Your Guide to Hiring Terrace Venues in London
Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back BBQ with mates, an outdoor lunch that becomes an al fresco supper, or classy cocktails in the clouds, we can recommend something that suits. So what are you waiting for? Our fave terrace venues to dine, drink and dance in will guarantee you’re soaking up the sun – and London’s best views – in no time.
Embracing the Seasons: A Guide to Themed Terrace Events in London
Transforming a London terrace venue to align with the season elevates the guest experience creating a perfectly suited event that resonates with the time of year. From balmy summer parties under the stars to enchanting winter celebrations with twinkling lights, the possibilities are endless. Here’s how you can seasonally theme your next terrace event in London, ensuring it's not just an occasion but a celebration of the time of year.
- Summer Soirees: Sunsets and Citrus Scents: Summer events on a terrace can capture the essence of the season with bright, colourful decor, refreshing cocktails, and light, seasonal dishes. Consider a Mediterranean or tropical theme, with plenty of greenery, floral arrangements, and citrus scents filling the air. For entertainment, live acoustic music or a DJ spinning summer hits can keep the vibe lively. As the sun sets, transform the terrace with fairy lights and lanterns, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to dance the night away under the stars.
- Autumn Harvest: Rustic Elegance Amidst Changing Leaves: Autumn on a London terrace calls for a celebration of harvest with a rustic and elegant theme. Utilise the rich, warm colours of the season with decorations in shades of orange, red, gold, and brown. Try using elements like pumpkins, gourds, and dried corn stalks for a cool authentic harvest feel. A menu featuring seasonal produce, such as squash, apples, and pears, alongside warming spiced drinks, adds a cosy feel. Provide blankets for guests to wrap up in as they enjoy the crisp outdoor air, making the event fully comfortable.
- Winter Wonderlands: Sparkling Snowflakes and Cosy Fires: Transforming a terrace into a winter wonderland involves embracing the magic of the season with a sparkling, snowy theme. Decorate with white and silver, adding touches of blue for depth. Utilise faux snow, icicles, and snowflakes to create a chilly yet enchanting vibe. A cosy fire pit, if your outdoor venue is suitable for it, or heaters ensure guests stay warm, while a hot chocolate bar and mulled wine provide comforting beverages. This theme would certainly work well for an enjoyable Christmas party!
- Spring Celebrations: Blooms and Butterflies: Spring events should focus on new beginnings, with floral arrangements and live plants taking centre stage. Use pastel colours for your decor to mirror the soft hues of spring flowers. Incorporating elements like butterflies, bees, and bird’s nests can add charming details to your theme. Menu options should be light and fresh, featuring spring vegetables and fruits. For a special touch, create a flower crown-making station or offer a guided tasting of spring wines.
Incorporating seasonal themes into your terrace event in London helps you create an awesome experience that celebrates the best of what each time of year has to offer. Let the seasons inspire your decor, menu, and entertainment choices, ensuring your event is memorable and harmoniously aligned with the natural beauty of the current season!
Securing the Success of Your Terrace Event: Weather-Proof Solutions for London's Unpredictable Climate
Hosting an event on a terrace in London offers a lovely opportunity to enjoy the city's fantastic atmosphere. However, unpredictable weather can pose some challenges here. This guide provides practical solutions to weather-proof your terrace event, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of the forecast.
- Embrace Flexibility with Retractable Roof Systems: Choosing a London terrace space with a retractable roof system is the pinnacle of weather-proofing for any season. These systems allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds: open-air freshness when the weather is clear and immediate shelter when it turns. This versatility ensures that your event can proceed without interruption, providing guests with comfort and protection!
- Offer Comfort with Heating and Cooling Options: For cooler months, outdoor heaters can add a cosy vibe while keeping guests warm. Consider offering blankets for an extra touch of comfort. During warmer seasons, strategically placed misting fans and ample shaded areas can help manage the temperature, ensuring guests stay cool and comfortable throughout the event.
- Ensure Adequate Lighting for Evening Events: As the evening approaches, adequate lighting becomes crucial, not just for the vibes but also for safety. Weather-proof LED lights, lanterns, and string lights can create an inviting atmosphere while ensuring that pathways and dining areas are well-lit. Opt for waterproof lighting options to avoid any weather-related issues.
- Prepare for Wind with Secure Decor and Structures: Wind can be an unexpected challenge, especially on higher terraces or rooftops. Use heavy bases for umbrellas and secure any loose decorations to prevent them from blowing away. Consider windbreakers or screens that can minimise the impact of strong winds without compromising the view or the openness of your terrace.
- Implement Rain Solutions with Temporary Covers: For rainy forecasts, temporary waterproof covers or marquees can be life-savers. They provide shelter for guests and protect your audio equipment, food, and decor. Clear marquee options can maintain the outdoor feel while keeping everyone dry. Remember to check there's adequate drainage on the terrace to avoid water pooling.
- Communicate with Guests: Inform your guests about the weather forecast for your event. Suggest appropriate attire for the season and let them know of any contingencies in place for adverse weather. This communication can set expectations and reduce any inconveniences on the day of the event!
