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Top Underground Venues in London
Escaping the daily hustle of London’s busy streets isn’t always easy. But if you know where to look, the capital is chock-full of exciting underground venues. From subterranean bars and basement night clubs to atmospheric vaulted cellars and spooky crypts, there’s no denying that London is a great city to explore from below. Scouting for a unique underground venue for your next event? Take a look through Tagvenue's expertly curated list of some of the finest underground venues that London has to offer.
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![Basement at Hoxton Cabin in Hackney Borough, London]()
Basement
60 guestsHoxton CabinOld Street StationHackney Borough, LondonTTom H.
“We did a film screening at Hoxton Cabin and it was perfect. Venue, location and staff all amazing. Thank you!”from £20
hire fee / per hour -
![Basement Bar at Coin Laundry in Clerkenwell, London]()
Basement Bar
90 guestsCoin LaundryAngel StationClerkenwell, LondonCChirag &.
“Awesome venue - great location (Exmouth Market), great downstairs basement bar with good airy feel to it.”from £500
minimum spend / per session -
![Basement Bar at Never For Ever in Kentish Town, London]()
Basement Bar
100 guestsNever For EverTufnell Park StationKentish Town, LondonHHayley H.
“Great venue, fab staff! Communication before event was excellent. Thank you!”from £800
minimum spend / per evening -
![The Crypt at St Anne's Limehouse in Docklands, London]()
The Crypt
150 guestsSt Anne's LimehouseWestferry StationDocklands, London
#Supervenue
SSamantha K.
“I will hire the venue again as it is an inspiring place where you imagine hosting alsorts of events!”from £70
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![Martha's Bar at The Washington in Belsize Park, London]()
Martha's Bar
60 guestsThe WashingtonBelsize Park StationBelsize Park, London
#Supervenue
FFreddie P.
“Great price for a private underground area.”from £300
hire fee / per session -
![The Downstairs Cocktail Bar at LOCKES Bar Covent Garden in Holborn, London]()
The Downstairs Cocktail Bar
150 guestsLOCKES Bar Covent GardenCovent Garden StationHolborn, London
#Supervenue
AAnish P.
“We had the private space booked out downstairs and we loved the vibe and service of the staff!”from £1000
minimum spend / per session -
![The Basement at Old Street Records in Shoreditch, London]()
The Basement
120 guestsOld Street RecordsOld Street StationShoreditch, LondonMMarcus F.
“Great communication Very accommodating Beautiful venue”from £1500
minimum spend / per evening -
![Backstage Basement at The Spice of Life - Soho in Soho, London]()
Backstage Basement
100 guestsThe Spice of Life - SohoLeicester Square StationSoho, London77digital
“Very helpful and communicative staff from the time we booked right through to the end of service.”from £2000
minimum spend / per day -
![The Vaults at Traitors Gate at Traitors Gate Tower Hill in Tower Hill, London]()
The Vaults at Traitors Gate
80 guestsTraitors Gate Tower HillTower Hill StationTower Hill, London
#Supervenue
AAngela
“A great experience with brilliant communication from Cori throughout. Id book this venue again.”from £1250
minimum spend / per session -
![The Basement Club at Queen of Hoxton in City of London]()
The Basement Club
250 guestsQueen of HoxtonLiverpool Street StationCity of LondonJJohn V.
“Booked the venue for 80+ people for a 30th birthday/engagement drinks. Everyone had a brilliant time.”from £1020
minimum spend / per day -
![Basement Bar at The Gallery in West Hampstead, London]()
Basement Bar
80 guestsThe GalleryWest Hampstead StationWest Hampstead, LondonHHelen F.
“Brilliant customer service and attention to detail - wouldn't hesitate to book this venue again.”from £600
minimum spend / per evening -
![The Den at The Alice House West Hampstead in West Hampstead, London]()
The Den
40 guestsThe Alice House West HampsteadWest Hampstead StationWest Hampstead, London
#Supervenue
JJonathan W.
“Venue was great with communication and let us decorate the room. Would defo book again!”from £600
minimum spend / per afternoon
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FAQs about Top Underground Venues in London
London has some of the best underground venues anywhere in the world. Here are some of the best around the city:
Underground Bunker – If you are going for a post-apocalyptic theme party or just want an edgy place to have a party, then consider the Underground Bunker. This space is not just limited to the normal range of bar activities, however. You can host paintball and airsoft events here too!
Games Room – This is a smaller space that can be used for either a chilled party with your friends or for a relaxed meeting with coworkers and associates. This space comes equipped with all of the AV equipment you will need for a fun night or a productive meeting.
Lightbox – Everyone loves a good night out at the club, and Lightbox is one of the finest clubs that London has to offer. This space comes with a top-of-the-line sound system and an incredible array of LED lights that take your clubbing experience to the next level.
London has loads of incredible underground venues located throughout the city. Most of these venues are going to be located around the city centre in areas such as Soho and Covent Garden. Here you will find a variety of bars, clubs, and professional spaces alike, all conveniently organised for you by Tagvenue.
There is not one particular use for underground venues. They come in all shapes and sizes and can host any event from a hen or stag party to an innovative corporate event. There are loads of excellent clubs, bars, and cafes that are under all of the hustle and bustle of the city life. As far as professional spaces go, you will be happy to find many interesting industrial and unique venues to host small to medium sized events that will help give you a new perspective on your business idea.
Shoreditch is known for its vibrant nightlife and creative spaces, offering a range of hidden cellar bars and underground clubs. Soho has an array of intimate basement venues ideal for music gigs and private events. Camden is home to several underground spots that cater to a wide range of tastes, from punk rock dens to secret cocktail bars. Each area provides a unique atmosphere and an array of underground venues perfect for those looking to explore London's dynamic underground scene.
