BBQ Party Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring BBQ Party Venues in London

A barbecue is a fun way to spend time with family and friends, and the summer months definitely call for such a gathering. BBQ parties let you enjoy the sun, freshly made food and cold drinks all at the same time. This type of relaxed atmosphere is something we long for all year long! If you're hosting a BBQ party in London, here are some tips and tricks on how to make sure it goes off without a hitch:

Keep your set-up simple - Your BBQ party will take place outside, so it will be exposed to the elements. Keeping your decorations simple will allow you to act quickly if the weather changes. Then in case of strong wind, you won’t have to stress over decorations flying away. While looking for a BBQ venue, search for ones that already have unique and beautiful decor, so you won’t have to add too many other fragile elements. If you’re organising a party that will last through the night, a set of string lights will be enough to set the mood and give that extra bit of light.

Go potluck style - A fool-proof solution to make sure everyone will have what they like. The potluck party does require some coordination beforehand, though. You need to check on what everyone's bringing, to make sure there are no doubled dishes or forgotten ones either. You also need to make sure that you check with your guests for any potential dietary restrictions or preferences, like vegan or gluten free diets. Still, regardless of any menu necessities, a BBQ potluck is a fun way to make sure everyone can participate and share their favourite recipes.

Serve a pitcher cocktail or sangria - Serving cocktails or sangria in a pitcher will save you the trouble of preparing a drink for each of your guests. You can prepare the drink in a large quantity at once beforehand, chill it and then set it at the table just when your guests start arriving. It’s a good beverage to serve if you’re preparing a party for a large group. Remember to also have some soft drinks on hand for those who will not drink alcohol.

Choose classic recipes and give them a modern twist - Warmer months mean a flood of BBQ invitations. Perhaps you are tired of eating the same food in all of the places you go, and you want your party to be a unique one. Still, when hearing ‘BBQ’, certain images, tastes, and smells come to mind, and some of your guests may be disappointed not to find them at your party. You can still have both, the traditional and the modern if you switch up the recipes just a little bit. Maybe prepare a new marinade for your chicken? Or throw in some recipes from around the world?

Go with an easy dessert - The main attraction of the BBQ is the grilled food itself, so there’s no need to go overboard with dessert (unless that’s what you would like to do!). There are many desserts that can be prepared on the grill, like s'mores or grilled fruit. They don’t require much preparation and can be done during the party. Serving ice cream with a set of toppings for the guests to choose from themselves is also a foolproof way to serve an easy dessert.

Prepare some activities - Occupy your guests while they wait for the food with some games or activities that can be easily played outside. If you’re inviting guests who may not know each other, prepare some conversation starters to encourage people to mingle and chat. Prepare a badminton net, or a giant Jenga so that guests can enjoy themselves while the BBQ is cooking away on the grill. If you have enough room, you could also prepare a space for dancing. Remember to add some dance hits to your playlist!

Choose the right venue - Securing a great spot for your party will make or break the event. If you’ve invited just a few guests, then pick an intimate location where they can mingle easily without feeling uncomfortable. However, if there are many people coming over or if you're hosting a big corporate event with business partners and colleagues, then go for a bigger venue instead so that everyone has enough space to move around easily without bumping into each other all the time. Here are some other points to remember when choosing a venue for your next BBQ party:

• Make sure the area for the party is shaded for your guests to be able to hide away from the heat.
• Be mindful of any guests who may have mobility issues and check whether the venue has full accessibility.
• Check whether it’s easy to locate and reach the party spot. It’s great if it can be easily reached by public transportation, but if you’re planning late night celebrations, make sure you will receive no noise complaints. Check for parking spots as well and inform your guests of their availability.
• Make a backup plan in case of rain. Ask the venue whether they have large umbrellas or retractable roofs to hide under, or if there is an indoor space you could use to continue the party.
• Check if the venue has enough seating. A BBQ is a rather informal party so there’s no need to prepare tables with assigned seating, but make sure your guests won’t have to juggle their food and drinks while leaning onto the wall.
  

