Senior Planner, Hugo Wright, writes about a selection of his favourite event venues in London:
As the 2024 events season gears up, we have seen a growing number of clients looking for new or uniquely different venues. Be it a corporate client who holds numerous events each year or a private individual celebrating a key life event, there is always demand for something different. The grand re-opening of the National Portrait Gallery last year and the soon to be reopened Orangery at Kensington Palace demonstrate this perfectly, with huge demand for events, and renewed interest in refurbished, re-imagined spaces.
In this blog, I take a look at several venues with unique characteristics that I believe offer a wonderful canvas for London based events.
The Courtauld
Having reopened after an extensive refurbishment in 2021, The Courtauld is a world renowned art gallery and fantastic event venue in central London. Occupying one of the wings of Somerset House, the gallery is a stone’s throw away from Charing Cross and Waterloo, making it easily accessible for guests.
This modern gallery is home to countless masterpieces (including world-renowned works from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists including Manet, Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh), amongst which guests can enjoy a glass of Champagne and a canape, or even an elegant dinner. Large enough to hold standing receptions for 300 guests, you can also hold dinner for up to 60 guests in The Courtauld’s elegant Galleries.
Did you know?
For larger dinners you can hold your canape reception in the Courtauld Gallery and then dinner in neighbouring Somerset House.
Harrow School
Harrow is something special. For over a decade now, the school has opened its doors to private and corporate event bookings and there is a deep sense of history here. A versatile venue, Harrow has 8 unique event spaces, from the intimate, wood panelled, Alex Finch room (dinners for 20) to the imposing Speech Room (awards shows for 500).
Available in the school holidays, the 300-acre site is an ideal location for a company summer party. We love the spacious, rural feel of Harrow, which is hard to believe when considering how close it is to central London.
Did you know?
Look carefully and you may notice Harrow shares a suspiciously striking resemblance to Hogwarts.
Lancaster House
From one venue featured in the Harry Potter films to one that can be seen in countless films and television programmes, Lancaster House is a beautiful mansion in the heart of London that was commissioned in 1825 by the ‘grand old’ Duke of York. The house was a hub of social and political life throughout the 19th century, so it seems fitting that it is often used as a set for period dramas. Many clients love the thought of hosting their event in the same location as the parties of Bridgerton or the drama of The Crown and the ornate interiors provide an exquisite setting in which to entertain.
With neighbours in St James’ Palace and Clarence House, you are in royal company when holding an event in this Grade I listed building. You know you’re somewhere special when Queen Victoria is said to have thought this Georgian mansion was more stunning than her own palaces.
Did you know?
Lancaster House is also home to the Government Wine Cellar, with an estimated 39,000 bottles, worth over £2 million.
St Stephen Walbrook
One of By Word of Mouth’s newest venue partners, St Stephen Walbrook is a gem in the middle of the City of London. Surrounded by modern offices, this church is a slice of history set within London’s oldest district and is known for being the birthplace of the Samaritans charity.
Entering the church, you will recognise the distinctive architecture of Sir Christopher Wren. Whilst many will have visited St Paul’s Cathedral (also available as a London events venue), St Stephen Walbrook is lesser known but with similar architectural beauty. If you want to get ahead of the crowd, move quickly and book your event here with By Word of Mouth before word spreads.
Did you know?
A religious building has stood here since the Romans founded Londinium, with the church burning down in the Great Fire of London before being rebuilt over 7 years.
Trinity House
Trinity House is a venue that By Word of Mouth has worked closely with for many years. Home of the General Lighthouse Authority, Trinity House overlooks another of By Word of Mouth’s venue partners, the Tower of London, providing guests with stunning views from their event.
Inside Trinity House, you will find a collection of elegant rooms designed for entertaining. With exclusive hire of the whole venue, you can hold your event throughout the day with space for lunches or dinners of up to 130 guests. I love this venue as you can forget about the bustle and noise of the city when inside and get lost in the grandeur of hosting your event in this 300-year-old building.
Did you know?
The Master of Trinity House in HRH The Princess Royal.
By Word of Mouth can help you with your venue search and has experience working in a wealth of event venues, both in London and around the UK. Visit our interactive venues page to carry out an initial search which can be submitted to the team as part of your event enquiry.