Cocktail Party Venues for Hire in London

Cocktail Party Venues for Hire in London

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Top Cocktail Party Venues in London

Planning to throw a cocktail party in London but aren’t quite sure where to start? Here at Tagvenue we have a great selection of cocktail bars, clubs, and lounges for your next event. Whether you’re after a local bar where you can have a fun girls night out or an upmarket nightspot where you can live it up like a celebrity A-lister, we can point you in the right direction. Browse through our expertly curated list of the top cocktail party venues London has to offer and book today!

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Cocktail Party Venues for Hire in London

FAQs about Top Cocktail Party Venues in London

Well, this largely depends on the kind of party you are looking to have. If you are hosting a cocktail hour before a wedding session, you are going to include the same amount of people you invited to your wedding. In most other circumstances, you may choose  to keep your cocktail party on the smaller side, because many of the spaces are intimate-sized more often than not. We would recommend around 15-25 people for a decently sized cocktail party.

Hors d'oeuvres are standard cocktail party foods. These are the best for your guests to try small bites over the course of the night and also pair well with having a few cocktails. Most venues that provide appetisers will have about 10-12 trays being passed around the party to your guests.

Cocktail parties are supposed to be nice events. On your invitations be sure to include a semi-formal or casual, but nice, dress code. Everyone should be dressed in nice clothes that will help set the mood and contribute to the party’s elegant atmosphere. But of course, everything goes with a Martini.

Some of our favourite cocktail party venues are :

Walkers of Whitehall – This is an intimate party space that is perfect for your next cocktail party. The room is decorated with beautiful wood furniture with soft leather upholstery that invites guests to converse.

Clerkenwell and Social – This is an elegant private room that is perfect for your next cocktail party with a great list of unique cocktails, the classics, and great food.

The Sterling – This is a large venue space with an unforgettable outside space. It is a great space for both cocktail hours and receptions alike due to the size of the facility.

The Zetter Marylebone – This is a unique and quirky party space with an old-fashioned bar and plenty of space for your guests to sit and enjoy each other’s company and the fun decor of the room.

Guide
Event organising

Your Guide to Hiring Cocktail Party Venues in London

London’s drinking scene is world famous. From next-level cocktail emporiums to cooler-than-cool hipster joints, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to drinking in the capital. What's more, cocktail parties are one of the best ways to celebrate – they’re simple to plan, glamorous and relatively inexpensive. Even if you have high-priced items like caviar on the menu, you’re unlikely to overspend because you’ll only be serving small bites. What are you hosting and when? See how easy it is to hire an amazing London cocktail party venue today.

What Kinds of Cocktail Party Rooms Can You Find in London?

London has tons of great spots if you want something private, lively, or with a stunning view. Here are some top choices:

  • Private rooms – If you want full attention from bartenders and a space just for your group, a private room is the way to go. Great for big birthdays, wedding cocktail hours, or corporate networking. Expect top service and plenty of delicious drinks.
  • Semi-private spaces – Semi-private spaces have all of the perks of a private room with the added benefit of experiencing nightlife alongside other people who are out for the night. Perfect for smaller parties, 18th birthdays, or hen and stag dos.
  • Outdoor venues – Cocktails taste even better in the sunshine! London has amazing rooftop bars and garden terraces where you can enjoy great drinks and even better views. Plus, the photo ops are unbeatable.
  • Hidden bars & speakeasies – For something cool and unique, try a secret speakeasy or underground bar. Expect dim lighting, a cosy and charming atmosphere, and expertly mixed cocktails.
  • Luxury hotel bars – If you’re feeling fancy, London’s hotel bars offer plush seating, top-tier drinks, and a stylish setting that’s perfect for a classy night out.

