Corporate Party Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Corporate Party Venues in London

Get ready to discover London’s huge selection of corporate party venues that are ready to accommodate any type of event. From prestigious hotels and exclusive private members clubs, to elegant banqueting halls and blank canvas event spaces, Tagvenue is sure to have the venue you need. So let us do the legwork for you, while you focus on what matters most, making sure your corporate event is a standout!

Tips and Tricks for Orchestrating an Outstanding Corporate Event:

• Send your invitations at least eight weeks before the big day. Your guests should be given enough lead time to adjust their schedules if necessary. Don't forget to send a reminder one week before the event. It is also a good idea to confirm your guests' attendance at least three days in advance of any event.
• Create a preliminary budget to help determine how much to spend on venue hire, food and entertainment. You should also consider any extra expenses, such as live music or decorations. It is also a good idea to include a contingency budget in case the cost of your event exceeds your original expectations.
• Create a theme for the party. Setting the tone and creating a harmonic look is a great way to create a sense of unity among your guests. It also makes it easier to pick out decorations that match your theme. You can create a theme for the party based on any number of elements, including the decade, season, movies, or even fictional characters.
• Consider the type of food that would be most appropriate for a given occasion. The main consideration here is whether you want your guests to have a sit down meal or prefer that they eat from a buffet. If you're planning on serving full meals, then it's essential to ensure that there are enough tables and chairs for everyone. If you're planning on serving finger food, then it's important that there are enough plates and napkins available so that everyone can easily pick up food and eat without making a mess.
• Organise fantastic entertainment. DJs are always a popular choice for corporate events because they usually play music that everyone knows how to dance to or sing along with — and this means that no one will feel left out! You can also book comedians and magicians if you want people laughing throughout the night. Finally, don't forget about photo booths!
• Don't forget to include branded cocktails or company swag. Incorporating custom cocktails into your event is a great way to impress your guests with thoughtful details and make them remember your company for years to come. If you don't have time to create a custom drink recipe, consider ordering branded drinkware. It could be as simple as a custom-designed glass that matches the colour scheme of your event. 
• Make sure you have a contingency plan in case of an outdoor event, like a corporate picnic or BBQ. The weather is unpredictable, and if it starts to rain on your outdoor event, you need to have a plan to ensure that the fun continues. You don't want your guests to get drenched while they're enjoying themselves!
• Write a checklist of everything you need to do. This will help you stay organised and make sure that nothing is forgotten. You can also use it to write down any last-minute details that come up and get crossed off as they are completed.

Choosing a venue that ties in with your theme makes it easier to save on decorations, food and entertainment. Do you need a winter wonderland-themed venue for a corporate Christmas party, a chic cocktail bar for after-work entertaining or a designer space for a client meet-and-greet? If you're having trouble nailing down the perfect theme, here are some ideas to help you get the juices flowing:

• The 1920s Speakeasy. Art Deco and Gatsby-style glamour with a hint of prohibition era flair. It's classic for a reason! You can't go wrong with this theme — it screams elegance and sophistication. Plus, it's easy to plan around because everyone knows what to wear. This is a great option if you're hosting an event at a hotel, ballroom or another venue which provides everything from tables and chairs to crockery and linens.
• Tropical Paradise Party. A seaside escape complete with surfboards, palm trees, tiki torches, pina coladas and lots of sand on the floor (or at least the option to have it there). The tropical party theme is ideal for events held outdoors in warm weather months or any time you want an atmosphere reminiscent of summertime fun!
• Hollywood Glamour Night. Take your guests back in time with old-fashioned movie theatre snacks like popcorn boxes, candy bars and more! You can hold this event at the theatre, or just hire a venue that has a retro feel like an old-fashioned diner or ice cream parlour. If you want to make it a full-blown party, you can also decorate the venue with vintage cameras and other nostalgic props.
• Game Night Party. This is a great theme for co-workers looking to get away from their cubicles and have some fun! Fill a pub's function room with board games or card tables and set up video game consoles. Hang up classic movie posters, have a beer tap with "Game Night" on it and have fun!

Layout and Seating Arrangements for Corporate Parties in London

From blank canvas spaces to elegant halls and intimate private dining rooms, London has plenty of options for every corporate gathering. Strategic layout and seating arrangements ensure you make the most of your hired venue space. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to arrange your chosen venue and create an engaging environment for your guests.

Blank Canvas Spaces

Blank canvas spaces provide a versatile backdrop for corporate parties, allowing you to customise the layout to suit your needs, whether it's a networking event, an annual corporate party, or an anniversary. Start by assessing the size and shape of the space, taking note of any architectural features or obstructions that may impact the layout.