Sustainable BBQ Practices: Green Events in London

Hosting a BBQ party in London offers a great opportunity to celebrate in an eco-friendly manner. Embracing sustainable practices not only contributes to the well-being of our planet but also sets a positive example for guests. Here’s how you can ensure your BBQ event in London is as green as it is enjoyable:

• Choose Locally Sourced Ingredients: Supporting local farmers and producers minimises the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods long distances. Seek out local butchers for ethically raised meats and visit farmer’s markets for fresh, seasonal vegetables. It reduces environmental impact, and guarantees the freshest flavours for your BBQ.
• Eco-Friendly Tableware: Ditch the disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Opt for biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable options instead. Better yet, if the venue permits, consider using real crockery and cutlery. It adds a touch of elegance to your BBQ party and significantly reduces waste.
• Minimise Food Waste: Plan your menu carefully to avoid over-preparing food. Consider portion control and the number of guests to ensure minimal waste. For leftovers, encourage guests to take them home in reusable containers, or donate to a local food bank or composting facility if possible.
• Recycling and Composting Stations: Ensure your BBQ venue has designated recycling bins for plastics, glass, and paper. If the venue allows, set up a composting bin for food scraps. Clearly label bins to encourage guests to dispose of waste responsibly.
• Green Decorations: Decorate your BBQ party with reusable, natural, or biodegradable materials. Consider potted plants or flowers that can be rehomed after the event, and use solar-powered lights to create a cosy vibe as the evening draws in.
• Sustainable Transport Options: Choose a venue that’s easily reachable by public transport, cycling, or walking to encourage guests to leave their cars at home. Areas like Westminster, Southbank or King's Cross/St Pancras are extremely convenient picks that can be reached from all parts of the city! Providing details of the venue’s proximity to transport links in invitations can make it easier for guests to make eco-friendly travel choices.
• Eco-friendly Invitations: Opt for digital invitations to save on paper. There are numerous online platforms that allow you to create and send beautiful e-invites. If you must use paper, choose recycled paper and print with eco-friendly inks.
• Conscious Cooking Methods: Use sustainable charcoal, such as those made from coconut shells, or consider a gas grill for a more environmentally friendly BBQ option. These alternatives produce less smoke and pollutants compared to traditional charcoal.
• Educate and Inspire: Use your BBQ event as an opportunity to share the importance of sustainability with your guests. Small informational signs about the eco-friendly choices you’ve made for the party can inspire others to consider similar practices in their own events.
• Choose the Right Venue: Select an outdoor venue that shares your commitment to sustainability. These days, there are multiple great eco-friendly venues in London to choose from, from venues utilising waste reduction strategies to event spaces using renewable energy sources. Partnering with such venues amplifies the positive impact of your gathering.

BBQ Cuisine Diversity: Exploring Global Flavours

Organising a BBQ party in London offers the perfect platform to embark on a culinary journey, showcasing global BBQ traditions. Embrace the diversity of barbecue cultures to create a unique and unforgettable event that pleases the taste buds of your guests with flavours from around the world. Here’s how to bring international flair to your London BBQ party:

• Embrace Global BBQ Styles: Start by exploring the rich array of BBQ styles from different cultures. From the smoky briskets of Texas to the spicy, charred satays of Indonesia, each region offers something special. Consider featuring a few select countries or continents and serve a signature dish from each to provide a taste of global BBQ traditions.
• Use Authentic Ingredients: The key to authentic international BBQ dishes lies in the ingredients. London's diverse food markets, such as Borough Market or Broadway Market, and specialty stores, are treasure troves of authentic spices, marinades, and condiments. Seek out these ingredients to ensure your dishes have the genuine flavour profiles of their countries of origin.
• Interactive Cooking Stations: Create interactive cooking stations where guests can watch dishes being prepared and learn about the cooking techniques and histories behind them. For example, a live Korean bulgogi grill, a Brazilian churrasco station, or a Jamaican jerk drum can offer both a culinary and educational experience.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Global BBQ isn’t just about meat. Many cultures offer incredible vegetarian and vegan BBQ dishes that deserve the spotlight. Include options like Indian paneer tikka, Middle Eastern grilled halloumi, or Mexican grilled avocado to ensure there’s something for everyone.
• Themed Decor and Music: Enhance the global atmosphere with decor and music that reflects the regions being showcased. Use flags, traditional tablecloths, and even attire to decorate your BBQ venue in London. 
• Expert Guidance: Consider hiring chefs or culinary experts who specialise in the cuisines you plan to feature. Their expertise can ensure authenticity and add an educational element to your BBQ party, sharing insights into the cultural significance and history of the dishes being served.
• Signature Cocktails: Pair your global BBQ menu with a selection of international drinks and signature cocktails. From Brazilian caipirinhas to Japanese sake cocktails, matching beverages with the cuisine can elevate the dining experience and introduce guests to new flavours.
• Cooking Workshops: Offer short cooking workshops or demonstrations as part of the event. Guests can learn how to make a specific dish or use an ingredient that’s key to a particular cuisine. This interactive element not only entertains but also educates, leaving guests with new skills to try at home.
• Include Traditional Desserts: Round off the international feast with a selection of desserts from around the world. Whether it’s Italian gelato, Turkish baklava, or Argentinian alfajores, sweet treats provide a delightful end to the culinary journey.
• Share Recipes: Create a small booklet or digital compilation of recipes for the dishes served at your BBQ party. This thoughtful takeaway allows guests to recreate their favourite dishes and remember the event fondly.

By incorporating these elements, your BBQ party in London will transform into a fascinating celebration of global flavours and traditions. It’s a wonderful way to explore the diversity of BBQ cuisine and create an inclusive, engaging event that stands out. If you’d like to explore more ways to enhance your BBQ event, check out our 16 Top Outdoor Party Ideas for 2024!

FAQs about BBQ Party Venues in London

How much does it cost to hire a BBQ party venue in London?

Hiring rates for BBQ party venues in London may vary greatly depending on the type of hire you’re looking for. If you want to book a venue for a set time, hourly rates can range between £40 to £300. The minimum spend starts at as little as £350. Some venues may offer per person packages with prices starting at £35. Remember that the prices may vary depending on the size of the venue and the number of guests, as well as the day of the week and the time of the day. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

What are the best venues for a BBQ party in London?

There are many amazing venues and the vast selection we have here at Tagvenue will help you choose the one that fits your party best, but here are our top 3 picks:

• Rotunda Bar and Restaurant - Enjoy this waterfront terrace! This Kings Place -based venue offers unique vibes that will add some oomph to your summer months.
• 41 Portland Place - Add a summer twist to your function with a great BBQ - this elegant venue provides an outside terrace that will allow you to do just that!
• LIMIN Southbank - Have the best BBQ party by the Thames minus the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Tucked a bit further away from the City, this venue still is a top location for your party.

What types of BBQ party venues can I hire in London?

London has many types of BBQ venues and you are sure to find ones that suit you best. When searching for a BBQ venue you can find rooftop terraces and bars. If you decide on one in the city centre you can add the view of London’s skyline to your party! In London, you can also find gardens and patios tucked away in the back of museums and galleries. Some historic venues may also have lawns that can be hired for your needs. Although not really situated by the water, London also offers venues that will add beach vibes to your party by providing sand and colourful cocktails.

Can I hire a BBQ party venue in London for free?

It sounds almost impossible, but yes, you can hire a venue for free in London! When searching for a party spot just look for ones that hire on a minimum spend basis. This means that you don’t have to pay the hiring rate, but agree that you and your guests will spend a minimum agreed amount on food and drinks.