If you're planning on taking this year's Christmas party into your own hands, you'll want to forgo the usual pub or bar. Instead, make a blank canvas of your own and check out The Hackney, a large, stylish space in East London, where you can throw a festive shindig big or small.
The building was built in 1860, originally as a brewery, before being turned into a mechanic's workshop. We love its industrial-chic aesthetic featuring four-metre ceilings, exposed brick walls and a huge amount of floor space, which can cater for up to 100 people standing or 60 to 70 seated. Thanks to this, you could host a full-on dance party, starting with festive canapes and cocktails, with a DJ and dance floor. Or, work with a catering partner and plan a three-course meal, perhaps with turkey and all the trimmings, for a traditional feel.
The Hackney has all of the facilities that you might need including a professional, fully equipped kitchen and you're free to work with whichever caterer you like. There's also plenty of AV equipment, with microphones and TV screens, too, which is perfect for an office party where you might want to share end of year results, goals for the year ahead, or even do a fun awards ceremony, congratulating colleagues on their achievements. The Hackney also boasts an in-house cocktail bar which you'll have full access to and private hire of while taking over the venue. The staff know how to shake up a storm and can cater for all the classic cocktails, but you could even think about creating your own festive recipe for the season.
You can hire the venue seven days a week and while there is a licence for music (either DJ or live band) all music needs to be shut off around 11pm, with guests leaving the building at 11.30pm. So be sure to put that on the invites!