Updated on 07 October 2024
The City of London, otherwise known as the Square Mile, is best known for being a centre point for the UK’s trading and financial service industries. This high-rise area has become synonymous with its sweeping skyscrapers and myriad London landmarks, from St Paul’s Cathedral to the Gherkin, Royal Exchange, Walkie Talkie building and Smithfield Market. If you work in the City and are looking for places in the area to host your Christmas party this year, there really is a huge amount of choice.
The best Christmas party venues in the City range from contemporary spaces kitted out with state-of-the-art technology, to historic institutions where original features and classic cooking abound. To ensure you have every possible option at your fingertips, we’ve included a wide range of venues suited to all sizes, styles and budgets.
For glamorous events, consider hosting your Christmas party at one of the City’s rooftop venues, from The Lookout on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, to the private dining options at Duck & Waffle and SUSHISAMBA, located on the 38th, 39th and 40th floors of Heron Tower. Elsewhere, discover cosy British gastropubs, high-tech gaming venues, Michelin-starred restaurants and a quirky karaoke bar.
Whatever type of Christmas party you have in mind, there’s a venue in the City of London to suit you. Have a scroll to discover the very best, then make sure to enquire as soon as you find one you like. These places are pretty popular and book up fast!
Stationers' Hall, City of London, London, EC4M 7DD
Historic, Grade I listed Stationers' Hall is the place for those wanting Christmas grandeur, with its period timber wall panelling, stained glass windows, and armorial banners hanging from the ceilings. The Main Hall dates back to the 1600s and has room for up to 200 guests, making it perfect for big corporate celebrations and Christmas dinners.
10 College Hill, London, London, London, EC4R 2RP
Nestled in the heart of the Square Mile, this smart but relaxed Chinese restaurant is perfect for Christmas parties that want to keep things low-key this year. Indulge in authentic dishes and an extensive wine list within the comfort of your own private dining room. Although for those who are keen to toast the end of the year with a party, there are karaoke rooms downstairs to round off the night with some of your favourite Christmas tunes.
8 Brown's Buildings, City of London, London, EC3A 8AL
Swing your way to success at this giant crazy golf venue in the City. Private areas range from the intimate President's Committee Room to the stunning Gin Terrace, while epic street food stalls and creative cocktails complete the experience.
Level 3, The Leadenhall Building, City of London, London, EC3V 4AB
Boujie French restaurant Bob Bob Ricard City boasts three private dining rooms for up to 18 guests, as well as two semi-private rooms for smaller groups of eight. Tuck into luxurious French classics, fine wines and Champagne within nautical-themed surrounds.
9 Montague Close, London Bridge, London, SE1 9DD
On the hunt for somewhere large and lavish to host a big group? Glaziers Hall fits the bill with a large-scale Banqueting Hall for up to 300 guests. For smaller teams, the London Bridge Arches offers plenty of atmos, or the River Room is perfect for drinks with fantastic views of the Thames.
31 St Thomas Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 9QU
The City of London is spoiled with skyscrapers, but king among them all is the towering Shard. Knockout views are a big part of Shangri-La's obvious appeal, but the various private hire ballrooms and spaces are beautifully designed too, and festive menus can be tailored to suit whatever sort of party you're planning.
1 Lombard Street , City of London, London, EC3V 9AA
This illustrious restaurant has been serving City dwellers with classic British fare since 1998. From intimate private dining rooms to exclusive hire options, book one of its grand spaces for parties of between 60 and 400.
13 Cullum Street , Fenchurch street, London, EC3 M7JJ
Respected Italian restaurant Bolton's has been a City landmark for over three decades. This is the place to come for Italian Christmas feasting, cosy interiors and generous, old-school service. The team is able to create bespoke menus for your party too, ranging from a la carte to buffet and set menus.
19 New Bridge Street, Blackfriars, London, EC4V 6DB
The Hyatt Regency sits on the former grounds of King Henry VIII's Bridewell Palace, and this stunning venue is well equipped for corporate events - we particularly love the Bridewell Suite, which is well equipped with state-of-the-art AV facilities. The handy spot just five minutes from Blackfriars Station is a handy bonus.
1a Pudding Lane, City of London, London, EC3R 8AB
Located on Pudding Lane, MBER is a seductive pan-Asian restaurant where exceptional service, adventurous dishes and creative cocktails come together. The Retreat, The Snug and The Vault are best for small events, or the Bar can be booked for drinks receptions of up to 25. If you simply fancy a boujie meal out, you can hire a section of the restaurant for a big group.
8 Bishopsgate, City of London, London, EC2N 4BQ
Perched on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate, The Lookout is a stunning rooftop venue with unobstructed views of London’s skyline. Comprising four flexible meeting rooms, a reception area and large main event space, there are plenty of venue options to choose from, while Rhubarb Hospitality Collection offers luxury catering for your event.
