London venues with outside event space

Tucked away through the back of a large 1930s apartment building on Sloane Avenue, Barts is a one-room speakeasy bar with Prohibition era music on the sound system, eclectic cocktails on the menu and a fancy dress box. Open for exclusive hire, with capacity for 80 guests, tables and sections can be booked in early evening and late-night slots within its regular opening hours. In the summer, the venue’s Cuban garden is a popular spill-out space. Caterer Sushi des Artistes offers light bites and appetisers, and a more substantial spread is easily arranged. Make sure your guests know where they’re headed as, in true speakeasy style, its location is a well-kept secret.

The 400-year-old Queen’s House sits pretty in the middle of Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum’s grounds. We love the Great Hall (whose dimensions form a perfect 40ft cube) with its gold-leaf ceiling artwork by Turner Prize-winning Richard Wright. For more intimate events, consider the striking Orangery & South Parlours. After-dinner entertainment might be hosted in the Undercroft, while guests can spill out onto the lawns in good weather.

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The Barrio group ventured to on-trend Brixton for its fourth Latin-themed bar. True to form, the venue delivers well-turned cocktails in a lively and colourful environment, backed by a South American street-food menu. There’s no private dining room, but groups can take over the ground floor and outdoor space. You can hire the venue seven days a week, while live music and other entertainment can be included in event packages.

Up the road from the very home of rugby in Twickenham, there is an old ground waiting to be transformed into a venue for parties, conferences, seminars or teambuilding days. On the outskirts of London, but buffered by 25 acres of more rural land, Richmond Athletic Ground boasts a cantilevered grandstand and a Grade II-listed pavilion, while the old-school changing rooms and rugby-club bars are testimonies to its history. The latter include the Members Bar, which can accommodate 750 if joined by a marquee, and the Sports Bar, which can take 225. The Old Pavilion Board Room is the place for a more intimate meal, seating up to 20.

Christmas at Richmond Athletic Association

Hospitality at Richmond Athletic Association

Italian restaurant group Strada made its name serving fresh pasta and authentically thin and crispy pizzas at a time when they were rarely seen on the British high street. Today, its menus are familiar, but their comforting impact is the same. At the recently refreshed South Bank branch, groups can choose between the main dining room, an outdoor terrace and Foyles, a private area named for the famous bookshop next door.

Built in the 14th century to keep the Welsh out of England, Berkeley Castle now opens its doors to all. Still lived in by its eponymous family, it was recently used by the BBC as a location for Wolf Hall, and makes a monumental setting for weddings and other private events. Chandeliers and illustrated stained-glass windows give the Great Hall the majesty its name demands. The Long and Small Drawing Rooms have statement mirrors and gilt furniture. The building itself is surrounded by eight acres of land, including bloom-filled Elizabethan terraces that are quite the spot for summertime drinks receptions.

With a Fitzrovia location near the BT Tower, Jetlag Bar combines the relaxed feel of a beach bar with a generous dose of urban glamour, creating an unusual backrop for anything from presentations to parties. Professing to combine ‘the best of American service, Japanese quality & Kiwi attitude’, the venue can accommodate 60 people on the ground floor & 100 in the basement. Quirky design touches include original business class airline seats, walls filled with water bubbles & a bespoke glass bar that changes colour according to mood. Other features include a cinema screen with HD projector, an Artcoustic sound system, a bespoke lighting rig & Nintendo Wii. There’s Wi-Fi throughout.

No.11 Cavendish Square occupies an elegant Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse with four floors of event space. The ground-floor Green House offers a verdant spot with a central champagne bar and AV kit for meetings. The venue’s standout space, though, is the light and modern Orangery, which is flanked by a tranquil courtyard garden. The hi-tech Burdett Theatre is the spot for important presentations.

Venue review of Summer parties at No.11 Cavendish Square

Venue review of The Green House at No.11 Cavendish Square

Venue review of The Orangery & Courtyard at No.11 Cavendish Square

Moored on the Embankment next to Blackfriars Bridge, HMS President (1918) offers an impressive variety of function rooms, bars & decks aboard one of London’s most unusual venues for events. The ship’s main Ballroom on the Upper Deck has retained many original features: gun racks, hammock hooks & parquet flooring are still present, while the 2,500sq ft space is pillar-free, making it ideal for large-scale conferences. Floor-to-ceiling windows face south looking out over the Thames, taking in the finest of London’s sunsets as the sun goes down over the city. Speed boats are available to buzz guests up & down the river to work up an appetite, or as a breakout activity.

Tucked away in a garden square off London Wall, the red-brick Barber-Surgeons’ Hall occupies one of the City’s prettiest locations. Its centrepiece is the wood-panelled Great Hall, a bright space with elaborate ceilings and huge windows. The Reception Room, Court Room and Charter Rooms are just as well turned out and show off artefacts from the livery company’s long history. A terrace overlooks peaceful grounds and a medicinal garden.

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The Fishmongers’ Company was granted its first royal charter by Edward I in 1272. Its splendid Greek Revival-style livery hall is rather more recent, built in the 19th century. State-of-the-art AV in the headline space, Banqueting Hall, makes conferences seamless, while the nearby Court Dining Room is a fine spot for private dinners, offering Thames views. Summer events are best held in the Court Room, which has access to a large terrace.

Established as the Apothecaries’ Garden in 1673, this is London’s oldest botanical garden. Its walls now shelter around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal, edible and otherwise useful plants. Hire the garden today and your money is ploughed back into its fertile soils. The options for private events include the Gallery; an outdoor awning; a marquee on the main Garden Lawn; or you can give yourselves the run of the Lower Lawn. Evening events, including candlelit canapé receptions, can be arranged.

Ministry of Sound has nearly 20 years of experience in hosting corporate events. Its spaces range from the multilevel 103 – great for a drinks reception – through to The Box, where a world-class sound system takes production-heavy events to the next level (awards ceremonies, conferences and dinner dances are a no-brainer). The covered and heated Courtyard is the ideal spot for welcome drinks or for use as a breakout zone.

