Find your 21st Birthday Venue in London

21st Birthday Venues Hire Guide

It's no surprise that most people look back on their 21st birthday party as one of the greatest nights of their lives. But throwing a party on this special occasion can be incredibly difficult, especially in the bustling city of London. Check out our guide below for some ideas, tips and tricks for making your 21st birthday party memorable:

• Come up with a theme. Some popular ideas include the 20s speakeasy, Hollywood glamour and a fancy masquerade. You can also throw a party that's based on your favourite movie or go with a white or black theme if you're looking for something more subtle. Choosing a theme can also help you decide what type of venue to book. For example, if you're planning an 80s-themed party, you might want to book a club that has a lot of neon lights so you can really get the feel of retro nightlife. If you want to go for a more traditional English garden party theme, then a hotel or restaurant with a terrace or garden could be perfect.
• Make sure there are enough drinks and snacks. If you’re throwing a themed party, make sure to have appropriate drinks and snacks on hand. For example, if you’re throwing a Hawaiian-themed party, make sure to have some fruity drinks like Pina Coladas and Mai Tais on hand. For a fiesta-themed party, make sure to have plenty of chips and salsa. Most of the venues offer in-house catering and can help you to choose the right menu. If you want to hire an outside caterer or bring your own food, make sure the venue's policy allows you to do so.
• Book some entertainment. From DJs to magicians, there’s a huge range of options available to help make your party a night to remember. Having some entertainment can help keep the atmosphere going and make sure everyone has a great time. If your party has a theme, pick entertainment that meshes with it. For example, if your theme is “the Roaring Twenties,” you could have a jazz band or 1920s-style dancers perform.
• Decide on the decorations. It's the little touches that make a party great. If you’re throwing a themed party, make sure to have the appropriate decorations on hand. For example, if you’re throwing an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed party, have some white rabbit figurines, teacups and playing cards. For a Star Wars-themed party, get some Darth Vader and Storm Trooper cutouts, lightsabers and Death Star balloons. If you’re having a Harry Potter-themed party, make sure to have some broomsticks and cauldrons. To decide what decorations to use, look online for inspiration. The key is to have the decorations reflect the theme of your party.
• Consider having live music for your party. Nothing brings people together like singing along to their favourite tunes! If you want live music, look for someone who specialises in performing at parties and events. They’ll be able to play songs from a variety of genres and accommodate requests from your guests. Live music adds a lot of energy and fun to any party, so it’s worth considering if you want to make your party extra special.
• Set up a photo booth. You can’t have too many pictures of your guests in silly outfits! Get a photo booth set up and hire a professional or amateur photographer to make sure you get the pictures you need. You can also set up a place for people to print out photos and take them home as a memento of their time at your event.
• Get ready with your friends. Nothing can beat the excitement of getting ready with your friends, especially if you want to throw a themed party. This is a great way to bond with your friends before the party kicks off. Consider hiring a professional for hair and makeup, or you can do it yourself. Get creative with your look to match the theme. For example, if you're going with a theme like a disco party, get your hair done into big poofy curls and douse yourself in glitter. Have fun with it!

There's no better place to hold your party than the centre of London, but there are plenty of other great places in the city. If you are struggling to find the right venue for your 21st birthday party in London, then we have a solution for you. We have listed some of the best areas in London where you can host your birthday bash:

• Battersea. If you want to go somewhere that’s not too far from the city centre, then consider hosting your birthday party in Battersea. There are plenty of restaurants, function rooms and hotels in the area that are ideal for holding a birthday party. You can even hire a boat and cruise along the Thames!
• Soho. If you want to host your birthday party in an upscale area, then Soho is the best choice for you. The district is famous for its nightlife and restaurants, which makes it a perfect spot for a 21st birthday celebration. You can find plenty of venues in this area, but if you want one that’s close to the tube, look for one near Oxford Street or Tottenham Court Road stations.
• Mayfair. This is another district to consider for hosting a birthday party. The area has many cafes, bars and restaurants that offer good food along with a nice ambience at affordable prices. If you want to go host a party without going broke, then this area might be perfect for you.
• Kensington. This is another district that’s popular among young people, especially those who are looking for a place to party on their 21st birthday. The area has many venues that can host your party, including pubs and clubs. If you want to go somewhere unique, then consider hosting your party here.

