Coolest party venues in London

Looking for a cool party venue? We've got you covered with our list of tried and tested event venues that are sure to make your get-together go off with a bang.

Updated on 02 September 2024

It is fair to say that we all have different ideas about what makes an event venue ‘cool’ - is it the breathtaking decor that makes for a perfect Instagram backdrop? If so, we already have an entire guide dedicated to the most instagrammable restaurants in London. Perhaps it is the menu of a la mode dishes carefully crafted by a top chef? Or is it just the general atmosphere, buoyed along by friendly staff and a great music soundtrack?

It is also true, that when it comes to London venues, the word ‘cool’ is thrown around a lot, with venues advertising themselves as the latest and greatest place to be seen. So, how can you separate the wheat from the chaff and know which places are actually worthy of your time? Well, not to toot our own horn too much, but we like to think that we have a pretty good eye on what’s cool and trending in London right now.

Whatever your definition of cool is, we hope that when it comes to our list of cool party venues in London, you will confidently agree that they all deserve their place. We know that trend conscious event organisers are always searching for venues that will stand out and leave a lasting impression on guests, which is why we have included a mix of the most unusual, arty, fun and impressive venues that the capital has to offer. At London’s cool party venues, expect the unexpected and prepare yourself for eccentric designs and experiences that promise a party to remember.

Our choice of venues includes spaces that are home to epic live entertainment, gorgeous interiors that are just begging to be photographed and cocktail menus that are on the cutting edge of mixology innovation. Now all you need to do is make sure that your guestlist is just as cool as the venue you have chosen.

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

35 The Market Building,, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF

Covent Garden is often seen as SUSHISAMBA's second site, and whilst it's a different vibe from the high rise Heron Tower location it's no less impressive. An abundance of plants makes SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden feel much more like a jungle, and the menu is similarly superb.

Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 140
London Transport Museum

London Transport Museum

Covent Garden Piazza (south east corner), Covent Garden , London, WC2E 7BB

Striking and full of character, the London Transport Museum offers an impressive backdrop for evening receptions, dinners and glitzy parties. Blending old and new interiors with displays of iconic transport posters and original artwork, the space is a feast for the eyes and a gift to your guests’ Instagram accounts. It also partners with a number of great caterers so you can be sure of good food while you party.

Max Meeting 80
Max Theatre 200
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 150
South Place Hotel

South Place Hotel

3 South Place, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 2AF

This hip City hangout has a number of spaces for partying, but our favourite has to be the Secret Garden. Hailed as ‘Miami off Moorgate’, South Place Hotel’s tropical garden is an outside bar equipped with heaters, blankets and a retractable roof to help maintain paradise climates whatever the weather. The Angler Terrace on the seventh floor is pretty cool too.

Max Meeting 100
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 100
One Hundred Shoreditch

One Hundred Shoreditch

100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JQ

We're huge fans of the event spaces at One Hundred Shoreditch, not least the rooftop terrace and stylish bar. Proximity to Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street is also a huge bonus.

Max Theatre 80
Max Standing 150
Max Banquet 60
SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower

SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower

110 Bishopsgate, City of London, London, EC2N 4AY

From the ride in the Heron Tower elevator to the colourful Nikkei menus, SUSHISAMBA remains one of London's most exciting restaurant destinations. If you want people to jump at a party invite, this is the place to go. 

Max Theatre 200
Max Standing 400
Max Banquet 110
YOPO at the Mandrake

YOPO at the Mandrake

20–21 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T1PG

The Mandrake is a slick boutique hotel in Fitzrovia with a huge variety of great spaces available for hire. We love terrace restaurant Jurema but for top cool marks head to YOPO with its rainforest decor and giant taxidermy ostrich.

Max Meeting 20
Max Standing 130
Max Banquet 60
Lee Valley VeloPark

Lee Valley VeloPark

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London, E20 3AB

With its iconic sweeping roof, fastest track on the planet and the place where Team GB won seven gold medals in the 2012 Olympics, this special venue is sure to inspire and impress. It does lend itself more to conferences, exhibitions and meetings more than rockin’ parties, but we definitely consider it cool enough to feature here.

Max Meeting 1000
Max Theatre 750
Max Standing 1000
Max Banquet 750
The Tower of London

The Tower of London

Tower Hill , City of London, London, EC3N 4AB

If the thought of dining within ancient stone walls that have witnessed almost 1,000 years of siege, ceremony, triumphs, and bloodshed is exciting to you, then you need to find any excuse to hire the historic Tower of London. This World Heritage Site offers a magnificent backdrop for large or unusual events and includes the option to add on extras such as a Yeoman Warder tour or a private view of the Crown Jewels.

Max Meeting 150
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 240
Searcys at The Gherkin

Searcys at The Gherkin

30 St Mary Axe, City of London, London, EC3A 8EP

Views from The Gherkin aren't something you get to appreciate everyday, and Searcys backs up the eye candy with excellent menus and typically generous service.

Max Meeting 140
Max Standing 260
Max Banquet 140

While we really do think that this lot are the coolest of the bunch when it comes to the best party venues in London, you might have a different idea about what 'cool' entails. Maybe you're keen to subvert the typical trend by hosting your event in a traditional setting, in which case we strongly recommend checking out our pick of the UK’s best castles and stately homes for hire.

Or, if you're after a venue that offers a breath of fresh air (literally), then our pick of the best London venues with outside space is a must-read. You'll discover venues that house rooftop gardens, pretty patios, romantic courtyards and riverside terraces. 

Finally, nothing could be cooler than a party with sky-high views of the city (unless you're not great with heights, obvs). To that point, take a look at the best venues with a view in London so you can gaze at the city's incredible skyline while you sip on a cocktail or two. 

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