Small Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Small Venues in London

From cosy private dining rooms and teeny-tiny bars that are perfect for just a few to small wedding spaces that are easy to fall in love with, get ready to adore our collection of London’s loveliest small venues for hire near you. From tiny art galleries to stunning local cafes, you’ll find small places for celebrations, meetings, parties and events. If this is the first time you’re hiring a venue by yourself, the process may seem intimidating. But worry not - it’s actually super easy, and as long as you know what you want out of a venue, you’ll be done in no time. See how easy it is to find your perfect small venue with Tagvenue!

8 Best Types Of Events For A Small Venue

• Baby shower - For the arrival of your little one it’s best to plan a celebration in a charming room that’s just the right size for the number of guests you expect. Baby showers in London are usually intimate events for close friends and family, so it makes sense to choose a sweet small venue. Still looking for inspiration? Hire a petite tea room for a pretty afternoon tea or a small room in an acclaimed restaurant for a memorable private dining event
• Small meeting - When you’re hosting a scaled-down corporate gathering or small team-building activity, it’s more affordable and convenient to hire a small meeting room in central London. Small spaces are also perfect for any type of interview.
• Wedding proposal - Are you planning to propose to your loved one in a magical place in London? How about a small private dining room with astonishing views? With Tagvenue you can find your ideal engagement venue in the blink of an eye. 
• Dinner party - If all you want to do is go out with your friends for a fine dining experience, you can have a small dining room or a big table at a restaurant lined up by today. In case you’re interested, here’s our list of private dining rooms in London.
• Private classes - Are you a tutor, teacher, or coach trying to make your hobby into a business? London classrooms for hire are a great option for teaching a class until you are ready to hire your own office or studio. 
• Birthday Celebration - Whether it's a milestone birthday or a simple gathering with friends, finding the right venue is key to a memorable celebration. Consider cozy cafes for intimate gatherings or lively pubs for a more spirited affair. With Tagvenue, you can discover the perfect spot to toast to another year older.

• Networking Event - Planning a networking event in London? Look no further than Tagvenue for a variety of venue options to suit your needs. From sleek conference rooms in the city center to trendy bars with a relaxed atmosphere, you'll find the ideal setting to connect with colleagues and industry professionals.

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  Art Exhibition - Showcase your creativity in the heart of London with an art exhibition at a unique venue. Whether you prefer a contemporary gallery space or a historic building with character, Tagvenue has a wide selection of venues to bring your vision to life. Explore our listings and book your ideal space for an unforgettable exhibition experience.

Are you still not sure which small space would suit your event best? 

The most popular types of small venues in London

• Small halls – If your guest list has less than three digits, it’s better to hire a hall with a smaller capacity, that way you’ll avoid being charged for space you won’t fully use.
• Bars and pubs – These are splendid for fun get-togethers with your friends or colleagues. Is there anything more blissful than laughing and chatting over a nice cold pint of beer? 
• Tea rooms – A small, dainty space is perfect for creating a relaxing and calm atmosphere. Elegant finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and clotted cream mean it’s time for high tea! What’s more, organising a tea party in London is a wonderful idea for a small bridal shower.
• Small pop-up spaces – Looking for a space for your teensy pop-up shop, or a hip café for a mini art exhibition? London has a host of small venues willing to put on creative events, and Tagvenue is here to help you find them.

How To Hire A Small Venue In London

If all you need is a cosy space that’s very easy to get to, you’ll be delighted to know that London’s centre has tons of these types of venues available. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do to make your tiny space hire a reality:

Think about what you want from your venue. Before you even start your search, you can make a list of your wants and needs. What type of event or party are you planning? Where in London should it take place? How many people should be able to accommodate? Will you need seating, or just standing space will do? When you have all your requirements set out, you can very quickly rank all the venues in your location of choice.

Contact the Venue Managers. Just to make sure about the availability of the small venue in London on the date you want, it’s best to make enquiries as early as you can. Contacting multiple venues that are up to your standards also wouldn’t hurt. The managers will be able to give you more info about their services, answer any questions, and start the process of signing your hire contract.

Finalise the booking. After you have all the details figured out, you can go ahead and sign your booking form. If you’re using Tagvenue, you’ll be able to do the paperwork and the payment online, saving you time for working on other aspects of your event.

Unlocking the Potential of Small Venues

Planning an event in a small London venue can be a fun and rewarding experience. These cosy spaces have a lot of potential, but making the most of the limited room requires some smart thinking and creativity. In this guide, we'll dive into the art of maximising small venue spaces so your event leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're throwing a small wedding, an exclusive party, or a private workshop, these tips will help you make the most of your space without breaking a sweat.