Creative Themes for a 21st Birthday Party in London

Celebrating a 21st birthday marks a significant milestone, symbolising the transition into full adulthood and offering the perfect excuse for an unforgettable party. For those planning this pivotal celebration in London, the city's vibrant scene and diverse venues promise an event as unique as the individual being celebrated. Here are creative theme ideas for making your 21st birthday in London more than just a party.

1. Classic Elegance with a Modern Twist

• Venue Ideas: Consider hiring a sophisticated gallery in Mayfair or a historic hall in Kensington. Spaces like Victorian-era ballrooms or contemporary art galleries blend classic beauty with a modern edge. These venues serve as a blank canvas, allowing you to tailor the ambience to your taste.
• Theme Concept: Merge classic elegance with interactive digital art installations for a modern twist. Enhance the decor with dynamic projections on walls and ceilings to create a futuristic atmosphere.

2. Vintage Glamour

• Venue Ideas: Opt for a vintage club or a speakeasy-style bar like the Exclusive Venue Hire at The Last Talisman in the Bermondsey area. These venues often have an inherent character, featuring retro decor and a cosy ambience.
• Theme Concept: Transport your guests back in time to a roaring '20s jazz club or a chic '50s cocktail party. Encourage your guest to dress according to the era, and hire a swing band or jazz ensemble to complete the experience. The fusion of historical charm with lively entertainment will captivate your guests.

3. Cultural Fiesta

• Venue Ideas: Book a cultural venue or an exotic-themed bar in London that reflects a specific country or culture. From Moroccan riads to Japanese gardens, London's eclectic venue scene can whisk your guests away to a different world.
• Theme Concept: Choose a culture that fascinates you and create an immersive experience. Be it a vibrant Bollywood bash, a serene Japanese tea party, or a lively Caribbean carnival, ensure every element from food to music and decor authentically represents the theme. Interactive activities like henna tattoo stations or sake tasting can add an engaging touch.

4. High-Adrenaline Adventures

• Venue Ideas: For thrill-seekers, London offers unique venues like indoor skydiving centres, go-karting tracks, or VR arenas. These unconventional spaces promise an adrenaline-pumping celebration.
• Theme Concept: Tailor the event around the thrill of adventure. Incorporate elements like a treasure hunt across London or a mystery game unfolding through the evening. These activities not only elevate the excitement but also foster interaction among guests.

5. Eco-Chic Celebration

• Venue Ideas: Embrace sustainability by choosing an eco-friendly venue in London. From green rooftops to organic restaurants, these spaces are perfect for those who value environmental consciousness.
• Theme Concept: Plan an eco-friendly party using biodegradable decorations, locally sourced foods, and digital invitations. Consider adding an educational element to the celebration by incorporating a workshop on sustainable living or a swap station where guests can exchange items. This way, you can make the party fun and sustainable at the same time.

6. London's Iconic Landmarks as Your Backdrop

• Venue Ideas: Few things say "London" more than its iconic landmarks. Hiring a riverboat on the Thames, a private capsule on the London Eye, or a rooftop with skyline views can provide an unforgettable setting for a 21st birthday bash.
• Theme Concept: Let the beauty of London be your theme. Decorate with motifs inspired by the city's landmarks, serve British classics with a gourmet twist, and perhaps organise a mini tour or a photo shoot against these iconic backdrops.

In selecting the perfect venue and theme for a 21st birthday party in London, the key is personalising the experience. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of a ballroom, the charm of a vintage club, the vibrancy of a cultural fiesta, the thrill of an adventure, the mindfulness of an eco-chic celebration, or the iconic beauty of London itself, the city's vast selection of venues offers the perfect backdrop for a milestone celebration. 