Just across from Tate Modern, next to the Millennium Bridge, glass-fronted Northbank boasts fine river views from all corners. Its modern British menu has a West Country slant, with the likes of Cornish crab tian and slow-cooked oxtail matched to wines from an eclectic list. The restaurant, with its cool chandeliers and quirky wallpaper, can be hired exclusively or partitioned off for smaller events. In summer, the terrace is a sought-after space.

The studios that brought Harry Potter to the big screen can be booked for events. Among the spaces are the Great Hall, a range of interior sets including the Gryffindor Boys Dormitory (housed inside a sprawling studio), and the Platform 9¾ experience. The green screen area enables guests to recreate scenes from the films – such as flying on a broomstick – while experts who worked on the films can be brought in to speak and reveal behind-the-scenes secrets.

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King’s College London will open this updated Georgian venue next to London Bridge station in September 2018, with event bookings beginning 1 October. Its centrepiece is an original courtyard that will be available for large-scale summer receptions and dinners. Around and about, the first-floor Studio has a balcony with views of The Shard, while the purpose-built Theatre has an adjoining breakout space. Access to exhibitions can be added onto any event, with the handsome gallery spaces also able to host more immersive happenings.

This colourful cantina in hip Shoreditch, offers four hireable areas, including an outdoor terrace. The late-night bar is easily adapted to daytime events: there are three screening areas, and all the kit in place for live music, projections and speeches. Teambuilding activities take a more unusual turn, with tile painting, and rum and chocolate pairing. Exclusive hire is an option and the venue stays open till 2am from Thursday to Saturday.

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With retractable floor-to-ceiling windows along its outside wall, this riverside restaurant makes a bright, scenic setting for events. Selling points include panoramic views from Tower Bridge to Canary Wharf and an outdoor terrace for fair-weather drinks. British-leaning menus feature the likes of potted duck, piccalilli and toasted sourdough, followed by roasted cod, creamed king cabbage, bacon and new potatoes. Desserts might include eton mess and lemon posset.

One of the big openings of 2017, this South Bank venue at the top of the Sea Containers building turned heads with its 2,300sq m of event space and killer river views. The Cucumber restaurant is the standout space, but the private dining room – with its balcony and sight line to St Paul’s Cathedral – is particularly popular. Those cityscape views get even better on the roof terrace. Catering is by Green & Fortune: expect seasonal and locally sourced food.

'Fifties Hitchcock’ is how the team at The Pearson Room describe its style – all dark wood furnishings, low-hanging lights and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Canada Square. The menu tours cuisines, and there’s a variety of semi-private event spaces to choose from. The largest is The Vault – good for drinks receptions. The Balcony has panoramic views over the square, while the dining room works well for meetings and business lunches.
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Well patronised by the denizens of Hampstead Heath, this award-winning local deserves its reputation for great food and a warm welcome. Now The Wells has decided to make the most of another of its virtues with the launch of an event planning service for its function space. Across a trio of upstairs rooms in the classic Georgian building, the venue can accommodate a maximum of 24 for dinner, serviced by the much-lauded kitchen. As well as being able to select upmarket comfort food such as confit duck leg and chateaubriand from the pub’s menu, sandwiches and pastries can be ordered from nearby Gail’s Bakery. AV equipment, flipcharts and Wi-Fi can be arranged.

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In the middle of the Thames, between Surbiton, Kingston and Hampton Court, the island of Raven’s Ait offers the convenience of a London location with the tranquillity of the countryside. Weddings, Christmas parties and other special occasions can all be catered for, and there’s a launch to bring you and your party to this private island. There are meeting spaces for groups ranging from 20 to 400. With the Thames at the end of the garden, you can break out into activities like boat racing at any stage. When it’s time to eat, bookers can take advantage of the 320-capacity Marquee, or the three smaller spaces for groups of 12 to 150.

The Brewery is a collection of distinctive spaces that play host to anything from exhibitions and conferences to glitzy award ceremonies, Christmas parties and fashion shows. The standout space is the versatile Porter Tun, one of the largest unobstructed rooms in London. The two-storey Sugar Rooms overlooks an attractive courtyard via arched windows and connects with the King George III room. Quality in-house catering is another bonus.

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For the months of June to August, the City venue’s courtyard will be transformed into a secret summer garden for events. This year, the space will be double the size of previous years, able to hold up to 800 guests for parties.

From its prime fourth-floor position, Plateau enjoys views across Docklands’ Canada Square. Its glass frontage and partially glazed ceiling flood the main dining room with light by day, and show off London’s skyline at night. A covered, heated terrace accommodates alfresco events year-round, while indoor event spaces include a private dining room with its own wine wall. The restaurant also offers wine-matching lessons, cocktail masterclasses and whisky tastings.

Refurbished and extended, this Grade II-listed post-war livery hall mixes historic architecture with state-of-the-art facilities. It’s an impressive venue for conferences, receptions and award ceremonies. The Main Hall is a beautifully panelled space; the overlooking Dining Room can be used separately or in conjunction with the hall; and the Court Room is a stylish reception and meeting option. The stylish garden also provides an alfresco entertaining area.

Hand Picked Hotels’ Hendon Hall is one of north London’s best-kept secrets. Four function rooms range from state rooms in the original house to a self-contained building with its own reception area, bar, recessed stage, cloakroom and kitchen facilities. The elegant Pembroke Suite, which splits into three, can accommodate up to 350 guests. Extensive car parking and good transport links – the M1 is a mile down the road – make the hotel a great base from which to explore the capital. The West End is a tube ride away and Wembley Stadium is nearby. Indeed, the 1966 England team was based at the hotel during their successful World Cup campaign.

