Pubs with Function Rooms for Hire in London

Pubs with function rooms are great places to have roaring parties on a budget in London. Many of our favourites will have rooms with private bars that can be hired for a reasonable cost. These spaces can accommodate a range of group sizes, including large parties. From ultra-hip breweries serving local lagers to traditional English pubs putting up excellent pub grub, you will have a range of options when hiring these venues.

What to consider when hiring a pub with a private room in London:

• Capacity — Will the private room be able to accommodate all your guests? In London, pubs have small function rooms for 20 or fewer people and large spaces for 100+ guests.
• Room layout – How would you like your guests to be seated? Would it be better to divide them into smaller groups or set up a long family-style table to sit around? Many function spaces offer a flexible room arrangement!
• Catering options — If you'd like to bring your own food, check whether the venue allows outside catering. If you'd like to order at the venue, many pubs with event rooms in London offer unique party packages.
• The drinks — Pub hire in London often includes access to a bar, but not all spaces allow you to bring your own alcohol. Ask the venue manager beforehand if they're OK with it and if that was your plan!
• Prices — Are you looking for a cheap hire option for your next get-together? Did you know that pubs with free function rooms actually exist in London? Some pubs don't have a hire fee—they just give you a specific minimum spend you have to meet.

What are some of the events that private pub rooms are suitable for?

Hiring a pub for a birthday in London is the best way to ensure beer lovers enjoy their special day! Everyone loves a good night at the pub, whether it's your 18th, 21st, 40th, or 80th. 

Team building activities are perfect for private rooms in a pub. Having a few nights where your team can let their hair down and have a great time hanging out with their peers outside the office and partake in fun activities like quizzes or karaoke battles is always a good idea. Here’s our in depth guide to team building activities in London 

Wedding receptions are always unique events full of food, drinks, and dancing, where friends and family will gather to celebrate two people starting a new chapter in their lives. A function room is an excellent choice for smaller receptions and allows you to save money with BYO options.

Christmas parties—when it's cold outside, there's nothing better than knocking back a warming mulled wine or two with friends in a cosy place. Hire a pub with a function room for a Christmas party in London and feel the holiday spirit!

Tips for hosting birthday parties at London pubs with function rooms

Booking pubs with function rooms for a birthday party in London is one of the smartest ways to balance atmosphere, cost, and flexibility—but knowing a few insider tips can seriously level up your event. 

Many London pubs, especially independent ones, don’t charge a hire fee but operate on a minimum spend model—this can range from £300 to £1,500 depending on the day, location, and size—so always ask upfront. 

Midweek or Sunday afternoon bookings are significantly cheaper, sometimes cutting the spend requirement in half. Look for pubs tied to Fuller’s, Young’s, or Greene King, as they often have free-to-hire private rooms if you pre-book food and drinks. 

Check if you can bring your own cake—most allow this without charge, but corkage fees apply if you want to bring alcohol. Some venues provide personalised drinks menus, cocktail stations, or discounted bar tabs—negotiating this directly with the manager can unlock extras like a free welcome drink. 

Always check for sound systems or AV equipment—some function rooms come ready with projectors, mics, or even karaoke machines for free. And remember, choosing a pub near night bus routes or Tube stations like Old Street, Soho, or Clapham Junction makes it easy for guests to stay late without costly Ubers. 

Finally, confirm the license hours—some pubs can extend until 1 or 2 am with advance notice, turning your birthday into a full-blown private party without club prices.

7 Entertainment Ideas for Pub Function Room

Pubs in London have a vibrant atmosphere, making them ideal spaces for private events. But beyond simply hiring a private room, how can you spice up your gathering with unforgettable entertainment and games? Here are 7 ideas to transform your event:  

1. Board Games: Hire a board game pub like Draughts Hackney in Dalston and let your guests enjoy various board games while sipping on beers. Opt for classic pub favourites like Scrabble or Articulate!, or introduce quirky London-themed board games like 'London Underground Monopoly' or 'Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective'.  
2. Pub Poker Tournament: If you choose a pub with a poker table, like Q Shoreditch near Old Street Station, you can host a pub poker tournament for your guests. Offer a variety of poker games, such as Texas Hold 'em or Omaha, and provide a tutorial for beginners. 
3. Karaoke Battle: It's a classic yet always entertaining option for a pub night! Pubs with karaoke machines, like The Fox in Shoreditch, are great for hosting a friendly competition. To add more excitement, you can also create a judging panel or let the audience vote for their favourite performances.
4. London-themed Pub-quiz: Include questions on lost rivers of London, Jack the Ripper routes, or famous pub ghosts.
5. Historic Pub Tour: Start at The Mayflower Pub, Rotherhithe—oldest Thames-side pub licensed to sell overseas tickets (for Pilgrims!)
6. Cockney Rhyming Slang Challenge: Host a game decoding slang like "Apples and Pears" (stairs). Winner gets a pint!
7. London Literature Readings: Perform scenes from Dickens or Shakespeare—many wrote or set stories in London pubs, like The George Inn.

Remember, these are just starting points! Feel free to mix and match elements, add your own creative twists, and tailor the activities to your specific group and pub setting. With some planning and enthusiasm, you can transform your pub function room into an unforgettable entertainment hub!

Historic Pubs in London

Now, you can organise your social gathering in a function room at one of these historic pubs and experience a taste of London's rich past. Let's take a look at some of the best ones:

• Visit Temple Bar London, a quaint establishment with a long history dating back to 1672, to get a glimpse into a piece of the city's rich past. This beloved pub offers a stunning view of St. Paul's Cathedral and features two versatile event spaces.
• Step inside The King's Head Pub in Burlington Estate and be transported to a bygone era. Established in 1710, this traditional-style pub exudes an old-world charm with its antique decor and wooden furnishings.
• 200 years of stories echo within this pub, The Chapel Market Tavern. Now restored, this historic establishment offers a unique atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a pint while imagining the tales of the past.

Whether you're a history buff, a local looking for a cosy pint, or a unique London experience, hiring these rooms at historic pubs can provide the perfect setting for any occasion. So, raise a glass and toast to the past, present, and future of these iconic establishments!