Your Guide to Hiring Underground Venues in London
Here at Tagvenue we’re experts when it comes to the capital’s secret places and hidden corners. That’s why our round up of the city’s top underground spaces is the perfect place to start your venue search. So what are you waiting for? Check out our fave underground venues today – you never know what you’ll unearth!
Discovering London's Underground Venues: A Curated Guide
London offers a treasure trove of unique spaces perfect for every occasion, from underground bars to hidden cellars. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these underground locations promise an unforgettable experience.
Unique Underground Locations in London
- The Mezzanine at Draughts Waterloo - Located beneath Waterloo Station, this venue is a labyrinth of artistic spaces. Known for its edgy performances and immersive experiences, it's an ideal spot for avant-garde events and creative showcases.
- Cahoots, Soho - Step back in time in this 1940s-themed underground bar. With its vintage train carriage seating and wartime memorabilia, Cahoots provides a captivating backdrop for themed parties and nostalgic celebrations.
- The Crypt, Clerkenwell - With a unique blend of history and mystique, the Crypt beneath St. James Church in Clerkenwell is perfect for weddings, wine tastings, and gala dinners. Its ancient architecture and atmospheric lighting add a touch of solemnity and grandeur to any event.
- Nordic Bar, Fitzrovia - Dive into London's cool and quirky underground scene at the Nordic Bar. With a Scandinavian-themed interior and a selection of Nordic beers, spirits, and cocktails, it's a great spot for themed events, birthday parties, and corporate functions that stand out.
- Fabric, Farringdon - A cornerstone of London's nightlife, Fabric's cavernous rooms and advanced sound system make it a prime location for music events, product launches, and corporate parties seeking a vibrant atmosphere.
Top Tips for Planning an Event in an Underground Venue
- Check Transport Links to Venue - Ensure the venue is convenient for all guests, including those with mobility challenges. Consider the ease of access to public transportation and parking facilities.
- Assess the Acoustics - Underground spaces can have unique audio characteristics. Visit the venue beforehand to understand its sound qualities and plan your audio equipment accordingly.
- Consider Ventilation - Good airflow is crucial in enclosed spaces. Verify the venue's ventilation system to keep your guests comfortable throughout the event.
- Illuminate Creatively - Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood. Use a mix of ambient, accent, and task lighting to highlight architectural features and create a welcoming environment.
- Leverage the Venue's Unique Features - Embrace the distinct character of your chosen underground space. Whether it's historical elements or modern installations, these features can serve as a conversation starter and enhance the overall experience.
The Do's and Don'ts of Decorating Underground Event Spaces
Do:
- Utilise Soft Lighting - Soft, warm lights can transform a stark underground space into a cosy and inviting setting.
- Incorporate Textural Elements - Use fabrics, drapes, and rugs to add warmth and absorb sound in cavernous spaces.
- Choose Decor That Complements the Venue - Align your decor with the venue's aesthetics for a cohesive look. Vintage items for historical sites or modern art for contemporary spaces can add to the ambience.
Don't:
- Overcrowd the Space - Keep decorations elegant and minimal to avoid clutter. Remember, the unique architecture and history of the venue are part of the appeal.
- Ignore the Venue's Rules - Always consult with the venue management about what decorations and installations are and aren't allowed.
- Forget About Safety - Ensure all decor materials are fire-resistant and emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.
By following these guidelines, you can unlock the full potential of London's underground venues, creating memorable and distinctive events that resonate with attendees. Whether you're planning a corporate function, a festive celebration, or an intimate gathering, these underground spaces offer a world of possibilities, each with its own story and ambience, ready to be discovered and transformed into your next unforgettable event.
Themed Event Ideas Perfect for Underground Venues
- Speakeasy Night: Capitalise on the clandestine nature of your venue with a prohibition-era-themed event. Encourage guests to dress in 1920s attire and serve classic cocktails for a night of glamour and secrecy.
- Gothic Gala: Use the atmospheric settings of vaulted venues or bunkers for a gothic-themed party. Think candlelight, velvet drapes, and a soundtrack of haunting melodies to set the tone.
- Underground Film Festival: Transform an underground bunker into a cinema for a night. Focus on indie or historical films that match the venue's unique vibe. Provide comfy seating and artisan snacks for a memorable experience.
- Retro Video Game Tournament: A cellar bar's quirky and intimate setting can be the perfect spot for a nostalgic video game tournament. Set up stations with classic consoles and games for a competitive yet fun event.
- Secret Supper Club: Turn a catacomb cafe or vaulted venue into a mysterious dining experience. Keep the menu and location a secret until the last moment, adding an element of surprise that will intrigue your guests and make the event even more thrilling.
Optimising Engagement
To ensure your event or visit to one of London's underground venues is not just memorable but also highly engaging, consider these tips:
- Personalization: Tailor the event to the interests and preferences of your audience. A personalised touch can turn a good event into an unforgettable one.
- Interactive Elements: Incorporate interactive aspects, such as live music, workshops, or games, to keep guests entertained and engaged.
- Social Media Integration: Encourage sharing moments on social media with unique hashtags or photo opportunities. This not only enhances engagement but also promotes your event organically.
- Details on How to Get to Venue: Ensure your invitations or promotions include detailed location information. The hidden nature of these venues means they can sometimes be tricky to find or access for those with mobility issues.
London's underground venues, with their exclusive and hidden charm, offer a unique setting for various events, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. By choosing the right subterranean space and theming your event with creativity, you can offer your guests an unforgettable experience that harnesses the mystique and allure of the city's hidden depths. Whether through Tagvenue or your own explorations, discovering London's underground scene promises adventure and excitement at every turn, making your event a truly privileged experience.