Based in the historic Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors building, Roux at Parliament Square is fronted by Michelin-starred Michel Roux Jr. Top-class dishes can be designed for any event held here – be it in the grand Council Chamber and Lecture Hall, which can be transformed into banqueting halls for large events, or in The Library Room for more intimate dining. All 10 function rooms benefit from high ceilings and plenty of natural light.

Events in this British landmark’s historic spaces will resonate with groups both large and small. Situated on a Unesco World Heritage site, the Houses of Parliament confers memorable events for guests: a gala dinner in the Members Dining Room, say, or a more intimate gathering beneath the gilt brass and crystal chandelier of the Pugin Room. Right next to the Thames, the all-weather Terrace Pavilion marquee offers close-up views of the river.

With views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, the RS Hispaniola operates as a sleek restaurant, bar and event space from a permanent mooring on Victoria Embankment. The Main Deck Restaurant serves delicious modern-European cuisine and has a fine wine cellar, while the Upper Deck’s bar can be used for alfresco drinks receptions. Either can be hired exclusively or together for larger events. A private boardroom adapts to meetings or dinners, with AV equipment available.

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On the banks of Regent’s Canal, Granary Square has quickly become a dining destination. One of its leading lights is Grain Store, run by Michelin-starred Bruno Loubet and the Zetter Group. The bright interior, by the ubiquitous Russell Sage, has been designed to unify the kitchen and dining room. The open-plan layout adds theatre to events, and walls lined with ingredients make a great backdrop for feasting. The whole place can be booked for dining, while smaller meetings and dinners can be held in a semi-private space. Breakfasts can be arranged on an exclusive basis, and the terrace is a popular spot for alfresco dining in warmer weather.

One of Drake & Morgan’s earliest sites, three-floor Holborn bar The Fable is inspired by the world of fairy tales and Aesop’s fables – decorative touches such as vintage typewriters and old books set the scene. Aesop’s Table can host smaller groups for board meetings and private dinners: menus focus on locally sourced British dishes. Cocktails can be recreated by corporate groups at one of the bar’s mixology masterclasses. Exclusive use is an option.

This Belgravia landmark has royal connections dating back to its opening in 1910. The family-owned five-star property has a handful of event spaces, all of which are charmingly decorated and well appointed for both business and leisure. The Garden Room is the largest and offers access to your own private piece of the hotel’s handsome garden. The Silver Room – with its handwoven wallpaper – is a fetching space for private dinners.

This charming venue takes its name from the eponymous lead character in Virginia Woolf’s novel Mrs Dalloway – no doubt in homage to the writer’s associations with Bloomsbury. Covered by a monochrome canopy and with a glass exterior wall, the heated outdoor space is suited to drinks parties, and showcases fine wines and British artisan cuisine. We love the design, with its hanging lanterns and rattan chairs – not to mention the abundant foliage.

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Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Madness of King George and The Avengers all used the beautiful Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich as a backdrop. On the site of the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, the college contains many remarkable areas for entertaining, including the Painted Hall with its stunning baroque ceiling, the atmospheric Undercroft and the Upper Hall, which is a great platform for presentations and speeches. The former Quarters of the Admiral President is an elegant, stand-alone Georgian building with views over the river. Other facilities include a skittles alley, a private pier and spacious grounds that can accommodate large marquees.

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New for 2018, this pop-up ‘urban beach’ will be brought to Brick Lane by Awesome Events for June and July, hosting festival-feel summer parties. Barefoot guests will feel the sand between their toes while tucking into superior street food and craft beers from a variety of themed stands. The silent disco and beach games should keep everyone entertained, while VIP beach huts will please the big wigs. Its top Surf’s Up package also includes fun fair stalls and fire performers.

It’s named after the mechanical model of the solar system, so it figures that Orrery on Marylebone High Street should take inspiration for its interior from an observatory. An armillary sphere flanks the entrance, and sunlight floods through large windows into the minimalist dining room, where wooden screens divide the banquette seating. An elegant PDR serves the same French-inspired fare as the restaurant, while things are less formal on the covered terrace.

Every June and July, the Boiler House on Brick Lane is converted into a fun venue for private parties, receptions and casual dining. You can expect to find an even split of indoor and outdoor space, along with a tiki bar, food stalls and dancefloor. Flexible packages cover venue hire, a hog roast, a Pimm’s reception, a DJ and garden games. Extras can include hot tubs and photo booth, while there’s a VIP Garden, available with the high-end Access All Areas package.

The visible red-steel frame of the striking 1920s building is softened by greenery, while low lighting adds atmosphere at night. By day, the ground-floor café, which overlooks a cobbled courtyard, is a good spot for group lunches. Inside, the upstairs restaurant and bar can be hired exclusively, but for intimate dinners book the Mezzanine Room. Further spaces include the art deco Gallery Room and the Beaufort Room with its own bar.

Dating from 1672, this City venue has all the historic character of a traditional livery hall. The oak-panelled Great Hall, with its beautiful 18th-century candelabrum, suits receptions and dinners. The more intimate Court Room suits smaller parties and has a stately home feel, with portrait-lined walls and stained-glass windows. Next door, the bright Parlour is great for smaller meetings or as a breakout space. An elegant courtyard makes summer entertaining possible, too.

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This quirky venue, close to Portman Square, offers groups bags of character, with top-quality homemade catering. The main event space is on the lower-ground floor and comes decorated with street art by the likes of ROA and Shuby. It will hold up to 60 guests for a reception, but we also picture a funky product launch or a 40-person dinner working well. The street-level space, complete with a small terrace, holds around 30 guests standing, or the whole place can be taken over at any time, permitting you have the numbers. Coffee is a speciality and, for those keen to take the venue’s treats elsewhere, its two vintage frozen-yoghurt vans are up for hire.

