Your 18th birthday is a definite milestone in your life, and you want to celebrate it in style. But we know how hard it can be to find the right place for your event. That's why we've made this guide — to help you find the best venue with just a few clicks!
There are so many choices out there when it comes to 18th birthday party venues — from restaurants to nightclubs, and even exotic ones like orangeries or yacht clubs! It can all be overwhelming at first, but don't worry! We've got some tips for you to consider when narrowing down your choices.
- Make a list of what you need in a venue. Do you want it to be indoors or outdoors? Is there a specific theme you're going for? How big do you want the space to be? Are there any events happening in town that might interfere with your plans? Once you've answered these questions, it'll be much easier to narrow down your search.
- Consider your budget when choosing a venue. Many venues can accommodate your budget, but make sure to take into account factors like location and amenities. Some venues may cost more because they're in a desirable location or have certain perks like catering services or special extras.
- Look at venues with different capacities. While you might want a venue to hold 100 or more people, the space must be appropriate for your guest list. You don't want people feeling cramped or uncomfortable. For a sit-down dinner, the space you choose should be able to accommodate your desired seating arrangements. If you want to seat people according to groups, make sure there are enough tables for everyone.
- Think about the venue setup and layout. Does it have a dance floor? Is there a stage for live music or other entertainment? Do you prefer a rectangular or U-shaped table if you are planning to hold a sit-down dinner? Some venues may be able to accommodate your needs more easily than others. For example, if you're looking for a venue with a dance floor or stage, it might be more difficult to find a space that also has enough room for tables and chairs.
- Consider the location of the venue. Check the availability of parking. If some of your guests don't have cars, make sure they can easily reach the venue by taxi service or the Tube.
- Decide what kind of vibe you want from your venue. Do you want it to be fancy and elegant, or casual and fun? Are there any specific elements that are important to you? Is there a certain colour scheme or style that needs to be incorporated into the space? If you want a venue with a specific theme, make sure you can find one that fits.
- Find a venue that offers great food and drinks. Hiring a venue with great catering services can be the difference between a fantastic event and one that's just okay. Some venues let you hire an outside caterer, while others have in-house chefs.
- Consider the availability of alcohol. Some venues allow you to bring in your drinks or have an open bar option; others don't allow outside alcohol. If you want to provide alcoholic beverages, make sure the venue has an alcohol licence.
- Find a place that has good sound systems and lighting. You should check the quality of sound and lighting equipment. If you're planning to hire a band or a DJ, they need to be able to perform well without any technical glitches. Consider a venue that has good acoustics and ample room for dancing.
- Start looking at venues that match those criteria. We have hundreds of options available in London and the surrounding areas, so you should have no problem finding the perfect space to host your event.
London has a lot of fabulous bars, cocktail lounges and nightclubs where you can celebrate your 18th birthday. But hey, if you're getting in the party mood for a special celebration in the city, you need to know about the best places to go. Here are the areas of London to check for the best party hot spots:
- Shoreditch. This hipster hotspot is home to some of London's best cocktail bars and restaurants — perfect if you're looking for somewhere that feels like a bit more than just a pub or club night out. It's also easy to get around by public transport, so you won't have to worry about getting your guests home.
- Soho. The streets of Soho are lined with great bars and pubs, but they're also home to some of London's most notorious nightclubs. If you are planning on inviting only teenagers and young adults to your party, it might be worth considering.
- Chelsea. This affluent and fashionable part of London is a great place to hold a party if you're looking for somewhere that feels a little more upmarket. It's also home to some of the city's best restaurants, so if you're planning on having a fancy dinner before heading out for drinks, there are plenty of options.
- Mayfair. Mayfair is home to many of London's most exclusive clubs, but there are also reasonably priced ones if you don't have the cash to splash. If you want to impress your guests, Mayfair is sure to do the trick.
- Brixton. If you just want somewhere cheap and cheerful, this is the place to go! Brixton has lots of pubs, bars and clubs where you can have a good time without spending too much money.
- South Kensington. This area is home to some of London's best museums and galleries, as well as some nice restaurants and bars. It would make a great place for an art-themed party or a night out with the culture vultures.
18th Birthday Party Venues in London FAQ
How much does it cost to rent an 18th birthday party venue in London?
The cost of renting a venue for an 18th birthday party in London varies depending on the location, size and accommodations offered. If you want to celebrate your 18th birthday at a bar, it will typically require a minimum spend of at least £25-60 per session. If you want exclusive hire of the small or medium event space with a capacity of up to 100 guests, it will cost around £100-300 per hour. If you want to rent a nightclub or a restaurant, it will cost around £400-1200+ per session. (All data from Tagvenue.)
What are some of the best 18th birthday party venues in London?
If you're looking for a venue to host an 18th birthday party, there are plenty of great options in London. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Kona Kai is a tiki-themed venue that may be right for you if you're looking for something out of the ordinary but still comfortable. The décor is fun and kitschy, with a lot of bamboo and palm trees to transport you to a tropical paradise. The venue accommodates parties of up to 150 people seated and 350 standing. If you’re looking for a place that feels like Hawaii but doesn’t require an actual plane ticket, Kona Kai is the perfect spot.
Decadia at Tiger Tiger London is one of our favourite places to hold parties. It’s a whole throwback to the nineties and noughties with its quirky interior and colourful decor. There’s plenty of space for dancing or mingling around the bar, which has a large selection of cocktails and mocktails. The venue offers catering in-house with a wide range of menu options available to suit everyone's tastes. This venue can accommodate up to 350 people standing and 140 seated, so it's a good choice for social butterflies who have tons of friends.
Rooftop Terrace at Good Hotel London is great for an outdoor celebration. The venue offers magnificent views of Canary Wharf and the River Thames and is perfect for a summer birthday party of up to 120 guests. The venue provides catering and beverages, so you can have a hassle-free party while enjoying the scenery. If you’re looking for a rooftop celebration with great views and a stylish atmosphere, Good Hotel London offers a great setting for your party.
Can I decorate the venue on my own?
Make sure to check the venue's policy and ask the manager before you start your preparations. While some venues will allow you to decorate the space on your own, others may have certain restrictions or don’t allow any outside decorations.
How early should I book a birthday party venue in London?
You should book your birthday party venue in London as early as possible, preferably at least two months before your party. This will give you plenty of time to find the right venue and ensure everything runs smoothly.