Your Guide to Hiring Banquet Halls in London
London’s banquet halls include grand town halls, historic venues, converted warehouses, rooftop spaces, and modern event suites. These venues offer in-house catering with traditional British and international dishes, along with expert event teams to handle every detail. Whether hosting a corporate gala, wedding, or awards dinner, you’ll find the perfect space with top-notch service!
Popular banquet trends in London
Fusion menus: Combine flavours from around the world, adding a unique twist to traditional British fare with international influences.
Themed events: Create an experience to remember with themes like Gatsby-style glamour in a grand venue or festive candlelit Christmas dinners in a charming setting.
Creative desserts: Delight guests with crowd-pleasing treats like doughnut walls, macaron towers, or indulgent crepe cakes at your banquet.
Types of banquet events
- State banquets: Host a grand banquet in historic banqueting halls or sophisticated event spaces in Westminster, suited for formal events with a touch of tradition.
- Gala dinners: Celebrate in luxurious hotels or cultural landmarks in Mayfair, offering an elegant backdrop for an evening you won’t forget.
- Weddings: Exchange vows in beautiful garden venues in Chelsea or historic sites in South Kensington, perfect for both intimate ceremonies and grand receptions.
- Themed feasts: Enjoy a themed feast in converted warehouses in Shoreditch or art galleries along the South Bank, providing unique and stylish settings.
- Corporate events: Organise corporate events in stylish conference centres or modern venues in Canary Wharf, offering flexible spaces and excellent facilities.
- Festive celebrations: Host festive parties in historic halls in Bloomsbury or grand hotel ballrooms in Knightsbridge, ideal for seasonal gatherings.
Essential tips for hiring a banquet hall
- Budget and capacity: Balance affordability with the venue's size to ensure it fits your guest list, whether in a spacious hall or a more intimate setting.
- Location: Choose a venue that’s easily accessible by public transport or offers convenient parking, particularly in areas like the West End or near major train stations.
- Catering options: Confirm if the venue provides in-house catering, allows BYO, or accommodates external caterers, depending on your event needs.
- Facilities: Ensure the venue offers essential amenities like AV equipment, lighting, and accessible entrances, especially for larger venues in central London.
- Entertainment: Check if the venue can accommodate entertainment such as DJs or live music, with the required space and technical support.
FAQs about Banquet Halls in London
What are the prices for budget-friendly banquet hall rentals in London?
Event packages are usually priced at £27 per person. Hire fees typically range from £50 to £150 per hour. The minimum spend can go up to £9,720, with full-day rates reaching up to £14,000. (All data from Tagvenue.)
What are the most popular banquet halls in London?
- The Lakeview Suite at Regents Lake is a spectacular and spacious venue that is ideal for banquets and sizable events. At your next function, your guests will be blown away by this venue's stunning chandeliers, lofty ceilings, and balcony overlooking the ground level. A true show-stopper of a venue!
- Plaisterer's Hall is as opulent and impressive as venues get. When it comes to seating configurations and decorations, this gorgeous location is incredibly adaptable. The space has floor-length windows that let natural light in for daily events, and magnificent gold chandeliers that truly make the space shine at nightfall. The neighbouring rooms of the Great Hall can be incorporated in the banquet’s sitting arrangements, which may be of use if you are dealing with larger events.
- The Handley Page Room can be a great choice for you if you want a smaller banquet hall venue that nevertheless exudes luxury and style. Considering its size, the location is incredibly intimate and radiates natural and traditional charm. This stunning setting overlooking Hyde Park can accommodate up to 40 seated guests.
- Check out The Carisbrooke Hall if you're looking for a banquet hall for your upcoming event that provides a totally unique ambience and seating arrangement for your guests. This stunning venue can accommodate a variety of large-scale events and exudes vintage charm. In addition to offering a variety of entertainment options, this exclusive space also has a dance floor and a big panoramic screen, so your guests can dance the night away in addition to enjoying an exquisite meal at your upcoming banquet.
- If you really want to pick a special, one-of-a-kind location, you may consider something unconventional like Movies at Madame Tussauds. For your upcoming banquet, this event venue, which is a part of Madame Tussauds in London, offers an immersive Star Wars-themed dining space. No venue in London compares to it. In this unusual setting, up to 200 people may feast like Jedis.
How far in advance should I book a banquet hall in London for my event?
Booking a banquet hall in London should be done well in advance, ideally 6 to 12 months before your event. This is especially important if your event falls during peak seasons, such as the festive period (November to January) or summer months (June to August), when venues are in high demand. By booking early, you can secure your preferred venue and have ample time to plan other aspects of your event, such as catering, décor, and guest invitations.