Beany Green Coffee for Events

Daisy Green Frozen Yoghurt for Events

Home to one of London’s oldest livery companies, Saddlers’ Hall is constructed in the classical style, with period details and furniture. Events from conferences to AGMs, large drinks receptions and banquets can be held in its rooms. The highlight is the Great Hall, with exquisite stained-glass windows and a musicians’ gallery. Multiple breakout spaces provide extra conferencing facilties, while the secluded courtyard can be used for alfresco summer entertaining.

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You’ll find this contemporary Doyle Collection property in the middle of quaint ‘Marylebone village’. Recent additions are the Number Six spaces (two meeting rooms and a private bar), while 2017 saw the completion of The Marylebone Rooms – a set of event spaces designed to have the look and feel of a members club. Expect modern art and colourful furnishings alongside hi-spec AV and a fetching outdoor space. The Marylebone Suite – with its 40sq m terrace – works well for summer entertaining.

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This multi-faceted venue occupies a Grade II-listed East India Company warehouse, housing four distinct bars and restaurants. The New Street Grill is split into two main areas and its plush interiors extend to the private dining room. The Fish Market is less formal: a seaside-inspired space with a terrace. Events can also be held in the venue’s handsome New Street Wine and its Old Bengal Bar, which has a walled courtyard and big focus on cocktails.

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As part of D&D London’s #BlossomCity initiative this summer, Old Bengal Bar is launching a Jungle Book Terrace. Expect themed cocktails and jungle decor.

The refurbished Savoy Place offers increased capacity and cutting-edge tech. We like the idea of the Kelvin Lecture Theatre – with its original mahogany panelling – for presentations and product launches. Check out the Turing Lecture Theatre upstairs for a more contemporary feel. Our favourite spaces are the Riverside Room and Maxwell Library, which have fine views over the Thames. The Johnson Roof Terrace is made for summer parties.

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This arched glass atrium in Canary Wharf soars above 682sq m of marble floor with vast windows looking out towards the waterfront. As well as hosting parties, the venue is suited to exhibitions, product launches and automotive showcases. The 4m x 3m LED screen and sound-absorbing acoustics will please conference bookers. The Gallery suspended above the main floor can be hired on its own, and the multimedia Promenade Room will suit smaller groups.

A warehouse club that hosts all-night dance parties, Egg London handles less frenetic corporate affairs with aplomb. It’s a versatile venue for launches, networking events and themed parties. Cell 200 is suitably self-contained, while The Terrace dancefloor room has a new sound system, dedicated conference facilities and access to an outdoor space. A basement dancefloor room suits fashion shows, and look out too for the Main Room, set to open in May.

Housed within Regent’s University and surrounded by the greenery of the eponymous central London park, Regent’s Conferences & Events offers a range of indoor and outdoor spaces. The versatile academic venue can host conferences for up 370 delegates, while some 500 guests can enjoy the grounds for corporate or private functions including barbecues, weddings and teambuilding days. The venue’s stand-out Tuke Common Room has tall windows and wood-panelled walls that overlook the gardens, offering an impressive space for 80 guests, while the relaxed Knapp Gallery, with room for 60 at a standing reception, houses art exhibitions throughout the year.

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Book a BBQ at Regent’s Conferences & Events and you’ll get a free Pimms reception. Held on the York Lawns from 27 May, events include a two-course BBQ, two-hour drinks package and a marquee. Prices start at £90pp.

The event spaces at the boutique Bingham make the most of the hotel’s delightful location on the banks of the Thames. From the trio of interconnecting Garden Rooms, a glazed corridor leads through to a terrace with landscaped gardens and the river just beyond. Accessed via a private entrance, the spaces can be joined or separated by soundproof doors, accommodating board meetings just as readily as conferences and weddings (the Bingham has a civil licence). The rooms are bright and elegant with a private bar, large windows and French doors that lead onto the terrace, which is covered and heated in winter. Top-of-the-range technology includes plasma screens and intelligent lighting systems. Food is another highlight – the restaurant has a whole host of awards to its name – including energy-boosting lunches to keep delegates focused. A collection of 15 stylish bedrooms caters for overnighters.

Christmas at Bingham

Weddings at Bingham

Kensington Gardens is home to two of our favourite modern art galleries: the Serpentine Gallery and the more recent Serpentine Sackler Gallery. Together, the spaces combine the sense of occasion of a listed building with the coolness of a contemporary art space. The former will host private dinners, while both make formidable spaces for drinks receptions. Come summer, the temporary pavilion is a striking one-off space for standing soirées.

The Grade II-listed Imperial War Museum makes a grand & historic backdrop for events. A number of spaces are available to hire, ranging from a fully equipped cinema seating 200, to a Georgian-inspired boardroom, ideal for small informal meetings. The stellar space however, is the dramatic glass-domed Large Exhibits Gallery & its surrounding balconies, which commonly plays host to evening receptions, balls, dinners, film premieres & launches. When hired exclusively, guests are free to mingle among the exhibits, including a rare Battle of Britain Spitfire, the smallest civilian boat used in the Dunkirk Landings & Ole Bill, a 1911 London bus requisitioned to transport troops. The museum is conveniently located for the City, West End & Westminster, as well as being within walking distance of Waterloo.

Greenwich Yacht Club claims to be the ‘only venue built in the Thames’. Cross the footbridge (or arrive by boat) to the stilted Clubhouse, and you’ll find a glass-clad event space with big windows framing a view of Greenwich Peninsula. Alternatively, there’s the River Rooms: a standalone venue split into three. Start things off in the bar, proceed to the Banqueting Hall for the main event, and then, if it’s warm enough, finish outside on the decked terrace.

Fans of Love Actually may recognise this riverside venue from the 2013 rom-com, but when it isn’t appearing in blockbuster films, Westminster Boating Base acts as a memorable events venue. Set in Pimlico Gardens, the riverside space comes with unobstructed views of the Thames through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Standout rooms include the Pavilion, which extends over the river, and the Edgson Room which comes with a full-length covered balcony. Organisers also have free rein when it comes to theming.

