After Party Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring After Party Venues in London

Whatever the occasion that calls for an after-party is, the main goal is clear, making sure the good times continue. Coordinate an awesome late-night group activity (like bowling or a club crawl), host a casual get-together in a hotel lounge or have everyone head out to a chic bar or laid-back nightspot. If you want to amp up the party atmosphere, choose a fun theme, like 80s karaoke night, Casino Royale or disco fever! No matter what you have in mind, Tagvenue's shortlist of the top after party venues in London will make the planning process a breeze. And that's definitely something worth celebrating.

Tips for Planning the Perfect After Party

Planning the best after party in London, whether for a wedding, corporate event, birthday or any celebratory occasion, requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the vibe you wish to create. This guide will walk you through the essentials of organising an unforgettable after party in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

Understanding Your Event Type

1. Weddings: After a wedding, couples often celebrate with elegance and intimacy. Venues with a view of the Thames or those in historic districts like Covent Garden or Soho add a magical touch to the celebration.
2. Corporate Events: A relaxing yet sophisticated environment is key after a day of meetings or conferences. Consider upscale lounges or private dining rooms in The City or Canary Wharf to impress your colleagues and clients.
3. Birthdays and Private Parties: Here, personality shines. Eclectic and funky spaces in Shoreditch, Camden, or Brixton offer unique experiences, from speakeasy bars to themed nightclubs.

Selecting the Perfect Venue

Location: Accessibility is crucial. Choose a venue close to the main event but also well-connected to London's transport network. This ensures your guests can easily transition to the after-party without hassle.

Capacity and Layout: Ensure the space comfortably accommodates your guest list while suiting the event's format—whether it’s a seated dinner, a cocktail reception, or a dance party.

Amenities and Services: High-quality sound systems, lighting options, and on-site catering can elevate the experience. Venues offering bespoke services ensure your after party is both memorable and unique.

Ambience: The venue's atmosphere should align with the mood you're aiming to create. Whether it's the luxury of a private club in Mayfair or the relaxed vibe of a rooftop bar in South Bank, the setting plays a pivotal role in the night's success.

London's Hidden Gems for After Parties

1. Rooftop Bars: Ideal for summer evenings, rooftop bars offer breathtaking views of the London skyline. The Shard and Sky Garden are popular, but smaller venues in Hackney or Peckham provide a more intimate setting.
2. Historic Pubs and Inns: For a more traditional British experience, consider an after-party in one of London's historic pubs. Pubs with private rooms offer a cosy yet celebratory environment.
3. Underground Clubs: London's underground clubs in areas like Dalston or Vauxhall offer the perfect backdrop for a high-energy dance party. These venues, known for their good modern music and enthusiastic crowds, promise an unforgettable night.

Tips for Success

Book Early: London's best after party venues get snapped up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Early planning and booking can secure your ideal location.

Consider Your Guests: Think about the demographics of your party. A mix of music, entertainment options, and food and drink choices ensures there's something for everyone.

Transportation: Consider arranging transportation from the main event to the after party venue. London's night buses, taxis, and rideshare options offer convenient solutions, but a private shuttle can add an extra touch of care.

Personal Touches: Customised decorations, a signature cocktail, or a surprise guest DJ can make your after-party stand out. Personal touches show your guests the effort you've put into creating a memorable experience.

Safety Measures: Ensure the venue is equipped with safety protocols, and consider hiring security for larger events. A safe environment allows everyone to relax and enjoy the celebration.

After Party Safety Tips

London is a lively and exciting city famous for its lively nightlife and various after-party venues. However, it's essential to prioritise the safety of attendees. With so much excitement and fun, it's easy to forget the importance of every guest's well-being. Therefore, we have compiled a list of essential after party safety tips tailored to various venues and event types across London. These tips will help ensure that everyone has a memorable and safe experience.

Ensuring a Safe Return Home

One of the primary concerns following any after party is the safe return home of all attendees. With its extensive public transportation network, including the Night Tube on certain lines, London has various options. Yet, the reliability of these services can vary, and there may be better choices for late-night travel. Implementing a designated driver system or arranging for reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps, such as Uber, to be readily available can mitigate risks. For private events in venues like Hoxton Underbelly at Gigi's Hoxton or The Gherkin, coordinating with the venue's concierge service to arrange transportation in advance can add an extra layer of safety and convenience.

Sober Party Buddy System

Implementing a sober party buddy system is a proactive approach to ensure everyone has someone looking out for their well-being throughout the event. This is particularly effective in areas such as Soho or Shoreditch, where nightlife is a significant part of the local culture. Buddies can help each other make informed decisions, navigate through crowded spaces, and intervene if one becomes too intoxicated or encounters a potentially unsafe situation.

