After an event space for a meeting or office bash? Look no further than the City of London. Tucked away between its skyscrapers and medieval alleyways are some wonderful venues for hire, from private dining rooms to decorative halls. Many are located in historic buildings that double as heritage sites and tourist attractions. Others, like those provided by Hire Space, lean more towards the unusual side.
Whether it’s a corporate event you’re putting on or a small-scale function, it’s important that you know what’s out there.
Here are 10 top event spaces in the City of London.
1. Guildhall
Address: Gresham St, London, EC2V 7HH
Nearest train station: Bank
A Grade I listed building dating back more than 600 years, Guildhall provides a formidable backdrop for corporate parties and celebrations. Inside this grand hall are seven flexible function rooms that vary in size, each with a unique setting. Guildhall is regularly used for dinners and receptions, but can also be booked for meetings.
2. Museum of London
Address: 150 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN
Nearest train station: Barbican
As one of London’s most treasured cultural institutions, the Museum of London offers a truly historic setting for conducting meetings and conferences. Its versatile function rooms are suitable for presentations, training sessions, weddings and banquets, and can hold anywhere from 12 to a thousand people. All rooms come equipped with a variety of facilities, including projectors and PA systems.
3. Barbican Centre
Address: Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Nearest train station: Barbican
The Barbican is Europe’s largest performing arts centre, celebrated for its contemporary theatre, dance, art and music. It’s a huge complex made up of various buildings that show screenings, exhibitions, and fashion shows. Visitors have a wide choice of rooms for hire including the Frobisher Auditoriums and Barbican Foyers.
4. City Gardens
Address: Various locations around the City of London
Nearest train station: As above
If the sun is shining, why not take your event outdoors? The City of London has a number of green spaces or pocket parks, great for community events, recitals or fetes. Two popular spaces include the Barber Surgeons’ Garden and St Dunstan in the East (pictured): a romantic spot, just minutes from the Thames. All spaces can be booked via the City of London website.
5. The City Centre
Address: 80 Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5AR
Nearest train station: Moorgate
The City Centre is a go-to spot for all things Square Mile-related, and features a beautiful architectural model of the City of London. It’s as much an information resource as it is an events venue, with multiple rooms that can be hired for conferences, meetings, dinners and receptions. A dedicated team are on-hand providing hospitality, catering and any other event management support that you may require.
6. City Business Library
Address: Guildhall, London, EC2V 7HH
Nearest train station: Bank
Britain’s leading library is a focal point for business information, providing a number of rooms and workspaces for seminars, networking events and drink receptions. The Main Library can hold between 70-100 people, while the smaller rooms come equipped with laptops, projectors and flipcharts. Hire costs start as low as £20 per hour, which makes it a really cost-effective option.
7. 110 Bishopsgate
Address: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY
Nearest train station: Liverpool Street
Add some glamour to your business event, by hiring one of many meeting rooms provided by Landmark on floors 17-19 of 110 Bishopsgate: a commercial skyscraper offering spectacular views of the city from a height of 755 feet. As well as meeting rooms, the building boasts office space and numerous top restaurants like Duck & Waffle and Sushisamba.
8. 1 Lombard Street
Address: 1 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9AA
Nearest train station: Bank
1 Lombard Street is a restaurant, brasserie and bar with a large event space capable of holding 450 standing guests. It’s situated directly opposite the Bank of England, and sports a number of themed rooms, furnished to an impeccable standard, ideal for breakfast meetings, formal dinners, weddings and parties.
9. Baltic Exchange
Address: 38 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BH
Nearest train station: Aldgate
Few buildings in London are more well-renowned than the Baltic Exchange: a major maritime centre and membership organisation. First built in 1923, it’s home to one of London’s most glorious boardrooms, which makes it a popular spot for lunches, presentations and seminars. The boardroom features beautiful leather chairs and mahogany furniture, fitting for that all important client pitch.
10. Banking Hall
Address: 14 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3ND
Nearest train station: Liverpool Street
Another hall for hire, this time in the form of a Grade II listed building with a distinctly Art Deco feel. London’s Banking Hall regularly plays host to weddings and standing receptions, but can also be booked for conferences and exhibitions. Originally the banking hall of Lloyds' head office, it can accommodate a staggering 800 people, and comes highly recommended for its food and drink.