Housed in a grand Victorian building, Corinthia Hotel London offers organisers a stylish venue close to Trafalgar Square. Of its eight meeting rooms (all with HD plasma screens and drop-down projectors) the belle-epoque ballroom impresses most – it’s made for banquets and easily transforms into a conference space. Two elegant restaurants – Massimo and The Northall (see separate review) – have private dining rooms for smaller meetings and parties.

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One of the ancient Inns of Court, Middle Temple stands apart for its unspoilt main Hall, featuring 16th-century heraldic panels, stained-glass windows and a splendid hammer-beam roof. The cosier Prince’s Room comes with an original fireplace and oak-clad walls, while the Queen’s Room has generous garden views (its lawns make a fine spot for summer drinks). Board-level meetings work well within the stained-glass confines of the Parliament Chamber.

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The South Bank’s National Theatre can accommodate a wide range of events, from conferences and dinners to product launches and hospitality in its foyers, restaurants and private meeting rooms. The theatre’s exclusive rooftop events space, with views across the Thames and London, is currently being revamped and will reopen later this year. Events packages can be tailored to include performances, backstage tours, workshops and drinks receptions.

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Information on Hospitality at the National Theatre

This pop-up party space in Stratford offers street food stalls, an open-air bar and a giant outdoor cinema screen. Launched in 2017 the trendy seasonal space is open April to September and is available for private hire. Teambuilding activities can be arranged at its sister venue, ZAPspace Trampoline Park, which is conveniently next door. The nearby Curious Fox bar is also part of the same company and benefits from a late licence.

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Venue review of The Curious Fox

It’s the views that make this venue special: there isn’t a roof terrace in London with a better vista of St Paul’s – a panorama that also includes the Oxo Tower and London Eye. Inside, the contemporary monochrome decor feels right for business lunches. From the kitchen, guests can enjoy American-style hot dogs and crab cakes, while the bar turns out classic cocktails till late. If the weather changes, heaters and parasols help keep the three outdoor terraces pleasant.

In the shadow of St Paul’s, Paternoster Chop House champions hearty British food. While it acts as the location for TV favourite First Dates, its fashionable interiors also appeal to a business crowd. Groups can sit at large tables in the main restaurant or, for something extra-special, in the nearby Temple Bar – a private space atop a Christopher Wren-designed gateway. The restaurant hosts breakfast meetings for up to 35 guests with no minimum spend.

With its contemporary interiors, open-plan kitchen and modern European menu, Gordon Ramsay Group’s two-floor brasserie is a stylish place to play host. The flexible first floor is well set up for events: a private dining room takes care of small seated affairs (either meetings or eating), while the whole floor can be booked for sizeable drinks receptions. Day delegate packages are an option, as are specially designed set menus.

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Found in a former warehouse in Devonshire Square, Cinnamon Kitchen is a landmark for Indian food in London. It offers plenty of space for events, including a covered outside terrace. Its PDR has a window that opens onto the main kitchen, along with AV facilities for meetings. In its bar, Anise, groups can enjoy small-plate dishes and cocktails in open booths. The restaurant team, under Vivek Singh, has won the SquareMeal Canapé Cup many times.

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Information on Cocktail masterclasses at Cinnamon Club

Information on Cookery Masterclasses at Cinnamon Kitchen

Created as a ‘palace of entertainment’ in 1776, members club Home House has rather opulent event spaces. The Front Parlour & Eating Room is a natural choice for multistage events; the two rooms can also be separated for smaller events during the day. The Asylum Room is our pick for intimate private dinners, while in the spacious courtyard garden you’ll find the characterful Winter Marquee, with chandeliers and a hardwood floor.

Art-laden walls and Conran interiors have helped D&D London’s South Place Hotel establish itself as a hip City hang-out. With five dedicated function rooms on its first floor, it’s also caught the eye of event organisers. Hire the five of them together and you’ll have space to invite up to 400 guests for multistage parties. The food is top drawer: Michelin-starred Angler, up on the roof, and the ground-floor South Place Chop House can both be hired exclusively.

Few places in London match the Grand Connaught Rooms for opulence. A bevy of event spaces are split over five floors, from the headline Grand Hall to a string of well-appointed meeting rooms. The former’s soaring ceiling and ornate interiors make a big impact for awards ceremonies, while the adjoining Balmoral suits large-scale standing events. Smaller groups will prefer the penthouse and also its adjoining modern-feel terrace, which offers fine views.

With smart interiors of light wood, exposed brick and glass, the Orangery is the most striking event space at multipurpose venue No.11 Cavendish Square. Full of light by day – thanks to its glass roof – and beautifully lit at night, the space hosts events ranging from lunches and dinners to receptions and networking. Summer events can spill out into the tranquil courtyard garden, which has a living wall and an attractive water feature.

Venue review of No.11 Cavendish Square

Venue review of Summer parties at No.11 Cavendish Square

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Dating from 1670, Skinners’ Hall is home to one of the City’s ‘Great 12’ livery companies, combining stately halls, elegant chambers and homely rooms. Guests enter across a paved courtyard before heading, perhaps, to the Great Hall for a banquet, the Old Court Room for a private dinner or the handsome Court Room for a board meeting. The Roof Garden, with its elegant fountain, suits summer entertaining, while the Outer Hall’s roaring fire makes it a fine choice in winter.

Information on Party Ingredients

With its portfolio of more than 200 meeting and seminar rooms, Imperial is one of London’s largest academic venues, offering a vast choice of conference, training, banqueting and exhibition space. It can also boast excellent transport links, thanks to its central location in South Kensington. Rooms are varied, from the Victorian grandeur of 170 Queen’s Gate to the hi-tech lecture theatres of the Sir Alexander Fleming Building. Its largest conference room, the Great Hall, provides tiered seating for up to 740 and is often used by large associations and blue-chip companies for launches, exhibitions, press conferences and public events. Accommodation can also be provided.

