Best venues for a gala dinner in London

Venues don’t come much more stupendous than Grade I-listed Mansion House, locations in the City near the station of the same name. Check out the lavish Egyptian Hall if you’re planning a large-scale dinner, as it can host nearly 400 amid its towering pillars and decorative domed ceiling.

This luxury Mayfair hotel sits in a perfect spot for you to gather guests from far and wide, and boasts a huge, well-equipped ballroom that seats up to 650 guests, complete with stage and curtains at one end of the room and a private entrance.

There aren’t many better places to hold a fundraising dinner than the Grand Ballroom at The Langham Hotel. Not only is it jaw dropping space, but all the food at the hotel is overseen by culinary director Michel Roux Jr, so you’re guaranteed a meal that will live long in the memory.

The Honourable Artillery Company (or HAC) is well-known for its huge 5000-capacity private hire garden, but inside you’ll find a few large banqueting rooms with more than enough room to host a fundraiser. Well-respected caterer Searcys handles all the food and drink, leaving you in capable hands.

Inner Temple Hall has capacity for 240 dinner guests within its walls, and a talented catering team handles all the food and beverage on the evening, leaving you with less to worry about. From May to July you can also hire the huge gardens - the second largest private green space for hire in the City.

This 18th century Georgian townhouse has a huge range of private event spaces spread over four floors, but gala dinners are often held in The Great Room - a stunning 130-seater hall with domed glass ceiling.

Speaking of impressive venues, they don’t come more impressive than the Houses of Parliament. The historic Churchill Room and Members’ Dining Room are both large enough for a memorable gala dinner, but the more modern, river-facing Terrace Pavilion is also worth checking out.

Goodenough College’s Great Hall is a spectacular room in its own right, with high vaulted ceilings and original oak panelled walls. It has hosted royal visits and ambassadorial receptions in the past, and can be hired in conjunction with the college’s glorious outdoor Quad for summer receptions.

The Westin’s slick, modern Ballroom has room for banquets of up to 200, and includes a private entrance, cloakroom and washroom, providing complete privacy for all your guests. It can be divided too, in case you’re planning a smaller gathering, or you want separate reception and dinner areas.

This stupendous, history livery hall has stood in St Paul’s for over 350 years, and the main hall is ideal for large dinners, adorned with stunning timber floors, carved oak panelling and huge stained glass windows.

What could be more impressive than hosting a fundraiser at The Tower of London? The New Armouries Banqueting Suite has been built for such occasions, presenting a relatively contemporary space that still provides easy access to the more historic areas of the venue. There’s also the more modern Reveller, which looks out onto the Thames through large panoramic windows.

Glaziers Hall’s Banqueting Hall does what it says on the tin, but there are more options inside this impressive riverside venue, many of which boast impressive views of the Thames. We love the London Bridge Arches room as well, situated among the renovated Georgian brick arches underground.

Situated on Level 58 of the City of London’s tallest building, Horizon 22 elevates gala dinners to new heights. Perfect for charity or corporate events, guests indulge in immersive surround sound and exquisite Searcy menus, all while enjoying breathtaking 300-degree views of the city.

If you want to impress, royal palaces are guaranteed to do the trick. Kensington Palace has lots of historic rooms suitable for gala dinners, including the recently renovated Orangery, which features huge arched windows and capacity for 200 seated dinner guests.