How to Throw a Proper Cocktail Party

Want to host a cocktail party that actually feels effortless? Here are some of our tips and tricks for a great night out:

  • Set a smart budget – Figure out how much you’re spending on drinks, food, and the venue before you start booking. No one likes post-party regret—especially on their bank statement.
  • Build your guest list & send invites – Pick a venue that fits your crowd. Too packed? Uncomfortable. Too empty? Awkward. Send invites a month in advance and always ask for RSVPs. Digital invites work just fine (and saves money).
  • Plan your drinks & bites – Classic cocktails? Check. Signature drinks? Even better. Most venues offer both. Finger food is a staple at cocktail parties. And guess what? Each cocktail bar will have their own spin on these classic party foods as well. Don’t forget mocktails and easy-to-eat snacks—because no one wants to balance a plate and a martini.
  • Set the atmosphere with music – Keep it chill. Think background beats for mingling, not full-on dance floor vibes (unless that’s what you want). For bigger parties, a DJ or live band keeps things flowing.

Your cocktail party is going to be an amazing time. Tagvenue has tons of venues to choose from to make your party something special. These parties are simple to plan and are one of the coolest ways to spend an evening with friends, family, and colleagues. Cheers!

Tips on Picking The Right Space for Your Cocktail Party

The right space can elevate your cocktail party from a simple gathering to an impressive event. Here’s how to ensure the venue you choose sets the perfect mood and tone for your celebration.

  • Reflect on your theme or style: Before beginning your venue search, have a clear idea of the theme or style of your London cocktail party. Your venue should reflect and enhance this concept. Consider elements like architectural features, interior design, and existing decor.
  • Consider the size and layout: Too big feels empty, too small feels cramped. Go for a space that encourages mingling without feeling overcrowded. Bonus points for venues with cool layouts or hidden nooks to explore. Venues with unique layouts can also add an element of exploration and surprise for your attendees.
  • Evaluate lighting options: Soft, warm lighting sets the mood, while natural light works great for daytime parties. If it’s an evening event, avoid harsh or overly dim lighting that kills the vibe. 
  • Assess the acoustic environment: Music and conversation should flow easily. Check if the venue has a good sound setup or ask about noise levels—nobody wants to shout over the music or struggle to hear.
  • Prioritise location: A central, easy-to-reach venue means happy guests. Check for nearby transport links and parking options. A venue with stunning views? Even better.
  • Explore outdoor and indoor options: Rooftop bars and garden spaces are great for summer parties, while indoor venues offer more control over decor, temperature, and lighting. Choose what suits your event best.
  • Inspect the decor and furnishings: A stylish venue saves you time on decorating. Look for places with personality—cool furniture, unique art, or standout architectural details. Want to add personal touches? Ask venue managers about customisation options.
  • Inquire about customisation options: Finally, ensure the venue offers the flexibility to customise the space according to your needs. It allows you to create the perfect atmosphere and ambience for your cocktail party.

Pick the right spot, and your cocktail party will be one that will leave everyone with great memories!

Make Your Cocktail Party a Hit with a Mixologist

Hiring a mixologist adds entertainment and style to your party, and leave your guest with an amazing experience. Here’s why it’s worth it:

Custom Cocktails – They help create a unique menu with drinks that match your event’s theme or favorite flavors. It’s a simple way to make your party feel special.

Live Cocktail Demos – A skilled mixologist doesn’t just mix drinks, they put on a show with flair bartending and signature cocktail creations, keeping you and your guests entertained.

Interactive Experiences – You can have a tasting session or mini mixology class so everyone can learn, sip, and have fun at the same time.

Great drinks and great entertainment—what more do you need? Raise a glass and book a spot today!

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Verified Reviews of Cocktail Party Venues in London