Christmas at Imperial College London

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A restaurant and bar with nine bedrooms, York & Albany embraces both the spirit of Camden and the elegance of Regent’s Park. It serves modern British cuisine and groups can watch the chefs in action from the On the Pass dining area. The Bar and its comfy seating areas can be hired exclusively. In the adjacent stable block, the Wine Bar can host groups for drinks and canapés, while the versatile Gloucester Gate is suited to meetings, lunches or receptions.

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Moored near Temple tube, HQS Wellington offers a memorable backdrop for events. Her prime Thames location gives visitors excellent views of the South Bank, London Eye and river traffic. Its spaces include the wood-panelled Court Room, accessed via an ornate teak staircase; the Model Room, with its collection of antique miniature ships; and the exterior Quarter Deck, which has 180° views. Catering comes courtesy of The Cook & The Butler.

Summer parties on HQS Wellington

For more than 20 years, Le Pont de la Tour has been serving up its classic French cuisine and front-row Thames views. The interior is inspired by a ship’s dining room, while a covered terrace is perfect for alfresco entertaining. Seafood is a strong point – the fruits de mer platter is a highlight. A wine cellar is used for group tastings hosted by the head sommelier. A glass wall separates it and Salon Privé, an atmospheric private dining space with over 300 bottles on show.

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The Butler’s Wharf restaurant has partnered with Thames Limo to offer groups the chance to add a trip down the Thames to their dinner plans. Up to eight people can be accommodated, with prices starting at £700 per hour.

Designed by Soho House Group, The Apartment at The Hoxton hotel is an event space with the look and feel of a flat – complete with Pantry Kitchen, Library, Living Room, Study, Dining Room and Play Room. By day, its multi-use rooms can all host meetings, supported by free wi-fi, huge Samsung screens and break-out space in the kitchen area, where delegates are invited to ‘raid the larder’. At night, organisers can either book individual spaces or take the whole place exclusively and, while the homely interiors create a relaxed backdrop for all sorts of events (private dining with food from next-door Hoxton Grill is a strong suit) the most obvious theme here is the good old-fashioned house party. Summer events can spill out into the 80-capacity garden.

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Home to the Rector of Imperial College London, this Grade II-listed Victorian townhouse in Kensington’s museum quarter serves up elegant backdrops for a range of events, from conferences, photo shoots and receptions to dinners. Flexible facilities can hold up to 90 guests but small groups won’t rattle around either. The Council Room, with its sparkling chandelier, restored period furnishings and historic paintings, provides a grand setting for conferences but is also popular for weddings. Smaller meetings can be held in the Drawing Room, while the cosy Solar Room has views of the courtyard garden, itself a lovely spot for summer parties

Venue review of Imperial College London

Information on Christmas at Imperial College London

Commissioned by James I in 1622 as an entertaining space for court masques, Banqueting House dazzled London’s high society when it opened. You can almost feel the spirit of courtiers who partied beneath the magnificent Rubens-painted ceiling of the Main Hall. This space is an awe-inspiring sight when set for a candle-lit dinner, but the room is also perfect for receptions of 500 and awards dinners for 380 guests. Once enjoyed as a drinking den by James I, the vaulted Undercroft below is an atmospheric space for a cocktail reception or after-dinner party. A list of approved suppliers provides everything from flowers to furniture.

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The former residence of prime minister William Gladstone is now home to the British Academy, which under its venue moniker, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, offers 11 rather grand event spaces for hire. Period features contrast with abstract art and up-to-date tech, providing rooms ready for modern business needs. In 2016, the venue added the book-lined Lee Library to its lineup of spaces, which lends its regency character to evening dinners.

Venue review on 10-11 Carlton House Terrace

This cool indoor-outdoor corner of Bankside is a shoe-in for lively summer events, with a choice of 11 catering options from the on-site restaurants based in the site’s characterful railway arches. Live entertainment can be hired in for either the outdoor stage, in front of a covered terrace area, or the permanent indoor venue Omeara. The site has also proven popular with winter events, particularly at the ski lodge, which can be hired exclusively.

A robata grill is at the heating heart of Roka Canary Wharf. The towering skyline of E14 is the backdrop to an open kitchen serving contemporary Japanese cuisine, including sushi and sashimi, to a fashionable business crowd. The decor is comprised of textures and shades of natural wood. Right next to the signature grill, a chef’s table can seat up to 14. Shielded by weatherproof blinds, and with its own bar, the second-floor terrace looks onto Canada Square and is well set up for events. The venue regularly hosts sushi and whisky masterclasses, and full teambuilding days are easily arranged.

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Information on Masterclasses at Roka

An architectural showcase of etched glass and Portland stone carvings, the Grade II-listed home of the Royal Institute of British Architects is a striking setting for events. The key to its success is its fusion of old and new: a tiered auditorium and grand art deco features are complemented by the facilities of a modern venue. Standout spaces include the light-filled Florence Hall, with its terrace garden and the top-floor Wren Room, which has panoramic balcony views.

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RIBA Venues is hosting the launch of Thomson & Scott Skinny’s new low-sugar prosecco. The drink brand has also been added to the venue’s supplier list

We are sorry to say that this venue is no longer available for events. For any enquiries, contact the venue.

45 Millbank is a Grade II-listed former officer’s mess in Westminster, where up to 200 guests can enjoy the splendour of three restored Edwardian interiors. With views across the Thames, the Banqueting Hall is an elegant high-ceilinged space that is suited to formal entertaining and can be used with the adjoining Red Room, which shares the same period style. More contemporary is the intimate Green Room. The venue also offers three outdoor areas: the Ornamental Garden, the Henry Moore Courtyard and the 1,000-capacity Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground (see separate review), which is surrounded on three sides by acclaimed neo-Baroque architecture.