• Sizing up the Space - First things first, get to know your venue inside and out. Check out the layout, and get a feel for its quirks. Creating a detailed floor plan that indicates spots for seating, activities, and any other additions is a great start.
• Seating That Fits - Pick a seating arrangement that suits your event. Whether it's banquet-style, lounge seating, or a cocktail party setup, choose something that makes the most of your space. Make sure guests have a clear view and can move around easily.
• Furniture That Does Double Duty - Go for furniture that's versatile. Folding tables, stackable chairs, and modular seating can be reshuffled on the fly. Need separate zones? Think about using room dividers, curtains, or mobile screens.
• Think Vertical - Don't forget about the walls and ceiling! Hanging decorations, signage, or artwork can add style without eating into floor space. Wall-mounted displays, floating shelves, and pendant lights can help you make the most of that vertical space.
• Smart Tech Solutions - Tech can be a great asset in a small venue. Compact audiovisual gear and wireless setups can keep things tidy. Digital resources and event apps can help you ditch the paper and reduce clutter.
• Interactive Fun and Games - Plan activities and workshops that are perfect for a cosy space. Think hands-on demos, group chats, or interactive presentations. 
• Decor with a Purpose - Add decor and branding that sets the right mood. Keep it practical and stylish. Use colours, logos, and branding to reinforce your event's vibe.
• Catering Tricks - Work with your caterer to whip up a menu that suits the venue. Consider food stations, small bites, or cool dining experiences. Put catering spots where they won't block traffic and keep things flowing smoothly.
• Feedback and Tweaks - Ask your guests what they think so you can improve your planning for the next event. With their feedback in your pocket, you'll keep getting better at throwing unforgettable events in small London venues.

Picking The Right Time

Picking the ideal time for your event can make all the difference. We’re here to help you schedule your event perfectly, ensuring it aligns with your goals and the character of your chosen venue. Let's talk about how to choose the best time to organise your event.

• Understand Your Audience - Start by getting to know your audience. Consider their daily routines, work hours, and favourite pastimes. This knowledge will be your secret weapon in selecting the perfect date and time for maximum attendance.
• Weekdays vs. Weekends - Think about whether a weekday or weekend event suits your audience and the type of occasion you're planning. Weekdays are great for corporate gatherings, while weekends add a casual vibe, perfect for social events.
• Morning, Afternoon, or Evening - Each part of the day brings its own charm to your event. Mornings are great for workshops, while afternoons offer a relaxed atmosphere for social gatherings. Evenings are perfect for more formal affairs like galas or banquets.
• Seasonal Considerations - London's weather can be as unpredictable as it is delightful. Consider the season when scheduling your event. Spring and summer are perfect for outdoor gatherings, while autumn and winter offer cosy indoor options.
• Competing Events - Take a moment to check if there are any major local festivals, holidays, or competing events happening on the same date. You don't want your event to be overshadowed, especially if the event you’re planning is commercial, so choose your timing wisely.
• Lead Time and Availability - Small venues in London are hot property. Make sure you secure your preferred spot well in advance. Some venues offer discounts for off-peak hours or last-minute bookings, so keep an eye out for those opportunities.
• Catering Options - Consider the timing when planning the menu. Brunch, afternoon tea, or cocktail hours each come with their unique culinary possibilities. Collaborate with caterers to craft a menu that suits your chosen time of day.
• Travel and Transportation - Think about how easy it is for your guests to get to and from the venue during your chosen time. Smooth transportation options, especially for evening events, can make a big difference in attendance.
• Event Duration - Determine how long your event should run. Short and sweet works for weekday evenings, while weekend events can stretch into the night for those looking to enjoy an extended celebration.
• Feedback and Flexibility - After your event, gather feedback from your guests about the timing. Stay open to making adjustments for future events based on this input, so you can continue to fine-tune your scheduling choices for even greater success.

With a little thought and creativity, you can craft an unforgettable experience that stands out in London's vibrant event scene. Make sure to check out our Definitive Event Planning Checklist to get more insights on planning the party with attention to the smallest detail!

Always remember that venue managers are there to answer any questions you may have about the offerings of the specific venues. So, let's get started and make your next event a hit!

FAQs about Small Venues in London

How can I save money on an event in London?

You can save money on an event in London by choosing a small party venue, especially if your guest list is not too large. When booking a small space, check if you can also bring your own food and drinks as this can also offer a chance for significant savings.

What kind of small venues can I hire in London?

When hunting for a small party venue in London you will likely find suitable spaces in cafes or coffee shops. You should also check out small sized meeting rooms or studios as well as function rooms and private booths.

How much does it cost to hire an affordable small venue in London?

When hiring a small venue in London, you can find places charging between £10 to £100 per hour. For most locations in the city, however, expect prices to average around £20 per hour. If you are looking to hire a small venue for a flat hire fee, you can find great places between £300 to £1000 per session. Many small venues also offer minimum spend from £50 to £500 per session. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Which parts of London are the best for finding small venues?

You can find perfect small venues all over the city, but if you’re looking for an area with lots of variety, start with Clerkenwell and St Pancras. You’ll find dining rooms, small studios and blank canvases with good access to King’s Cross Station. Fitzrovia has some tiny spaces for meetings and business training sessions.