Pubs with Function Rooms for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Pubs with Function Rooms in London

Pubs with function rooms are great places to have unforgettable 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. These rooms can be used for various events, from birthdays to meetings, and can be found in local pubs and more upscale breweries. 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.

They are also an ideal place for parties, gatherings, and corporate events as they still offer a hospitable pub atmosphere while ensuring your event's privacy. There are many advantages to hosting an event in a function room at a pub, as you will have your private service for the length of the party and a customisable menu. Additionally, the venues are very versatile - you'll find pub meeting rooms, large and small function rooms, and even pubs with a dance floor! 

Having dedicated staff for your party is critical to ensuring that your event goes smoothly. Most London pubs have staff ready to attend to your guests. Many of these venues will generally offer catering. However, you may also order catering from the venue or outside vendors.

Always discuss your entertainment options with the venue manager before the event. There may be restrictions on live music or the level at which you or a DJ can play music. Also, always confirm that the function room is equipped with speakers or sound equipment; otherwise, you may need to provide your own.

What to consider when hiring a pub with a function 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. Hiring a function room allows your party to enjoy the classic pub atmosphere without interruptions from a busy night on the town. Fortunately, London has many flavours for their pub scene so that you can choose from cosy party pubs to more elegant gastro pubs with a wide array of craft beers. Cheers!

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 is always a good idea. Some good uses for a pub function room are:

• Pub Quiz Nights – Pub quiz nights encourage peers to collaborate and show off their trivia skills. A couple of pints best accompanies this friendly competition. Covering topics such as music and pop culture is sure to be a hit, and it is an excellent way for coworkers to become closer to one another.
• Karaoke—Karaoke nights are always a good time. Seeing your team members sing their hearts out can even help shy people get up to sing with their friends. Why not encourage group songs for your organisation? Few things are more fun than getting up on stage and singing your heart out with friends.

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.

Breakfasts are a popular choice at many pubs across London. Having a breakfast gathering at one of the pubs listed on Tagvenue is a guarantee of a range of venues with many exciting options for an amazing meal. Whether you are searching for a gastropub with a modern twist on the classic British fry-up or a traditional pub offering full English and strong tea, you'll find something fitting! You can host a breakfast meeting or business lunch if you find a pub room with A/V equipment.

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!

10 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 10 ideas to transform your event:  

1. Host a pub quiz night: While your guests enjoy their drinks and socialise, test their knowledge with trivia questions on various topics. You can include rounds based on London's unique history, local landmarks, historical figures who frequented pubs, or even fictional pub scenes from British literature and movies.
2. Pub Olympics: Hire a pub with games and host a mini Olympics! Games like darts, pool, beer pong, and table football are great for fostering a sense of friendly competition among your guests. Create a point system and award prizes to the winners at night's end. 
3. Beer Tasting Challenge: Test your guests' taste buds and pub knowledge! Blindfold participants and present them with different beers, asking them to identify the type, brewery, or fun facts about the specific brew—award points for correct guesses and most creative descriptions. Offer prizes for the "beer whisperer" with the most accurate palate and the "beer bard" with the most entertaining commentary.  
4. 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'. Organise mini-tournaments, create custom rules with pub-related challenges and offer prizes for the most strategic players and dramatic upsets.  
5. 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. Set up a poker table and provide professional poker chips and cards. Offer a variety of poker games, such as Texas Hold 'em or Omaha, and provide a tutorial for beginners. 
6. 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.
7. Pub Bingo: Create bingo cards with pub-themed squares like "person wearing a hat," "someone orders a pint," or "hears a funny joke." Bingo can be played throughout the night, adding an interactive and engaging activity for your guests. 
8. Poetry Slam: Give your guests a platform to express their creativity with a pub poetry slam. Provide prompts related to your chosen theme, your friend group's interests, or lighthearted topics, and let them showcase their written or spoken word skills.
9. Collaborative Story Building: Start a story about a pub adventure and pass it around the group, each adding a sentence and building on the previous ideas. It's a great way to get the conversation flowing and bring out your guests' creativity. Plus, you never know where the story will go or what hilarious twists and turns it may take! 
10. Murder Mystery Game: Host a murder mystery game at the pub, where guests can take on different roles and work together to solve a fictional crime. With clues, suspects, and unexpected plot twists, this game will keep everyone entertained and on their toes throughout the night. 

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

London's pubs are more than just drinking establishments; they're living testaments to centuries of history. They are not just watering holes; they have witnessed significant events, hosted famous figures, and preserved the cultural heritage of London throughout the years. 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. From small gatherings to more significant events, function rooms offer a blend of history and charm that is sure to impress your guests. So, raise a glass and toast to the past, present, and future of these iconic establishments! 

FAQs about Pubs with Function Rooms in London

Do all pubs in London have function rooms?

It might be rash to say all pubs in London have function rooms. But it’s definitely alright to say that most do! These smaller spaces are designed to offer private events some degree of privacy and space to prepare a personalised experience. You will also find pubs with semi-private areas available, such as mezzanines or open spaces at the back of the venue.

Can I hire a function room in a London pub for free?

Yes! Most London pubs allow guests to book their venue on a minimum spend basis which means no upfront hire fee. Essentially, you are guaranteeing that your event will spend a set amount on food or drink. If you fail to meet this price, you will be asked to pay the difference.

How much does it cost to hire a pub function room in London?

London offers a great selection of cheap pubs with function rooms. Minimum spend pubs in the city often range between £100 and £1,500 per session, depending on the size of the venue. If you wish to hire a private room, fees tend to start around $20 per hour or $50 per day, but the most upscale pubs in London charge up to £7,000+ for a session. Finally, you’ll find many also offer great package deals anywhere between £5 and £200 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which are the best pubs with function rooms in London?

London is known for its great pubs and there are quite a lot of premier venues to choose from. We have a few top-rated options to recommend:

The Regent offers a superb basement bar for gatherings. This space can fit up to 40 people in a cocktail party setting, and is ready to host a wide range of events. Located in lively Angel, this place will be sure to impress your guests.

The George and Monkey located in Clerkenwell has a few spaces, both private and shared for your party. It’s a classic London pub experience where you can kick back and enjoy a pint!

Walkers of Whitehall is a modern take on the classic English pub with luxuriously upholstered benches and atmospheric lighting. Within walking distance of Whitehall Gardens, this is an excellent choice for your next pub party.

Can I hire outside catering or BYOB for a pub with a function room?

This will depend on the venue’s rules. If you have hired it on a minimum spend basis, then you will likely need to buy your drinks from the bar, but you may be able to arrange your own catering. If you have any special needs with regards to catering or BYOB, always check with the venue manager before finalising your booking.