M
Michael
Booked Upstairs at The White Swan at The White Swan
5.0
We recently hosted a drinks reception for a group of 40 people, and I cannot recommend this pub highly enough! From start to finish, everything was absolutely perfect. The team was incredibly accommodating and attentive, ensuring that all our guests were well looked after throughout the event. The drinks selection was fantastic, with a great variety to suit all tastes, and everything was served promptly and with a smile. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it the ideal setting for our gathering. A special mention to the staff, whose professionalism and friendly approach truly made the evening run smoothly. It’s rare to find a venue that gets every detail right, but this pub exceeded all expectations. If you’re looking for a place to host a group event or simply enjoy a few drinks in a wonderful setting, this is the place to go. We’ll definitely be back – thank you for a flawless experience!
EK
Eleanor K.
Booked HDN at Heddon Street Kitchen
4.9
Perfect venue for my 30th birthday party. Comfortably held around 50 guests with plenty of space for comfy chairs and cosy low tables. Food was excellent - really decent portion sizes (canapés and bowl food) which received a lot of compliments from guests. Staff were incredibly friendly and professional - thanks to David before the event for helping organise the logistics for the night and to Andre and Danny at the bar who were attentive and made sure my guests had exactly what they need and were served promptly. Venue was very accommodating and let me arrive early to set up and decorate the place with balloons/banners etc. Was also able to connect to sound system with my own playlist. Thoroughly recommend Hidden Heddon as a party venue!!
JH
Julie H.
Booked 1st Floor at The Elgin
5.0
WOW! We had the most amazing and fun wedding reception at the Elgin. The team took care of us so so well, and went above and beyond with the additional decorations we provided for set up. To top off the lovely rustic venue, the food was also amazing and the staff were so kind and attentive. We were also running quite late coming from our ceremony, and as soon as we arrived the team made sure they were getting a drink in everyone's hand upon arrival. 100% would recommend. Thank you to the whole team at the Elgin for hosting our special day!
TR
Tito R.
Booked Private Room & Bar 1st Floor at Clerkenwell and Social
4.8
We were a group of 30. After viewing so many venues,this place ticked all our boxes and was within our budget. It was worth every single penny. I'm so surprised that it is pretty cheap compared to other pubs in that vicinity. The food was delicious and every single person in our group enjoyed it. Alcohol packages were a wowzer. Amazing find tbh. Gui and Philip at the venue were helpful.
CC
Catherine C.
Booked Christmas in Chelsea at Albert's at Beaufort House
4.2
The food was exceptionally good; guests were raving about the quality of the food and the cocktails were delicious. Everyone was served food and the circulation was good. Overall the party was a success and it went on without any issues. But that was because I had to constantly monitor what was going on and remind people rather than enjoy myself.
MS
Michelle S.
Booked Whole Venue at Vetro Wine & Cocktail Bar
5.0
Words cannot describe. My husband has been talking about his 50th birthday celebration with all his chums since before he turned 30. Vetro was the absolute perfect place. The bar team was amazing, non intrusive, went out of their way to be helpful (at one point I saw them individually removing 50 of my custom made wine charms from the wine glasses), informative, incredible. If I would've known how great they were, I would have invited them to the party and I'm actually not kidding. We had a few months to plan the party from the states. The teams coached us on the food and drink amounts and specific to our crowd and budget. They kept in contact with us throughout the planning process. The food! Presented deliciously! Tasted amazing! Everyone raved! The Wine! Let's just say that our neighbor stopped us on the street today to talk about how great the champagne, wine, and cocktail options were of which he imbibed in all 3. Vetro has a great atmosophere with candles, lounge chairs, high tables, low tables, a bar setting, and choice of great music (no DJ needed=savings). There was a space for everyone's social comfort type (even outside). My husband and I are looking for an excuse to host another event at Vetro. His words not mine: "It was blooody awesome!"
KC
Katy C.
Booked The Vault Bar at Walkers of Whitehall
4.8
A great location for our alumni drinks party. Staff were fantastic and food was delicious, although it did get stuck in one corner of the bar. I felt it was quite full with around 100 people in there, and because of acoustics quite noisy, so I'd advise anyone else booking to cap numbers at 100. We would definitely consider going back again!
MS
Mike S.
Booked The Drawing Room at The Marquis Cornwallis
4.8
The space is isolated from the rest of the pub but still easy to get to plus easy access to bathrooms. The bar itself inside this space is very nice and it feels like you've rented a whole pub instead of just one room. Service staff was very pleasant and very fast. People did not have to wait long for a beverage.