Thames riverside

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.

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.

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.

Each of the Tower of London’s function rooms has its own story: the White Tower houses the armour of Henry VIII, while the Medieval Palace makes a great summer party space. The Martin Tower, which used to be home to the Crown Jewels, is available for intimate dinners, and New Armouries: Banqueting Suite is your best bet for conferences. A private view of the Crown Jewels or a Yeoman Warder tour are popular add-ons.

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.

Permanently moored at Temple Pier, The Yacht London is a characterful 1927 steam vessel available for hospitality bookings. A 3am licence means parties can last way into the night, while its central location gives views of some of the capital’s iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and the London Eye. The alfresco Top Deck is the place to book in summer, and there’s the option to hire spaces in conjunction with one another.

This landmark cultural centre comprises the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery. While the latter two are being refurbished (they are set to reopen early this year), the Festival Hall is open for business and makes an impressive space for big conferences and product launches. St Paul’s Roof Pavilion on the sixth floor is good for smaller groups, while the Weston Roof Pavilion suits relaxed business gatherings with striking views.

In the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank, Skylon makes the most of its position with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Thames. The spacious venue’s mid-century look echoes the building’s 1950s architecture. It’s divided into three sections, with a raised bar separating the relaxed brasserie from the fine-dining area – both are popular for semi-private dining. The space can also be be hired exclusively for large dinners. Expect modern British menus.

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.

Gillray’s at the London Marriott County Hall is a British steakhouse through and through – from the chesterfield sofas and oak-panelled walls to the grass-fed English beef on the menu. The main restaurant and bar enjoy stirring views across the Thames to Big Ben. For smaller events, a smart private dining room beckons. Alongside the beef, expect to see the likes of locally sourced fish dishes and the best of Britain’s natural larder.

The award-winning Middle Temple Garden is among Zone 1’s best-kept secrets. Amid the handsome red-brick buildings that define Middle Temple Hall, relaxed Fountain Court – a good spot for a pop-up bar – gives way to clipped lawns stretching towards the Thames. There’s space for a marquee, or alfresco receptions can be combined with dinners in one of the hall’s stately indoor spaces. When you’re finished, Temple tube station is a three-minute walk away.

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.

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.

With a prime location on the South Bank, the Namco Funscape entertainment complex offers more than 150 arcade games, Europe’s fastest bumper cars and its Ping & Pool Hall. Private hire options spread over three floors: teambuilding, drinks receptions and Christmas parties are popular. We’re fans of the Escape Room, where groups solve puzzles against the clock. Elsewhere, a new Boutique Bowling package sees groups take over six revamped lanes.

It might be best known for its 150-plus arcade games, but Namco Funscape also offers its bowling lanes for private hire. The venue, ideally located on the South Bank within County Hall, is a great spot for Christmas parties, launches and teambuilding events alike. For private parties of up to 500 the Subscape area offers six bowling lanes, a DJ and dancefloor, private bar, access to the American-style pool hall, the Namoke karaoke and unlimited use of the video games. The alley area itself, bathed in ultra-violet light, has non-slip floors, so there’s no need to don a pair of unattractive bowling shoes. There is also the option to purchase tokens for Europe’s fastest bumper cars.

This four-star hotel punches above its weight with events, offering a host of light, bright and functional spaces for meetings and parties. The Bridge Suite stands out with its floor-to-ceiling windows, delivering direct views of the eponymous Tower Bridge. We like that the hotel’s three main meeting suites can partition into smaller spaces, making multistage events easy. If you’re planning a high-level board meeting, check out the Fearless Suite with its high-back exec chairs

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.

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.

'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.

The size and character of this Greenwich venue, along with its fascinating range of artefacts, make it ideal for large, upmarket events. The Upper Deck, a dramatic gallery in the glass-roofed Neptune Court, is made for gala dinners and awards ceremonies. Elsewhere, the Sammy Ofer Wing works well for standing receptions, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding exhibition areas. The AV-ready Leopold Muller Lecture Theatre is the spot for conferences.

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.

Once home to royalty, including Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace is an unforgettable venue. It's magnificently played host to lavish celebrations over the centuries, from gala diners to festive banquets and historic meetings. Originally a dining room for members of Henry VIII’s court, the Great Hall makes a grand setting for banquets. Elsewhere, state rooms, grand staircases, cobbled courtyards and pretty gardens make the venue one of the country’s most impressive palaces.

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.

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.

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.