Southampton Venue Hire

Southampton caters to everything from small business meetings to full-blown celebrations, but before booking, here are what you need to know before booking an event venue in Southampton:

• Pricing: Some venues operate on a minimum spend, like Red Dog Saloon Southampton in Bargate, which can range from £200 to £5,000 depending on time and space. Others, like Burlington House in Bargate, charge by the hour, from £25 for smaller meeting rooms to £50 per hour for larger private spaces.

• Location & access: If you're expecting out-of-town guests, look for venues near the city centre, like Hotel Du Vin Winchester, walkable from key transport links.

• Event type & layout: Hosting a board meeting? Spaces like UBCUK are well-suited for 6–12 people. Planning a birthday bash? Popworld Southampton has standing space for 550 and delivers high-energy nightlife vibes.

Venues with flexible hire terms and low corkage (or no corkage at all) tend to go quickly for weddings and DIY-style events. Book early for summer weekends.

Best Event Venues in Southampton for Every Occasion

If you’re hosting a product launch or a 30th birthday, Southampton’s venues offer serious variety.

• For parties and networking events, Revolution Southampton hits the sweet spot with stylish interiors and space for up to 550 guests, great for everything from after-work mixers to company-wide celebrations.

• For all-out experiences, Boom Battle Bar Southampton offers interactive entertainment, a massive 180+ guest capacity, and full venue hire, perfect for team socials and big group outings.

• For smaller gatherings, Wickham Community Centre provides cost-effective options from just £15/hour for planning sessions, interviews, or small workshops.

What to Include on Your Event Checklist

To avoid last-minute surprises, make sure you’ve covered these essentials:

• Capacity & layout – Know your guest count and check how the room is set up (theatre, boardroom, cabaret, etc.).

• AV and tech needs – If you’re presenting, ask about screens, mics, and Wi-Fi. Not all venues include these as standard.

• Food & drink rules – Clarify if catering is in-house, outsourced, or BYO. Ask about corkage, minimum spends, and allergen policies.

• Licensing & noise restrictions – Especially for music, alcohol, or outdoor events. You may need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) if the venue isn’t fully licensed.

• Access needs – Check for lift access, on-site parking, or proximity to public transport. This is crucial if guests have mobility needs.

You can save yourself time and effort by creating a shared checklist or doc for your team. Tagvenue bookings often include venue contact details, making it easy to confirm details directly.

Want to dig even deeper? Have a look at these frequently asked questions:

How much does it cost to hire a venue in Southampton?

Small function rooms start at £100–£250 per session. Larger spaces or city centre venues with catering packages may run from £500 to £3,000+ depending on guest count and services. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Do Southampton venues include catering in their services?

Many do, especially hotels, restaurants, and bars. If not, you can often bring your own catering, but corkage or kitchen access fees may apply. Some venues like Red Dog Saloon include catering as part of their minimum spend. 

Are there outdoor or garden venues in Southampton?

Yes. Venues like the Double Decker Bus Top at Jim & Tonic in Bargate or Pylewell Park, which has a garden hire for exclusive use. These types of event spaces are especially popular in summer, so book early.

Which Southampton venues are good for small business events or offsites?

Affordable, professional spaces include Burlington House and Holiday Inn Eastleigh, which are great for workshops or team strategy days with rates starting from £35 per person.