Venue review of Rootstein Hopkins Parade Ground

Weddings at 45 Millbank

Christmas at 45 Millbank

Stripped down to its post-industrial essentials, this converted warehouse’s cool looks befit its hip east London location. The blank-canvas space comes with advanced lighting, surround-sound systems and trussing. The space can handle music videos, branded consumer events, conferences and big corporate bashes with equal aplomb. For such events, the site layout makes logistics easy, as does the team’s black book of top-notch suppliers.

The Naval and Military Club, generally referred to by its nickname The In & Out, is one of London’s oldest private members clubs. Occupying a Grade II-listed building in St James’s Square, it was founded in 1862 by a group of officers who wanted a home-from-home base in the centre of town. The venue’s wide range of spaces extends to a secluded courtyard that can hold up to 300 for a party, with or without a marquee. Inside, noteworthy rooms include the Astor Room, which has 17th-century wood panelling and a private balcony, and the grand King Harald V Room, which lends itself to banquets and receptions. Ampersand is the sole caterer.

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The home of the Royal Society for Public Health was built in 1775 to neoclassical townhouse designs by the celebrated Adam brothers. Today, its rooms are still true to the original blueprint. The ground-floor Sainsbury and Adam rooms comprise the Adam Suite, which looks onto the secluded Courtyard. A level above, the Harben and Heggie rooms are connected by a gold doorway. Take them together as the Harben Suite and you have a grand space for receptions or meetings.

Set within two Victorian railway arches beneath Blackfriars bridge, Sama Bankside is a vibrant new restaurant, bar and events space. Spanning 550sq m and set over two floors, the industrial-looking venue (with plenty of exposed brick and a polished concrete floor) bills itself as ‘a members club without the membership’, but can also host meetings, dinners, product launches and workshops. Our pick of the spaces is the colourful glass-fronted private room.

This bastion of British produce is popular with City folk who pop over the river for superior steaks and rotisserie-style cooking. Interiors are smart but cosy, and guests can enjoy views over Tower Bridge. Four semi-private dining areas allow groups to take in the atmosphere of the main space. Exclusive events can be held in the bar and grill. In summer, receptions can also spill out onto the riverside terrace. A dedicated events coordinator ensures smooth running.

One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during WWII. Now moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, the ship is owned and managed by the Imperial War Museum. Her event spaces include the Admiral’s Quarters, Ward and Ante Rooms, which all combine historic interiors with modern meeting technology. The Morgan Giles Room and the Ship’s Company Dining Hall are also available to hire and late 2013 saw the addition of a rooftop bar, the Upper Deck. The ship is also licensed to hold weddings and Sodexo Prestige caters for private events on board.

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Sir Christopher Wren’s Royal Hospital Chelsea offers a fine range of event spaces. While the Chelsea pensioners still live within, the listed buildings now house some superior indoor function rooms. Little has changed over three centuries: the striking oak-panelled Great Hall remains a stately setting for banquets. With Old Master paintings on the walls and Thames views, the State Apartments and Wren House make elegant spaces for smaller occasions.

Perched on the roof of No 1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent boasts impressive views towards St Paul’s and the Bank of England. Guests step out of the lift into the venue’s standout space: a rooftop garden designed by Arabella Lennox-Boyd. This is a splendid spot for a champagne picnic when the sun is shining. A bar and terrace can be hired for drinks, dinner and canapé parties, while the inside space can be booked exclusively for breakfast meetings and other business events.

Those looking for a venue with an air of well-heeled Britishness might look to this hotel and members club in SW1. Behind its handsome Victorian façade lie a handful of well-appointed spaces, all with modern decorative touches. Intimate private dinners in its penthouse suite are popular, particularly as guests can make use of its sizeable terrace both before and after dining. The headline Mayfair Suite is the spot for small conferences or standing receptions.

This popular third outpost of the Big Easy group sits on the edge of Canary Wharf’s brand new Crossrail Place. Inspired by 19th-century crab shacks, the restaurant can be hired exclusively for large parties, while three semiprivate bays take care of groups of up to 50 diners. We’re most excited about the Captain’s Table private dining room, which evokes the history of East and West India Company’s rum trading ships. The 26-seater space has vintage chandeliers, wood-panelled walls and an 8m oak table for groups to feast on barbecued ribs and brisket, and Canadian lobsters. During the warmer months, the restaurant’s terrace is available.

Home to Surrey County Cricket Club and a host to international cricket matches, The Kia Oval is justifiably popular for its excellent event facilities, which include a conference centre and roof terrace. It can take large groups for banqueting and offers plenty of smaller meeting rooms – most offer natural light and have views of the pitch. Hospitality packages on match days are another big draw. We like the roof terrace for a pre-game glass of fizz.

Hospitality feature - 'Cricket is Coming'

Chelsea FC’s multimillion-pound live music venue is well suited to events. While primarily designed for gigs, it makes a great spot for parties, gala dinners and awards ceremonies. Decorated with black-and-white photos of British music icons, the industrial-feel space has a number of comfy booths and the option of a roped-off VIP area. The AV kit is cutting edge and its green room will satisfy even the most demanding of entertainers.

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'Challenge Annica Let us entertain you' - feature on Under the Bridge, spring 2014

In Hackney Wick, a 114-year-old cargo boat has become a one-of-a-kind bar, restaurant and venue. Barge East itself was sailed over from the Netherlands, but everything onboard is locally sourced, from the seasonal small plates to the craft beer and espresso martinis. Small groups can enjoy all of these in the Captain’s Cabin. For bigger groups, exclusive use means you can spread across the cosy lower deck and covered top deck, and even out into an amphitheatre on the bank.

Bloomsbury’s Grade II-listed De Morgan House is home to the London Mathematical Society. This year saw the addition of the Cartwright Boardroom and the Rayleigh Room. The former overlooks Russell Square, while both benefit from period features and state-of-the-art AV. Other rooms work well for away days, press conferences, and receptions. The latest AV kit and wi-fi can be found throughout, and food is by green-leaning Eden Caterers. Not-for-profit organisations can get a 20% discount on room hire.

