Seeking a party venue for a summer soirée? Then look no further because we’ve handpicked some of our favourite spaces for sunny occasions
1. The HAC, EC1
USP The City’s largest garden
Capacity 5,000 guests
The Honourable Artillery Company owns bragging rights to the largest garden in the City of London. This vast, green outdoor space is well placed for large summer parties with a bit of teambuilding thrown in – group activities include cricket, croquet, rugby and football. To top it off, the imposing Georgian house provides a handsome backdrop.
2. HQS Wellington, WC2
USP It’s on the Thames
Capacity 220 guests
Sometimes a garden just doesn’t cut it. Cue HQS Wellington, a retired convoy escort ship that’s moored at Embankment and provides a unique spin on outdoor entertaining. Up to 220 guests can mingle on the sloop’s quarterdeck – taking in views of The Shard, London Eye and Houses of Parliament – whilst quaffing The Cook & The Butler’s catering.
3. Sea Containers Events, SE1
USP Epic views
Capacity 150 guests
One of 2017’s biggest openings, this lofty South London venue occupies the upper floors of the eponymous Sea Containers building near Blackfriars Bridge. Summer parties are hosted in one of five spaces, all of which have outdoor access; the Roof Terrace is the most impressive of them all, though, thanks to the views.
4. IET London: Savoy Place, WC2
USP Contemporary urbane swagger
Capacity 200 guests
IET London’s scenic Johnson Roof Terrace occupies a particularly picturesque spot on the River Thames. The low-lit wooden deck has views to Millennium Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and beyond, while the sleek minimalist design offers a black canvas to event organisers. The recent £30m refurbishment (which increased capacity and bought cutting-edge technology) is an added bonus too.
5. Skinner’s Hall, EC4
USP Rich history and homely vibe
Capacity 170 guests
‘The very best of British hospitality: unique, timeless and elegant’. That’s the tag line and it’s hard to argue otherwise: Skinner’s Hall is just that. Built in 1670, the building was home to one of the city’s great livery companies and drips with history, which trickles out to the rooftop garden, an Italianate outdoor space that screams sophistication.
6. Serpentine Galleries, W2
USP Its artistic ethos
Capacity 250 guests
Every year the Serpentine Gallery commissions a leading architect to design a temporary summer pavilion, which is then erected in the middle of Kensington Gardens, between June and October. This shape-shifting summer space can be hired out for private functions and is easily the most ephemeral events space in London, not to mention one of its most inspiring.
None of these ticking all your boxes? We’ve got plenty more ideas for the summer company do