• Seating Arrangements: For networking events or cocktail parties, consider scattering cocktail tables and high-top stools throughout the space to encourage mingling. Alternatively, opt for long banquet tables arranged in rows or U-shapes for seated dinners to maximise seating capacity while maintaining a sense of intimacy.
• Staging: Use portable staging platforms to create focal points for presentations, live entertainment, or awards ceremonies. Position the stage in a central location with good sightlines from all seating areas to ensure everyone can fully engage with the proceedings.
• Décor: Boost the space's atmosphere with strategic lighting, draping, and décor elements. Soft, ambient lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere, while pops of colour or branded signage can reinforce your company's identity.

Corporate Event Halls and Banquet Halls:

Halls and ballrooms are grand and elegant, perfect for larger corporate celebrations or formal events. With their spacious interiors and high ceilings, these venues provide ample opportunities for creative layouts and seating arrangements.

• Seating Arrangements: Opt for round tables to enable guest conversation and interaction. Ensure adequate table spacing for comfortable movement and easy access to food and beverages. Consider incorporating lounge seating areas for added comfort and relaxation.
• Staging: Take advantage of the venue's built-in stage or risers to showcase keynote speakers, live bands, or entertainment acts. Use professional lighting and audiovisual equipment to enhance the stage, captivate your audience, and elevate the overall production value.
• Décor: Use appropriate decorations, floral arrangements, and exquisite table linens to highlight the venue's natural beauty. Pay attention to details such as chair covers and sashes, to add a touch of sophistication to the seating arrangements.

Private Dining Rooms:

Private dining rooms offer a confidential setting for smaller corporate gatherings or executive dinners. These exclusive spaces provide privacy and personalised service, making them the best for hosting VIP clients or corporate executives.

• Seating Arrangements: Opt for round or rectangular tables depending on the size of your party and desired seating capacity. Consider assigning seating to facilitate networking or strategic conversations, considering dietary preferences or special requirements.
• Staging: While private dining rooms may not have dedicated staging areas, consider including a designated space for presentations or speeches. Utilise portable podiums or lecterns to create a focal point for speakers, ensuring they have adequate lighting and audio support.
• Décor: Embrace the private atmosphere of the dining room with understated elegance and attention to detail. Consider personalised place settings, menu cards, and floral arrangements to create a memorable dining experience for your guests.

Gallery Spaces:

Gallery spaces are a unique location for corporate parties, blending art and culture with contemporary design. These versatile event venues provide a dynamic setting for networking events, product launches, or themed parties.

• Seating Arrangements: Embrace the gallery's open layout by incorporating lounge seating areas and cocktail tables amidst the artwork. Encourage guests to explore the space freely while enjoying food and drinks served at strategically placed stations.
• Staging: Showcase your company's products or services within the gallery space, using pedestals or display cases to highlight key features. Consider partnering with local artists or performers to add an interactive element to the company party, such as live painting or musical performances.
• Décor: Complement the gallery's existing artwork with minimalist décor accents that enhance rather than compete with the surroundings. Focus on lighting design to highlight featured pieces and create a visually captivating atmosphere.

In conclusion, when selecting a corporate party venue in London, thoughtful consideration of layout and seating arrangements can significantly impact the success of your event. Whether you choose a blank canvas space, a grand hall, a private dining room, or a gallery setting, optimising the space to accommodate your guests' needs and enhance their experience is key. By leveraging the unique features of each venue type and incorporating strategic design elements, you can create an engaging environment that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.

Key Considerations for Choosing Your Office Party Venue

• Budget

Setting a budget early helps narrow down choices and can free up funds for extras like drinks and entertainment. Many bars and restaurants offer minimum spend hire, which saves on venue fees while controlling costs.

• Location

Pick a venue that is easy to reach, ideally with nearby public transport. Tagvenue's search features make it simple to filter options by neighbourhood for added convenience.

• Catering Options

Check if the venue provides catering or allows outside options. Offering varied choices, like vegetarian or gluten-free options, can make everyone feel welcome.

• Entertainment

Create a fun environment with venues that offer activities such as bowling, karaoke, or dancing. Choose a spot with options that suit your team's preferences and keep the energy high.

Innovative Team-Building Activities for corporate Parties

Why not incorporate team-building activities into your office party for added excitement? London's diverse venues make it easy to infuse creativity and camaraderie into your event:

• Escape Room Challenge

Encourage teamwork with an escape room experience. Venues like Mission: Breakout offer a thrilling, puzzle-solving activity that brings out the best in collaboration and strategy.

• Cooking Workshop

Host a cooking class in a private dining room. This hands-on activity promotes teamwork and lets everyone enjoy the delicious results of their efforts.

