Drinks Reception Venues for Hire in London

Who doesn’t love cocktails and canapés? Nothing sets the tone for a great event like a well-planned drinks reception. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated cocktail soirée in Mayfair, a casual rooftop gathering in Shoreditch, or a stylish pre-dinner event in Westminster, London has the perfect venue for every occasion.

A memorable drinks reception isn’t just about the venue—it’s about the experience. From creative drink pairings to entertainment that keeps the energy flowing, here’s everything you need to know about hosting an unforgettable drinks reception in London.

Popular Drinks Reception Ideas

Looking to impress your guests? Here are some creative ways to elevate your event:

• Drinks & Dessert Pairing – Champagne with berries or sherry with carrot cake—because cocktails and sweets are a match made in heaven.
• Seasonal Specials – Refreshing strawberry-basil margaritas for spring, or warm spiced sangria for winter? Yes, please.
• Sky-High Sips – A rooftop venue with stunning city views makes every drink taste better.
• Breakfast Drinks – Champagne and croissants? A little bubbly is the perfect way to start the day.
• Sunset River Cruise – Toast with cocktails while floating past London’s iconic landmarks. Explore boat venues for a Thames-side experience.
• Summer Garden Party – Serve up vintage champagne cocktails, tiered cupcakes, and fresh air.
• Christmas Cocktail Party – Mulled wine, eggnog, and festive décor create the ultimate holiday celebration. You’ll love these festive party venues in London 
• Wine Tasting – Hire a sommelier or book a private wine bar for a guided tasting session.

Drinks reception tips and tricks:

• Welcome guests with a signature drink (think Pimm’s in the summer months and hot apple ciders spiked with rum for chillier days)
• Provide plenty of water, soft drinks and juices for designated drivers and non-drinkers. You don't need alcohol to have a good time, after all.
• Get a venue with a nice atmosphere for chatting. Themed venues are the best for this!
• If you’re hosting a drinks reception outside, make a contingency plan for bad weather.
• Learn something about cocktails yourself! Mixology is a very interesting hobby and you could entertain your guests with info about the drinks you’re having.

Hosting a London drinks reception but haven’t found a venue yet? Whether you’re after a local hangout where everyone knows your name, a traditional British pub to knock back the perfect pint or an upmarket bar where you can live it up like an A-lister, we can point you in the right direction. What are you hosting and when? See how fast you can book one of London’s hottest drinks reception venues today.

Things to Consider When Hiring a Drinks Reception Venue

The right venue can make or break your event. Keep these factors in mind:

• Budget – Decide where to splurge (cocktail menu, entertainment) and where to save. Venue hire costs will be a major factor, so allocate wisely. 
• Event Date – Midweek bookings often come at a lower price. Some venues charge higher fees for peak evening slots.
• Location & Accessibility – Ensure good transport links, parking, and wheelchair friendliness and lift access. Check out these disabled access venues for your event.
• Atmosphere – Chic cocktail bar for corporate drinks? Casual rooftop for graduation celebrations? Choose a venue that fits your vibe.
• Venue Rules – Some venues allow BYO (bring your own) alcohol with a corkage fee, while others require in-house alcohol. There are also no corkage fee venues that you can consider for a budget friendly reception. Know the policies before booking.
• Sound System – Music sets the mood, but make sure it's not too loud for mingling. Ask about volume restrictions.
• Entertainment Options – Want a live band, DJ, or photo booth? Check with the venue about setup possibilities.

Elevate Your Drinks Reception with Interactive Experiences

Turn your event into an engaging event with these activities:

• Mixology Classes – Hire an expert bartender to teach guests how to craft signature cocktails.
• Wine Tasting – A guided session with a sommelier adds sophistication and insight into wine pairings.
• DIY Drink Stations – Let guests build their own cocktails or mocktails with fresh ingredients.
• Friendly Competitions – Host a cocktail-making contest or a blind wine-tasting challenge.

