London abounds with venues offering tiered seating. We’ve handpicked a few of our favourites to help get you started
1. ODEON Leicester Square, WC2H
USP Hollywood connections
Max auditorium capacity 1,943
Many celebrity bottoms have occupied the seats of ODEON Leicester Square, which, between hosting star-studded film premiers, is available for private events. There are six auditoriums to choose from, with the largest being suitable to host 1,943 delegates and the smallest 50. Each room, naturally, has a state-of-the-art screen. Plus there’s a licensed bar and on-site catering.
2. Barbican, EC2Y
USP Creative energy and cavernous spaces
Max auditorium capacity 1,950
As you would expect from Europe’s largest arts and conference venue, the Barbican has some of the most sought-after auditoria in London. The 1,950-capacity Barbican Hall is the centre’s most cavernous space. If you’re after something a little more intimate, take your pick from Frobisher Auditorium 1 or 2, which can seat 250 and 160 delegates respectively.
3. The May Fair Hotel, W1J
USP The sheer opulence of it
Max auditorium capacity 201
Granted there are larger auditoriums in London, but The May Fair Hotel’s eponymous theatre is perhaps the most lavish. Its 201 seats are upholstered in Italian leather and hark back to the golden epoch of cinema. This sumptuous space can be used for anything from private screenings to corporate events.
4. The Crystal, E16
USP Its green credentials
Max auditorium capacity 270
One for eco-conscious event planners, The Crystal is a sustainable venue that generates its own electricity. Built by Siemens, The Crystal has a 270-capacity auditorium and seven meetings rooms, plus a 450-capacity exhibition space. Tours of the Royal Victoria Dock venue can be built into event programmes too.
5. Cineworld Wandsworth, SW18
USP London’s first 4DX auditorium
Max auditorium capacity 366
If your delegates need livening up, Cineworld Wandsworth could be for you. Among its 14 screens is London’s very first 4DX auditorium, which offers special effects such as moving seats, lighting and wind – that’ll stop them nodding off. Screens can be hired for as little as £250, and catering is available.
6. 30 Euston Square, NW1
USP Period charm
Max auditorium capacity 300
Its period features may belong to a bygone epoch but 30 Euston Square is a modern venue with nine state-of-the-art meeting spaces, including a 300-capacity auditorium. This venerable establishment has scooped a string of awards over the years and with Searcy’s heading up the kitchen the food and service is first rate.
7. BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, W1J
USP Its charitable ethos
Max auditorium capacity 227
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is a charitable organisation that promotes social mobility within the arts. Central to BAFTA’s work is its 195 Piccadilly headquarters, which has various spaces for hire. Our pick of the lot is the Princess Anne Theatre – a slick, state-of-the-art cinema that can be used for film screenings, conferences and anything in between.
For more venues in London with tiered seating click here.