• Art Jamming

Gather at a local art studio and let everyone's creativity flow. Whether creating individual pieces or a collective mural, art jamming fosters communication and creativity.

• Charity Bike Build

Combine fun with purpose by organising a bike-building event. Assemble bikes to donate to charity—a great way to bond while giving back to the community.

Need more ideas? Check out our 30+ Indoor & Outdoor Team Building Activities That Aren't Cringeworthy.

​​Food and Drink Ideas for Corporate Events

Food is a major part of an event, and while there's no end to the culinary options for your office party in London, you have to include food and drinks to ensure that every palate is pleased. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Cuisine Stations

Feature world flavours with Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Middle Eastern stations. It's a fun way to encourage conversation and celebrate diversity. Great for an All Around the World theme. 

• DIY Food Bars

Interactive food bars like taco stations, burger bars, or ice cream counters are a hit, allowing everyone to customise their meal.

• Signature Cocktails & Mocktails

Partner with a mixologist to create themed drinks. Include options for all preferences with cocktails, mocktails, and rich coffee. You can even include a cocktail masterclass while you are at it.

• Local & Seasonal

Support local farms and producers with a menu that showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients—perfect for sustainability-conscious teams.

These tips make planning a memorable office party in London easier than ever. Just make sure to pick a venue that's accessible and offers facilities for you to plan an event easily. On-site catering, entertainment, and event coordination are the most important things to consider when picking your venue. Happy planning!

FAQs about Corporate Party Venues in London

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

The cost to hire a corporate party venue in London depends on the location, capacity and other factors. Lounge bars and restaurants hosting between 50 and 200 people will generally cost between £150 and £1,000 per session. A full buyout of a pub with a capacity over 250 people starts at £1,500 and goes up to £10,000+ per session. These prices typically don't include additional fees such as in-house catering and event packages that could increase the bill by hundreds of pounds. If you are on a tight budget, you can opt for a venue that is operating on minimum spend can be as little as £50-£100. This is an ideal option if you are short on funds. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which areas of London are best for hosting an office party?

The City and Canary Wharf are home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings and landmarks – including the Gherkin and Tower 42. These are ideal locations if you’re looking for a modern and stylish venue to host your event.

If you’re looking for a traditional venue, then why not consider hosting your event in the heart of The West End? This area is home to some incredible theatres and entertainment industry – such as Her Majesty’s Theatre and The London Palladium,  an ideal location if you want to throw a party that will impress guests with its history.

Holborn is perfect if you want something slightly more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of Central London. There are plenty of restaurants with great food options and bars with live music or DJs playing all night long.

What kinds of office party venues can I hire in London?

There are many different options available when it comes to hiring a corporate party venue in London, from private dining rooms with catering and entertainment packages to cocktail bars with a pool table, darts and more. The best way to narrow down your search is by considering the type of event you’re planning. If you’re planning a flamboyant party, you might want to choose a venue that offers entertainment options like karaoke or live music. If you’re looking for a more formal event, then consider booking an art gallery or museum and focus on top-notch catering services. Once you’ve decided, it will be much easier to start searching through venues and find the one that’s right for your event.

What kind of food can I serve at a company party?

You can choose from a variety of dining options, including finger foods, buffet style meals and even sit down meals with dedicated waitstaff. If you want to go down the finger food route, consider whether you want to serve bite-sized finger food or larger portions. The latter is often more suited to a drinks reception or buffet style event. For sit down meals, your options are really only limited by your imagination! Don't forget to consider dietary requirements, especially for those with allergies. If you know that there will be vegetarians or vegans, it's important to make sure you provide a suitable alternative. If you're not sure whether your guests have any special dietary requirements, it's worth checking before the event. When choosing drinks, consider how long people will be there for and what kind of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks would appeal most to your guests.

What are some of the best places to throw an office party in London?

If you're looking for great venues for an office party in London, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of fantastic options depending on your style and budget. 

• For an affordable yet fun vibe, check out spots like PJ's Chelsea Brasserie, just a stone's throw from South Kensington Station. This venue offers a spacious room starting at just £10 minimum spend​
• Another budget-friendly option is The Burgundy Room, on Crystal Palace's main street. This charming Victorian venue with an hourly hire fee of £50 is perfect for small groups.​
• For something a bit more unique, consider Backstage, located in Shoreditch. It's available for a minimum spend of £500 and is perfect for larger groups​ that want to drink, dance, sing and swing.
• If you're aiming for something more upscale, venues like The Fable offer multiple spaces for hire for a minimum spend of £3,000 for afternoon teas, brunches, cocktail receptions and more.

You can explore all these options and more, based on your needs and budget, through platforms like Tagvenue, which allow you to filter by location, price, and capacity to find the perfect fit.