1 Poultry, City of London, London, EC2R 8EJ
Gather a group for a round (or two) of mini golf – although not as you know it. This high-tech course cleverly tracks the progress of each shot as you take on themed holes such as Beer Pong, Drumroll and Pipe Dream. Plus, your Christmas party is all wrapped up with a host of festive packages to choose from.
110 Bishopsgate, City of London, London, EC2N 4AY
End the year on a high on the 40th floor of Heron Tower. Duck & Waffle’s jaw-dropping spaces include a restaurant, bar and private dining room for up to 250 people. Of course, iconic views of London’s skyline are all part of the package.
9th Floor, City of London, London, EC2M 2AT
Ultra-stylish Los Mochis isn't your average Christmas party venue - the interiors are more Tulum than tinsel, with potted cacti and foliage hanging from the ceiling, and Los Mochis' signature Japanese Mexican menu eschews the usual turkey and potatoes for cod tempura tacos, grilled octopus with gracamole and crab maki rolls.
1 The Avenue, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 4YP
Bring colleagues together this Christmas with a private karaoke experience at Lucky Voice in Liverpool Street. Each pod can host between six and 25 people, and includes two hours of singing, drinking and munching on festive sharing plates. Warm up those vocal chords and get booking!
1 New Change, City of London, London, EC4M 9AF
F1 Arcade brings together food, drinks and immersive gaming for the ultimate exclusive dining experience. Once you've finished racing your colleagues in a state-of-the-art Formula 1 simulator, enjoy killer cocktails and tasty sharing plates within the comfort of its 90-person private dining room.
30 St Mary Axe, off Leadenhall Street , City of London, London, EC3A 8EP
City of London landmarks don't get much more iconic than The Gherkin, so where better to host your Christmas shindig? Those 360 degree views of London are unbeatable, and Searcys has a huge range of packages to suit all comers, from big Christmas dinners to easy going canapes and bowl food.
20-21 Watling Street, City of London, London, EC4M 9BR
Indulgent Italian food and great wine is a match for the ages, and few do it better than Enoteca St Paul’s. This atmospheric restaurant and wine bar is equipped to host sophisticated Christmas dinners throughout the festive season, with a private dining room that seats 12.
90 Bartholomew Close, Farringdon, London, EC1 7BN
Ibai burst onto London’s dining scene in 2024 to great acclaim. Known for its spectacular French Basque cookery, this upscale but relaxed restaurant can host 12 in its private dining room, or 80 when you hire the whole restaurant. Christmas menus start from £90 per person and centre around its incredible Black Angus steaks.
60 Upper Thames St, City Of London, London, EC4V 3AD
Stylish hotel The Westin boasts spaces large and small for your festive bash, from a beautiful ballroom to smart and sleek private dining rooms. Our favourite is the Hithe + Seek bar, which offers spectacular views of the River Thames.
Guarantee a gorgeous evening amidst the glitz and glamour of SUSHISAMBA’s arresting interiors, from double-height ceilings to a life-sized sculptural tree overlooking the bar. Book for parties of between 40 and 320.
27 Bush Lane, City of London, London, EC4R 0AA
This stylish Cannon Street cocktail bar is always buzzing at Christmas, and boasts a range of spaces for private Christmas hire. The Listing is light, bright and spacious thanks to large panoramic windows, perfect for groups of up to 100, and it offers a variety of Christmas food and drink packages, so you can concentrate on having a good time.
King William Street, City of London, London, EC4N 7HR
Housed in a former bank, The Wolseley City is a venue that exudes grandeur and sophistication, with a beautiful Portland stone facade, vaulted ceiling and Byzantine-style chandeliers. Ideal for groups from 12 to 50, this spectacular venue will bring glitz and glamour to your festive bash.
10 Basinghall Street, City of London, London, EC2V 5BQ
The Sublime Society Room is an elegant space that harks back to the historic society of the same name. Able to host 22 around a long table, and with the option to add a cocktail reception on arrival, it’s a luxurious fit for medium-sized parties.
12 Angel Court, City of London, London, EC2R 7HB
Mint Leaf is an Indian restaurant, lounge and cocktail bar able to host groups of anywhere between 30 and 300 guests! Split across two levels, choose between the main restaurant, mezzanine Champagne bar, private dining room, lounge bar, chef’s table, or exclusive hire.
22 Bishopsgate, City of London, London, EC2N 4AJ
This huge, blank-canvas viewing platform at 22 Bishopsgate boasts some of the best views in all of London. We'd argue that there aren't many more impressive venues to host Christmas in the City of London, and your guests can tuck into proper Christmas grub courtesy of respected caterers Searcys, all whilst gazing out over the city below.
Searching for something a little smaller instead? Take a look at our round-up of the best private dining rooms for Christmas parties in London, where you and a handful of select guests can enjoy stellar food and drink within the comfort of your own exclusive space.
Equally, if your Christmas party plans are the extravagant sort, then skip straight over to our list of the best large Christmas party venues in London. Go big or go home, right? Don't forget, SquareMeal offers a free concierge service to help you in your search. Simply let us know your requirements and we'll do the work for you.
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