Thames Venues - Chelsea to Westminster

The Waterfront
This Young’s pub caters well for up to 100 standing guests. Just as you’d expect from the name, there’s great view across the river. You’ll find an electric and buzzing atmosphere rather than old-school stuffiness.
Juniper Drive, Battersea SW18 1TS, tel: 020 7228 4297, BR:-  FR:-  M:20  D:120  R:100

Hotel Verta
Some arrive by helicopter, others in humble black cabs. However you choose to come, you’ll enjoy it when you get here. There’s a selection of club rooms for parties of between 12 and 200 people, all of which have views overlooking the Thames.
Bridges Wharf, Battersea SW11 3RE, tel: 020 7801 3500,  BR:70  FR:7  M:120  D:120  R:150

Battersea Power Station
This is one of London’s most iconic venues, boasting space for up to 1,000 guests in the Boiler House marquee. Parties here won’t go unnoticed.
Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN, tel: 020 7269 7935 BR:-  FR:2  M:10,000  D:5,000 R: 30,000

Waterside Fulham
Think of your local on a good day, then transport it to a swish wharfside development… this is the result. There’s an abundant choice on the canapé menu, its main room can accommodate up to 100 and the river views are impressive. It’s also the only Thameside pub on the north bank for miles.
Riverside Tower, Fulham SW6 2UB, tel: 020 7371 0802, BR:-  FR:2  M:-  D:100  R:100

Saran Rom
Expect food several cuts about standard Thai pub grub… Saran Rom is fit for Siam royalty, with prices to match. Even its interior was built to replicate the banquet rooms of Bangkok’s famous Vimanmek Palace. It’s spread over three floors and features two bars, a 200-cover restaurant and an outside heated terrace with day beds.
The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf, London SW6, tel: 020 7751 3111, BR:-  FR:-  M:150  D:200  R:400

Wyndham Grand
It’s London’s only five-star all-suite property, and the venue space lives up to expectations. Spring saw the opening of a brasserie serving British classics, with a glass front and terrace looking out over the Thames. The conference and banqueting centrepiece is the Grand Room, which can hold 600 people.
Chelsea Harbour, SW10 0XG, tel: 020 7823 3000, squaremeal.co.uk/wyndham BR:158  FR:8  M:400  D:500  R:800

Battersea Barge
This great-value floating bar, restaurant and club usually hosts stand-up comedy and live acts but can still be hired – even on a Friday or Saturday – if you let them know in advance. An extensive and good-value buffet menu is available.
Nine Elms Lane, SW8 5BP, tel: 020 7498 0004, BR:-  FR:1  M:80  D:100  R:200

Westminster Boating Base 
This charming venue is one of the capital’s secret finds and is often used as a film location. Its Edgson Room has a full-length covered balcony that extends to the river, and is equipped for music and dancing events. You’ll fit 300 guests standing or 160 seated.
136 Grosvenor Road, Pimlico SW1V 3JY, tel: 020 7821 7389, BR:-  FR:2  M:120  D:150  R:300

Park Plaza Riverbank
With its central London location, the Park Plaza Riverbank lends itself to corporate events and conferences as well as weddings and private parties. It has 21 meeting rooms and two ballrooms, but the show-stopper is the Thames Room, which looks out over the river and can accommodate 300 for
a sit-down dinner or 400 for a drinks reception.
18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ, tel: 020 7769 2415,  BR:395  FR:21  M:650  D:540  R:660

This article first appeared in Square Meal Venues & Events, summer 2011