London and has a range of charming pubs and restaurants. You won’t be disappointed by the selection here!
- Battersea. If you’re looking for an area with lots of options for your 40th birthday party venue, Battersea is a great choice! There are lots of hidden speakeasies, quirky pubs and charming restaurants in this area that will suit any style or theme you have in mind for your celebration.
Which party venues in London are the best options for celebrating the 40th birthday?
If you're looking for a venue in London to celebrate your birthday, we think that you should consider the Lost Garden at Lost Society. The venue has a capacity for 120 guests and comes with its own bar and bartender for the duration of your event. The garden is unlike any other because it has been designed as an oasis that is hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Battersea. It's also fully covered in case of bad weather, so you don't have to worry about rain or shine!
Callooh Callay Chelsea is the perfect venue for your birthday party. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this cocktail bar can accommodate up to 220 people over two floors, making it a great option for large groups. Whether you're celebrating with friends or family, this great venue will make sure that your guests have an incredible time, as they enjoy the fabulous drinks and amazing service.
How far in advance should I book a venue for a 40th birthday party?
It's a good idea to book your venue at least 2-3 months in advance, but you don't need to freak out about it. If you're hosting the event for a large group of people, it's best to give yourself a little more time. If you have a smaller group and are planning on having it somewhere that can accommodate fewer people, then it might be alright to book closer to the date. That said, there is some flexibility when it comes to booking venues for special occasions. If your party is during the week, you may be able to get away with booking a month or two beforehand.