- Have a Plan B: Despite all preparations, sometimes the weather can be too extreme for an outdoor event. Having an alternative indoor party venue option as a Plan B ensures that your event can proceed without a hitch. Discuss this possibility with your venue in advance to ensure a smooth transition if needed.
By applying these weather-proofing strategies, you can confidently host a terrace event in rainy London, knowing you're prepared for whatever the weather may bring. These solutions not only enhance guest comfort but also ensure that your event remains dazzling for all the right reasons!
FAQs about Terrace Venues in London
How much does it cost to hire a terrace venue in London?
The average cost of hiring a terrace venue in London is between £1,500-£3,500 per session. The price varies depending on the size and location of the venue. If you are looking for a spacious terrace venue in the City, expect to pay from £5,000 to even £30,000 per session. If you are looking for a small terrace in the suburbs, like Putney or Richmond, you can expect to pay around £500-1,000+ per session. (All data from Tagvenue.)
Where can I find some of the best terrace venues in London?
- Clerkenwell is home to lots of stylish venues that come equipped with chic terraces that are perfect for hosting outdoor events. The area also has plenty of beautiful old buildings and cobbled streets, which will create elegant backdrops for your special day. It's also a great place to find traditional English pubs, which are often decorated with old wooden furniture and cosy terraces ideal for summer events.
- Battersea is a beautiful district with plenty of restaurants that offer gorgeous outdoor spaces with stunning views of London's skyline and terraces that overlook the Thames. Battersea is also home to some of London's best parks, which are perfect for hosting a summer wedding. With plenty of green space and trees, this area creates a beautiful setting for hosting your event in a terrace venue.
- Hampstead is home to some of the best summer terrace venues in London. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating areas that overlook Hampstead Heath, one of London's most popular parks. This area is also home to some beautiful Victorian houses with lovely gardens and lots of trees. You can find venues with terraces overlooking this picturesque landscape, which makes for a truly charming setting.
What are some of the best terrace venues in London?
- The Terrace at Studio48 Bar & Kitchen. If you’re planning a wedding, birthday party, or corporate event and looking for the best possible venue that combines both outdoor and indoor spaces—one where guests never get wet or cold even if there is bad weather outside—you've found the perfect location. The venue is situated right by the canal and features 360-degree views of the city. You can observe all the hustle and bustle while enjoying a warm drink in this cosy venue, which can host up to 33 guests for a sit-down dinner or 35 guests for mixed standing and seating receptions with drinks and nibbles. The terrace has windows all around and a roof, for shelter in case of bad weather, so your event will always be protected from Mother Nature's wrath.
- Terrace at Terra Terra. Forget what you thought you knew about terraces. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of North London, you can have your own little slice of heaven without getting tangled in the noise of the city. This is a beautiful outdoor space, designed to be as intimate as possible, and can seat up to 55 guests and 70 people for a standing reception. It has heaters for when it gets chilly out there, so you can make sure your guests are comfortable whether they're seated or standing. Plus, the retractable roof means that when the sun comes out again, your guests have plenty of room to relax outdoors without missing out on any of the action.
- AMP Studios. If you're looking for a venue in London, but feel like you’re stuck with the same old options, we have just the place for you. This spacious blank canvas venue, with a capacity of 250 people standing and 96 seated, is a perfect option if you want to decide your own food and drink, set up a bar if you wish, and decorate the whole venue to match your personal style. The venue is licensed for wedding ceremonies, music, alcohol, performance, films and dancing until midnight. Located just off Old Kent Road, in two railway arches with a generous, uniquely designed pavilion and courtyard space, this venue is perfect for any type of event.
What events can I organise in a terrace venue in London?
You can organise a variety of events in a terrace venue in London, taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor space and scenic views. Here are some popular options:
- Summer Parties: Terrace venues are perfect for hosting summer parties, allowing guests to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor atmosphere. You can arrange BBQs, cocktail parties, or themed summer soirées.
- Networking Events: Terrace venues provide a relaxed and open environment, ideal for hosting networking events, mixers, or corporate gatherings. Guests can mingle outdoors while enjoying drinks and refreshments.
- Wedding Receptions: Terrace venues offer a picturesque setting for wedding receptions, allowing couples to exchange vows surrounded by stunning views of the city skyline or lush greenery. It's a romantic setting for celebrating with family and friends.
- Birthday Celebrations: Terrace venues are great for hosting birthday parties, whether it's a casual gathering with friends or a more formal dinner affair. You can decorate the space according to the theme and enjoy al fresco dining and drinks.
- Product Launches: Terrace venues provide a unique scenery for product launches and promotional events. Imagine showcasing your products against the background of Big Ben or The Shard!
- Yoga or Fitness Classes: Some terrace venues offer space for outdoor activities like yoga or fitness classes. It's a refreshing alternative to indoor studios, allowing participants to connect with nature while exercising.
- Cocktail Receptions: Terrace venues are perfect for cocktail receptions and mixology events. You can set up outdoor bars and lounges where guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails while taking in the scenic surroundings.
Overall, terrace venues offer versatility and flexibility, making them suitable for a really wide range of events and celebrations in London!