Hosting an event that requires a bit of an historic backdrop? These venues will go down well
Capacity 150
USP River views from Sir Christopher Wren's architectural feat
Home of Greenwich Mean Time, the Royal Observatory’s credentials speak for themselves. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Royal Observatory has a number of privately hireable spaces with river views, depending on your needs. There is also a team of astronomers and horologists onsite that can add a little context to the building's structure – or help you search for that elusive shooting star after a long dinner, while you digest.
Capacity 200
USP Lavish art deco interiors, and a potential bed for the night
This exceedingly opulent five-star hotel is popular with visiting A-listers and west London locals celebrating special occasions. The property's bold art deco interior extends to a number of luxurious events spaces, best suited to gala dinners and awards ceremonies. We recommend the Sommelier’s Table private dining room for more intimate events, which is stocked with thousands of bottles of vintage wine. In the centre of Mayfair, you're also surrounded by historic buildings.
Capacity 1,500
USP State-of-the-art AV facilities, great for showing off to clients
This preserved 1930s cinema is impressively flexible when it comes to events. Hi-spec sound technology and an ambitious lighting system contrast with the Grade II-listed art deco features. The mod-cons transform the venue and bring it into the modern day. Complete with high ceilings and a proper stage, Troxy is suitable for all manner of live entertainment on a seriously large scale. Think awards ceremonies, balls, galas and themed events.
Capacity 330
USP Norman Foster-designed contemporary space contrasting the classic building's exterior
The British Museum's tech-heavy event spaces feel joyously at odds with the rest of this classic, historic building. Two state-of-the-art theatres with Sony 4K DCP projectors and 3D capability are ideal for film screenings and product launches. They sit alongside a series of smaller rooms available for meetings or lunches, all with similar tech capabilities. Tailored tours of the museum’s exhibitions can also be added on as part of an event, or as a breakout activity.
Capacity 40
USP Channel your inner Wilde, Chaplin and Sinatra
Throughout the 20th-century, The Savoy became the second home of some of the world's most glamorous cultural icons. The hotel's bar, The American Bar, is still one of the world's best. Alongside that, the eponymous Savoy Grill – now a Gordon Ramsay restaurant – pays its dues to the Savoy's rich heritage. The food is diverse but meat-focused, and the private dining room options are the luxurious D'Oyly Carte Room and, our personal favorite, The Kitchen Table, which offers diners the chance to get their hands dirty and help with the cooking in the restaurant’s kitchen. We're deadly serious.
Capacity 120
USP The courtyard garden with its characterful marquee
You'll find a number multi-functional privately hireable rooms within members club, Home House. The spaces are all replete with two centuries' worth of history. However, outdoors the Winter Marquee is a real seasonal treat. As the name suggests, it's only available in the winter season (October-March), but for Christmas parties, it feels endlessly elegant with its chandeliers and hardwood floors. The venue was created as a ‘palace of entertainment’ in 1776, and has retained its exclusive feel.
Capacity 700
USP Its huge garden (close to the City)
This impressive spectacle of a building stands within touching distance of the City of London. You wouldn't know it, with all the acres of greenery and the country house feel. Inside, there's stately meetings rooms and opportunities to dine in impressive splendour. The room to book is the oak-paneled long room within the Armoury House on site. Outdoors, though, is where the real potential begins. Book in good time, and you can use the lawn for drinks and team games and throw one banger of a summer party.
Is ancient not your thing? Head over to our list of more modern venues