Modern music-arts-restaurant hub Kings Place has been a prime mover in the regeneration of King’s Cross. Kings Place Events offers its hi-spec function rooms for private hire, including the Hall One auditorium, with its outstanding acoustics, and the Battlebridge Room, which looks out across Regent’s Canal. Available for exclusive use, the venue also houses the Rotunda restaurant, which has a large terrace for summer entertaining.

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Not to be confused with the home of Surrey County Cricket Club, this hip east London venue welcomes a spectrum of events, from conferences to raves – and brands love it as a spot to launch products. Located in buzzing Bethnal Green, the hangar-style space affords bookers 6,000sq ft to play with, so you’ll comfortably have room for up to 1,000 people for a standing event or 500 seated. Those with a specific decorative theme in mind will particularly enjoy its blank-canvas aesthetic. There’s also the smaller Shutter Space – with room for 80 seated guests – and a terrace, which will hold up to 150 guests for an outdoor cocktail reception.

Christmas at Oval Space

In the centre of the City, the newly refurbed Anthologist bar is a natural choice for post-work drinks and dinners. But it also doubles as a popular spot for breakfast meetings, conferences and teambuilding activities such as cocktail masterclasses. The 1950s-inspired private dining room has its own kitchen that can be transformed into a bar, while the mezzanine is a great spot for drinks receptions. Menus span mezze boards to steaks and Asian-style salads.

Walk into this slick hotel’s lobby and you’ll find groups of creatives working on Macbooks. But The Rooftop, with its variety of different light-filled spaces, is where to look for private events. The largest of the bunch is the AV-ready 100 Room, which has proven as popular for banquets as it has techy product launches. Summer brings the rooftop bar and terrace into focus, where guests can enjoy views out across Shoreditch.

This famous City-based museum can handle anything from Christmas dinners to AGMs. Presentations and screenings are best held in the tiered Weston Room, but if you’re planning a soirée, look first to the Entrance Hall. A drinks reception should work nicely around its futuristic bar before guests move through to the large Sackler Hall, with its 360° digital screen. For summer parties, the Terrace Rooms have direct access to the Rotunda Gardens.

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Organise a spring event in the Entrance Hall and Sackler Hall, and guests will also get the chance to enjoy free access to the temporary display dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of Votes for Women. Minimum numbers apply. 

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With nearly 3,000sq m of space to play with on a campus of nearly an acre, this industrial-feel venue has nine large, contemporary rooms leading off from a central courtyard and restaurant. All spaces have high ceilings and provide a blank canvas for a range of events, from themed parties to teambuilding. Conferencing clients include Rolls-Royce, Google and Yves Saint Laurent. The space is used for shoots, so lighting, stage and AV are easily arranged.

The ribbon was cut on a property-wide refurbishment at the end of 2017, breathing new life into this impressive Lutyens-designed hotel. 1930s architecture now combines with contemporary Martin Brudnizki interiors. The most impressive event spaces are the George V and Queen Mary ballrooms: meetings, banquets and formal receptions can be held under their lofty ceilings. For more casual affairs, look to the deco-style Coral Room bar.

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Steeped in history, the Home of Cricket has a bevy of characterful event spaces. Starting off in the Victorian Grade II*-listed Pavilion, organisers will find the Long Room, with its high ceilings and historic artwork. Next door, the world’s oldest sports museum is a popular place to host drinks receptions. Perhaps as recognisable as the Pavilion is the JP Morgan Media Centre, a choice spot for entertaining, with arguably the ground’s best views.

This Grade II*-listed building features a formidable portfolio of event spaces. Its 24 meeting rooms all benefit from natural light and range in style from traditional to contemporary. The auditorium benefits from the latest 3D projection technology, while the two State Rooms on the fifth floor give access to the Rooftop Terrace, with views across London. With Searcys leading the catering, you can expect high-quality food and service.
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Enter The Hari and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into a cool five-star hotel in east London. Its eclectic furniture and clean lines are a refreshing contrast to many of Belgravia’s more traditional hotels. This is best shown off in the Snug, with its modern members club feel – the place for brainstorming or breakout sessions. Elsewhere, the Muse’s floor-to-ceiling windows and fireplace make a relaxing setting for board meetings and private dinners.

The Johnson Roof Terrace at the refurbished IET London: Savoy Place offers up a memorable Thames backdrop for barbecues and summer parties. It makes a fine extension for events taking place in the adjoining third-floor Riverside Room – the place for large-scale networking events, receptions and dinners. Stages and dancefloors are easily set up and, for smaller groups, the room can be split into five spaces. It has its own private balcony too.

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Telling the story of London’s river and port, the Museum of London Docklands spreads over five floors of a splendid Grade I-listed Georgian warehouse. Its pine columns and floors sit alongside contemporary fittings, producing a spacious and atmospheric feel. Facilities include a boardroom, along with three other spaces that work well for daytime events. By night, guests can also enjoy receptions and dinners in one or more of the museum’s 11 galleries.

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Book a daytime event on a DDR, and the afternoon tea and coffee service will be upgraded to include Easter cupcakes. Valid from 15 March to 13 April 2018.

Venue review of Museum of London

Brought to you by the team that subsequently dreamt up Sketch, nearby Momo is a little bastion of North African cool tucked off Regent Street. Moroccan dishes are served in seductive candle-lit interiors inspired by Marrakech’s souks and riads. The venue is split into three atmospheric event spaces – restaurant, bar and café – all of which suit relaxed entertaining. The restaurant holds up to 120 for a sit-down dinner, but also has a private dining area for smaller parties. Then there’s the sultry café, decked with North African trinkets, for informal meetings or drinks parties. Both rooms are connected to a heated terrace, with an inviting jumble of colourful pouffes and shisha pipes.

Christmas at Momo

Restaurant review of Momo