Your Guide to Hiring Bars with Private Rooms in London
Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Bar with a Private Room in London
Whether you're organising a corporate gathering, celebrating a milestone birthday, or hosting an intimate wedding reception, finding a bar with a private room that meets your specific needs can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide is designed to simplify your search and ensure you find a venue that meets and exceeds your expectations.
- Define Your Event Requirements: It's crucial to understand your event's requirements clearly before searching for the ideal venue. Consider factors such as the size of your party, the atmosphere you're aiming for, the type of event (e.g., casual get-together, formal meeting, celebratory occasion), and any specific amenities you might need (AV equipment, catering options, accessibility features).
- Focus on Location and How to get to the venue easily: London is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own character and charm. Whether you're looking for a venue near landmarks like the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral or in trendy areas such as Shoreditch, Soho, or Camden, location can significantly impact the ambience of your event. Consider how easy it is for your guests to get to the venue, including proximity to public transportation like the Tube, buses, and taxi services.
- Investigate Amenities and Services: Once you've narrowed your options, delve into each venue's specific amenities and services. Some bars with private hire rooms in London may offer bespoke cocktail menus, in-house catering, or the option to bring in external caterers. Others might provide modern sound systems, lighting options, and decor services to enhance your event. Ensure the venue can accommodate special requests, such as dietary restrictions or custom decorations.
- Read Reviews and Request Proposals: Reading reviews from previous patrons can provide invaluable insights into the quality of service, food, and atmosphere. You will find reviews for different bars on Tagvenue. Once you've selected a few top contenders, reach out to each venue to request a proposal outlining pricing, services, and additional costs.
- Visit Potential Venues: Arrange to visit the shortlisted venues in person. This allows you to get a feel for the space, discuss your event in detail with the venue's event coordinator, and visualise how your event would work in the event space. Pay attention to the layout, the flow of the space, and how well it aligns with your event's requirements.
- Finalise Your Selection and Book Early: After considering all factors, make your final selection based on which venue best matches your criteria for location, size, amenities, and overall vibe. Remember, popular bars with private rooms in London book up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends, so securing your venue well in advance is advisable.
Finding the perfect bar with a private room in London for your event involves a thoughtful blend of research, planning, and personal preferences. By following these steps and utilising London's rich diversity of venues, you're well on your way to hosting an unforgettable event in a space that perfectly matches your vision.
Theme Ideas for Your Next London Bar Event
These exclusive spaces provide a canvas for creativity, allowing event planners to craft unique experiences that resonate with their guests. Whether you're planning a corporate gathering, a celebratory soirée, or an intimate get-together, there are countless bars in London that offer private spaces. Here, we explore imaginative theme ideas and offer guidance on bringing these concepts to life within the distinctive context of London's best bars with private hire options.
- A Night at The British Museum: Imagine transforming a private bar room into an extension of The British Museum, one of London's most iconic institutions. This theme can captivate guests with historical wonders and artefacts. Decorate the space with replicas of famous exhibits, such as the Rosetta Stone or Egyptian mummies, and incorporate interactive elements like a treasure hunt game through "ancient ruins." Book bars in areas like Bloomsbury, close to the museum, to add authenticity.
- Shakespearean Soiree: Pay homage to England's most famous bard by hosting a Shakespearean soirée. Select a bar with a private room near the Globe Theatre, along the South Bank, to infuse your event with the spirit of Elizabethan London. Encourage guests to dress in period attire and hire actors to perform famous scenes or sonnets. The décor can include Elizabethan-era elements, from candelabras to quill pen party favours.
- London Underground Adventure: Capture the essence of London's iconic transportation system with a London Underground-themed party. This concept works exceptionally well in basement bars or venues with unique nooks that mimic the underground's atmosphere. Use signage resembling the Tube's famous roundel logo, name drinks after popular stations, and decorate with maps and vintage Tube posters. It's a quirky way to celebrate London's history while providing a talking point for guests.
- Royal Garden Party: For a touch of elegance, consider a Royal Garden Party in one of London's bars with a private garden or rooftop space. This theme is perfect for the spring and summer months, offering a quintessentially British experience. Decorate with floral arrangements and bunting, serve traditional afternoon tea with a twist, and include a croquet set for entertainment. Bars in Kensington or near Buckingham Palace add to the royal ambience.
- Beatles Blast From the Past: Celebrate the legacy of The Beatles with a themed event that transports guests back to the Swinging Sixties. Look for venues in Soho or near Abbey Road to lend authenticity to your Beatles bash. Decor can include album cover art, psychedelic colours, and a playlist of hits from the era. Consider a dress code that encourages '60s fashion and offers a menu of period-appropriate cocktails and snacks.
- Cockney Rhyming Slang Night: Embrace London's unique linguistic heritage with a Cockney Rhyming Slang-themed evening. This playful theme is best suited to a bar in East London, the heartland of Cockney culture. Educate guests on the whimsical world of Cockney slang through themed quizzes, signage, and menu items named after popular phrases (e.g., "Dog and Bone" for the phone). It's a fun, interactive way to celebrate London's diverse dialects.
Tips:
- Decor and Atmosphere: Tailor the decor to immerse your guests fully in the theme. Use lighting, music, and visual elements to transform the space.
- Custom Menus: Collaborate with the bar's mixologists to create bespoke cocktails that align with your theme. Similarly, themed food menus can add an extra layer of immersion.
- Interactive Elements: Engage your guests with themed activities or entertainment that complements the theme. Whether it's a quiz, a live performance, or a dress-up competition, interactive elements can elevate the experience.
- Local Partnerships: Partner with local artists, performers, and suppliers to add authenticity to your theme and support the community.
FAQs about Bars with Private Rooms in London
What’s the dress-code for bars with private rooms in London?
It can be quite confusing to decide on how to dress when going to a typical bar or club in London. While in many other parts of the country it might not be frowned upon to enter bars and clubs in casual attire, in the capital city you should expect to enter private bar spaces dressed smartly and elegantly. Make sure to dress to impress if you want to feel like one of the crowd.
How much does it cost to book bars with private rooms in London?
The hire fee price averages at around £350 to £500 per session, although there are some cheaper and some more expensive options as well. Check your budget and book the venue that will fit your guests and match your style. If the venue seems a little on the pricey side, perhaps asking the manager for a discount could be a good idea? (All data from Tagvenue.com.)
What are some recommendations for bars with private rooms in London?
With such a huge selection of venues, it’s truly hard to pick favourites. But if we had to give some of our most liked options, they would certainly include the Semi-Exclusive Main Bar at Lost Society. This intimate space, perfect for 10 guests, is a huge favourite with many. Make sure not to miss it when looking for the perfect bar! And on that note we would also like to recommend The Dining Room at The Zetter Clerkenwell which is a fabulous fancy spot, perfect for an elegant evening with friends and wine.
How early should I book a bar with a private room in London?
For peak seasons, such as the summer months (June to August) and the festive period around December, securing your venue at least 3 to 6 months in advance is advisable. These periods see a surge in demand due to corporate events, weddings, and holiday parties. Popular areas like Soho and Shoreditch and landmark locations such as the South Bank or near Covent Garden are particularly in demand due to their vibrant atmosphere and convenience. For events outside these peak times or in less central locations, booking 2 to 3 months in advance should suffice.