Unusual Venues for Hire in London

Looking for a venue that stands out? London has no shortage of unique spaces—whether you want to party on a boat, dine in a historic museum, or dance the night away in a repurposed warehouse. At Tagvenue, we've collected some of the city’s most unusual venues, so all you have to do is browse, book, and enjoy.

Top Picks for Unusual Venues in London

1. Museum Venues

London's museums offer more than just exhibits—they’re also exceptional event spaces. From hosting an intimate dinner surrounded by ancient artifacts to organising a grand reception in a hall adorned with priceless art, these venues provide a unique blend of culture and history for any occasion.

2. Quirky Hotel Venues

From the legendary elegance of The Ritz to the ultra-modern interiors of boutique hotels, London’s hotel venues offer unique settings for all kinds of events. Some even have themed rooms, rooftop bars, or hidden speakeasies for an extra wow factor.

3. Dry Hire Venues

Want a blank canvas to create your dream event? Dry hire venues let you bring in your own caterers, decorations, and entertainment. Think theatres, industrial lofts, underground spaces, and repurposed railway arches—the city is full of one-of-a-kind spots ready to be transformed.

4. Venues with a View

London’s skyline is a breathtaking backdrop for any occasion. Whether you choose a rooftop bar in Shoreditch, a glass-walled penthouse overlooking the Thames, or a boat cruising past Tower Bridge, a venue with a view never fails to impress.

5. Historic Venues

Host your event in a venue that tells a story. From medieval banqueting halls to Georgian mansions, these historic venues offer unique architectural features, such as stone arches, grand fireplaces, and elegant period details along with 

state-of-the-art amenities for your event. The most stunning options can be found in Westminster, Mayfair, and Covent Garden.

6. Outdoor Hidden Gems

Escape the hustle of the city with a private garden, a courtyard tucked behind a historic building, or a rooftop terrace with a secret bar. They’re great for summer parties, alfresco dining, and laid-back networking events.

7. Floating Venues on the Thames

Want to make a splash? Book a boat venue on the River Thames. From luxury yachts to quirky barges, these floating venues offer a completely different perspective of London and a fantastic atmosphere for any celebration.

How to Find Unique Venues in London That’ll Make Your Event Stand Out

Want your event to be different from the usual hotel ballroom or pub function room? Here’s what to think about when booking:

What Kind of Event Are You Planning?

The vibe you're going for will guide everything.

• For weddings or birthdays: Studios, galleries, or even underground spaces like Aures London give you room to dance, set up food, and create a visual impact.
• Want something elegant or offbeat? Museums, old churches, or converted warehouses add serious charm.
• For work dos: Quirky doesn’t have to mean chaotic—there are many cool venues for networking or product launches.

Go All-In On a Theme

Some venues already come with a retro or immersive setup (think 1920s speakeasy or 80s disco club). If you’re planning a themed night:

• Set a dress code. It makes the theme pop
• Winter party? Go for venues with igloo-style domes or fairy lights
• Casino Royale night? Find a spot with red velvet, chandeliers, and space for card tables

Match the Space to Your Crowd

Many unusual venues are best for small to mid-sized events.

• Hosting a dinner, band, or DJ set? Double-check floor plans
• Bigger venues will cost more, so only size up if you need it

Food and Drink Setup

Not every event needs a full sit-down dinner. Most quirky venues offer:

• Buffet or shared plates – chill, social, and easy
• Bar options:
• Cash bar – guests pay as they go (budget-friendly for hosts)
• Open bar – better for weddings or bigger parties

Some places even let you BYOB or bring in caterers. So it is worth asking about corkage and kitchen access

Entertainment Ideas

Quirky spaces work best when there’s a bit of personality in the entertainment.

• DJs can double as MCs
• Some venues offer in-house entertainment partners, but most let you bring your own
• Just make sure the place is soundproof if you’re planning to go loud

How to Plan an Event in One of London’s Unusual Venues

London has many artistic venues that add a creative twist—from modern galleries in Shoreditch to creative studios in Kensington. 

What Makes Artistic Venues So Special

• Modern or classic: Choose from contemporary spaces or old buildings filled with character.
• Built-in personality: Many venues already feature artwork, installations, or unique architecture—so the vibe is already set.
• Flexible layout: Most spaces can adapt for dinner, dancing, live music, or workshops.

Make It Feel Like Your Event

• Add your own touch: Some venues let you curate a mini exhibition or display art that fits your theme.
• Live art & workshops: Invite a local artist to do a live painting, or set up a DIY corner where guests create something to take home.
• Great for photos: The design of these venues makes them perfect for memorable event photos and social sharing.

Don’t Forget the Logistics

Even the coolest venue needs to tick the practical boxes:

• Is it wheelchair accessible?
• Can you bring your own caterer?
• Do they have sound systems, lighting, or a kitchen?

Is the layout flexible for your type of event?

Outdoor Unusual Venues in London: Garden Parties, Rooftops & More

Want to take things outside? London has some hidden outdoor gems that are perfect if you’re after a fresh-air event with serious charm.

Where to Look

• Secret gardens: Tucked behind townhouses or inside heritage buildings—great for small weddings or chilled private events.
• Historic courtyards: Beautiful old spaces updated for modern events, often with cool contrasts between stone walls and bold setups.
• Rooftop terraces: Host your event with skyline views of landmarks like the London Eye. Great for dinners, cocktails, or networking events.
• Boats on the Thames: Party boats have something really unique—views, fresh air, and a chance to party on the water.

How to Make It Work

• Dress it up (or down): Let the natural beauty of the space shine, or go bold with lighting and colour depending on your vibe.
• Be weather-smart: Transparent marquees or covered seating help if the weather turns. Bonus points for handing out branded umbrellas or cosy wraps.
• Think local: Use London-based caterers, food trucks, or pop-up bars. It adds flavour—literally—and supports the local scene.
• Keep it lively: Outdoor venues are perfect for acoustic music, open-air performances, or interactive entertainment.

What are Some Unusual Venues in London for Weddings?

If you want something a bit different for your wedding, London has loads of quirky and unexpected spots.

• Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration (Covent Garden) – A quirky, explorer-themed venue that feels like a Victorian adventure club. It’s great for fun, theatrical weddings with a twist. It’s located near Charing Cross Station, and the minimum spend is £7,000.
• Sizona Location (Islington) – A bright, 2,000 sq ft loft space with a creative studio feel. Perfect for small, intimate weddings with a modern vibe. You can find it near Old Street Station, from £99 per hour.
• OmVed Gardens (Highgate) – A peaceful, hidden garden venue surrounded by nature. It's a great choice if you're planning a relaxed, eco-friendly celebration near Highgate Station for £660 per hour.
• Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus (St James) – Big, bold, and packed with music history, this is a cool pick for a rock' n' roll wedding. It can hold up to 450 guests. It is near Piccadilly Circus Station, from £15,000 minimum spend.