If you’d like more ideas to make sure your party is nothing short of excellent, see our Party Planning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Putting on an Awesome Event!

Non-Alcoholic Delights: Building an Inclusive Drinks Menu for Your London Drinks Reception

Embracing inclusivity at your London drinks reception means ensuring that every guest, regardless of their drinking preferences, can enjoy the festivities with a delightful beverage in hand. Non-alcoholic options have evolved far beyond soda and juice, offering sophistication and complexity to rival their alcoholic counterparts. Here’s how to craft an inclusive drinks menu that leaves all your guests feeling properly taken care of:

• Sophisticated Mocktails: Collaborate with mixologists to create a range of mocktails that are as visually appealing and complex as traditional cocktails. Ingredients like fresh herbs, exotic spices, and homemade syrups can elevate these drinks, making them a highlight of your event.
• Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Leverage the growing range of non-alcoholic spirits available on the market. These products mimic the flavour profiles of gin, whiskey, and other spirits, allowing you to offer non-alcoholic versions of classic cocktails without compromising on taste.
• Craft Sodas and Tonics: Source artisanal sodas and tonic waters that offer unusual flavours, such as elderflower, lavender, or pomegranate. These can be enjoyed on their own or used as mocktails mixers, providing a refreshing alternative to standard soft drinks.
• Infused Waters: Offer beautifully presented infused waters as a hydration option. Cucumber, mint, citrus fruits, and berries can create visually stunning and refreshing drinks that are a far cry from plain water.
• Specialty Teas and Coffees: A selection of high-quality teas and coffee can be a wonderful addition, especially for events extending into the evening. Consider including a range of herbal teas, matcha, or cold-brew coffees for a sophisticated twist.
• Themed Non-Alcoholic Stations: Create interactive stations where guests can customise their non-alcoholic beverages. A build-your-own mocktail bar, for instance, can be a fun and engaging element of your reception.
• Tasting Notes: Just as you might provide tasting notes for wines or spirits, do the same for your non-alcoholic options. Describing the flavours, ingredients, and preparation methods adds an element of interest. It shows that these drinks are crafted with as much care as their alcoholic counterparts.
• Signage and Menu Descriptions: Ensure your non-alcoholic options are clearly marked and enticingly described on your menu. This not only makes it easy for guests to make their selections but also highlights the thought and creativity that have gone into these offerings.
• Training Staff: Brief your service staff on the non-alcoholic menu options so they can provide recommendations and answer any questions guests might have. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff can enhance the overall experience for your guests.

By curating a diverse drinks menu, you ensure that all guests, regardless of their alcohol preferences, can enjoy the celebration to the fullest. Non-alcoholic delights offer a way to make everyone feel included and appreciated, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your London drinks reception!

Top Recommendations for Cheap London Drinks Reception Venues

Lucy Wong is one of our supervenues and is quite literally one of the cosiest corners in London for a cocktail. Its Lounge Area can be hired for an affordable minimum spend rate that has made it a super-popular spot among party throwers.

Another Tagvenue supervenue with 500+ positive reviews and attractive minimum spend pricing is Mala Madre, just minutes away from London Bridge station. Their highly rated communication and value-for-money make it a popular choice.

Our Favourite Picks for Indoor Drinks Reception Venues 

Tucked amongst the chic boutiques and intimate cafés of Shepherd Market, The Market Tavern is a city pub where every drink is poured with a generous serving of quirky personality. Its Chesterfield room is super popular not only for its affordable minimum spend requirement for hire, but also for the recently refurbished, stunning setup and highly-rated service. 

Garden Deli at The Folly is a sanctuary of calm and botanically inspired haven. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & drinks, the Folly can meet your needs any time of the day. Quirky cocktails & a wide selection of wines sit alongside a carefully crafted seasonal menu, whilst music & a late license until the early hours on Thursday & Friday make the folly the perfect place to start & end the drinks reception.

Need some more brilliant ideas? Take a look at our cocktail party ideas for a splendid evening.