Hiring Professional Security

For events held in private after party venues or exclusive hire spaces, employing professional security personnel can provide a sense of safety and order. Security teams are trained to manage large crowds, prevent unauthorised access, and respond effectively to emergencies. This is especially recommended for high-profile gatherings or celebrations in larger venues like event halls or exclusive clubs in Mayfair, where managing guest lists and ensuring that only invited attendees gain entry can be challenging.

Venue-Specific Safety Checks

Conducting thorough safety checks is crucial before finalising an event venue in London. This includes verifying the venue's compliance with fire safety regulations, ensuring there are adequate exits, and that all emergency equipment is easily accessible and in working order. 

Educating Guests on Safety Protocols

Communicating with your guests before the event about the importance of personal safety and the measures in place at the venue can enhance overall security. This can include reminders about staying hydrated, not leaving drinks unattended, and the availability of safe transportation options post-event. Providing a detailed itinerary with safety contacts and protocols for more exclusive gatherings can further reassure guests.

Leveraging Technology for Safety

In today's digital age, technology can play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of after party goers. Encouraging guests to use apps like Find My Friends or sharing live locations with trusted friends can help keep tabs on one another's whereabouts. Venues equipped with advanced security systems, such as CCTV surveillance and digital guest lists, offer an additional layer of safety and can quickly become preferred choices for discerning event planners.

The success of an after-party in London, or anywhere else, hinges not just on the entertainment and venue but significantly on the safety and security measures in place. By implementing these strategies, from ensuring safe transportation options to hiring professional security and fostering a culture of mutual care among guests, event organisers can provide a secure environment that allows everyone to enjoy the festivities without concern. The fusion of proactive planning and vigilant execution of safety protocols ensures that London's vibrant nightlife can be experienced in the safest way possible, making every after-party a memorable, worry-free celebration.

FAQs about After Party Venues in London

Where in London should I go for the best after party venues?

London is filled with spaces that are ideal for letting loose and partying until dawn. Among all the buzzing and vibrant areas, we have a few favourites of our own:

• Soho - one of the most lively and diverse neighbourhoods in London, Soho has always been a spot where a lot is going on. Whether you’re looking for laid-back bars, nightclubs, or comfortable lounges at restaurants, Soho has you covered.
• Shoreditch - if you’re looking for a place where you’ll be surrounded by vibrance, art, and creativity, check out the after party venues in Shoreditch. You can find conventional party spots and others that are  a bit more unusual, such as warehouses and railway arches, that are available to hire!
• Canary Wharf - you might think of Canary Wharf as more of a business district than a buzzing party area, but there’s a lot of hidden gems there waiting to be uncovered! It might be a great place to go if you want to go off the beaten path.
• Hackney - eclectic and creative vibes and an unmatched nightlife are the essence of Hackney. A typical party venue here would be a refurbished industrial space, so if that’s your cup of tea, start browsing after-party spots in this area!
• The City - a central location is often key when organising an after-party. In the end, you don’t want to spend hours in traffic or on public transport getting from one place to another, so the City of London might be a great location for many after parties!

What’s the cost of hiring an after-party venue in London?

The majority of London’s after-party venues are priced based on minimum spend. In this case, you're paying only for the drinks and food you get at the venue, so the hiring itself is free! Expect prices to start at around £50-250 per session and in some cases even reach over £30,000. The costs will depend greatly on the size of the venue and time of the booking, but the majority will average around £500 to £3,000. When booking an after party venue with a set hire fee, you can find options that begin at around £20 per session or £8 per hour. At some of the spots in London, you pay for per person packages. In such cases, most fees are at between £30 and £150 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

How to choose and hire an after party venue in London?

When choosing an after-party spot, you should start by determining how many people will be coming and where the original event will take place. Transport links near the venue are something you should definitely consider while browsing through your options. Don’t forget to check what the rules of the venue are, including BYO policies! When you’ve created a shortlist of your favourite spots, you can start your enquiry by using the form available on Tagvenue. 

What are the best and most popular after party venues in London?

Popular venues include karaoke bars, nightclubs, pubs, private rooms, and outdoor venues. There’s a lot to choose from in London! Luckily, our users leave useful reviews that can help us determine how good their experience was. Some of the spots they seem to appreciate the most are:

• The Last Talisman is an amazing, versatile bar located near the London Bridge. You can hire one of the smaller, private spaces or go all out and book the entire venue for your after party.
• Heist Bank is located right in the heart of Paddington and is an incredibly exciting venue with plenty of entertainment possibilities.

• SAMA Bankside combines modernity with industrial style. It’s situated in a railway arch near the Blackfriars Bridge. This venue has 7 spaces available for hire, ranging from small booths for groups of up to 20 to exclusive hire that can accommodate even 300.