DIY Decorations and Setup for Your 21st Birthday Venue: Tips and ideas for personalising a hired venue with DIY decorations.

Celebrating a milestone like a 21st birthday demands a venue that captures the essence of this pivotal age and provides a canvas for personalisation, allowing you to infuse the space with your unique touch. DIY decorations can play an important role in transforming a hired venue into a personalised birthday haven. Here are detailed tips and ideas for decking out your 21st birthday venue in London with a personal twist.

Before decorating, here are things to know and get sorted;

• Understand your venue: Before diving into decoration ideas, thoroughly understanding your chosen venue is crucial. Whether it's a quaint pub in the heart of Camden or a spacious gallery in Southbank, each location has unique features and restrictions. 
• Find out what the venue's rules are regarding decoration: Engage with the venue's management to grasp the do's and don'ts of decorating. Some venues might restrict the use of nails or tape on the walls, while others may have limitations on the type of decorations due to fire safety regulations. Armed with this knowledge, you can plan your DIY projects accordingly.
• Select a theme: The first step in personalising your venue is selecting a theme. This could range from a sophisticated black-and-gold affair to a vibrant 80s retro party. Your theme will guide your decoration choices, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the venue.

DIY Decoration Ideas

1. Entrance and Welcome Area

• Personalised Welcome Sign: Greet guests at the entrance with a custom welcome sign. Use a large canvas or a chalkboard to write a heartfelt message or a catchy phrase that resonates with the celebrant's personality. You can add a London skyline silhouette to anchor the sign in the city's vibe.
• Photo Timeline: Create a photo timeline along the entrance pathway showcasing memorable moments leading up to the 21st year. Use string lights and clips to hang photos for a warm, inviting glow.

2. Main Area

• DIY Centerpieces: Consider assembling arrangements using British flowers or creating miniatures of iconic London landmarks for table centrepieces. Include elements from your chosen theme to maintain consistency.
• Customised Table Runners: Fabric stores have many options for finding material that matches your theme. Add personal touches by hand-painting or stencilling fabric with designs or quotes that are significant to the birthday person.
• Lighting: Use fairy lights or LED candles to create a warm ambience. If the venue allows, hanging lanterns can add an ethereal feel to the space.

3. Photo Booth

• London-Themed Backdrop: Set up a DIY photo booth with a backdrop inspired by London's scenery. Think of Big Ben, the London Eye, or a classic British phone booth. Provide props like Union Jack hats, vintage umbrellas, and monocles to add a fun twist to photos.
• Custom Props: Create speech bubble signs with British slang or quotes relevant to the birthday celebrant. This adds a personalised and interactive element to the photo booth.

Sustainability and Cleanup

In the spirit of responsibility, consider the sustainability of your decorations. Opt for biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials wherever possible. Plan for an efficient cleanup process by organising decorations so they can be easily removed without leaving damage or too much waste behind.

FAQs about 21st Birthday Venues in London

How much does it cost to hire a 21st birthday venue in London?

The costs can vary widely depending on the location, capacity and the type of venue you choose. For example, renting a venue can be as low as £100-£150 per session for a bar room outside of the City or as high as £800-£1500 per session for the whole lounge in central London. Most of the venues use a minimum spend model, which means that you are required to spend a certain amount on drinks and food, so make sure that you’re clear on the costs before you book. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What are some of the best 21st birthday venues in London?

• If you're looking for a truly memorable 21st birthday, look no further than Back Lounge at Callooh Callay Shoreditch. They can accommodate up to 40 people seated and 70 people standing in this unique space that has a speakeasy vibe. They allow you to bring your own DJ, so you can use your music and set the mood. They also have a great selection of drinks and serve some amazing cocktails.
• If you want to have a complete rip-roaring birthday bash, you can rent this Whole Venue at Simmons, Farringdon. This two-floor bright neon-themed venue will make your birthday party a smashing hit. Simmons is located in the heart of Farringdon and has the capacity to accommodate up to 320 people at one time. The venue has been designed with a retro-style theme, giving it an atmosphere that's relaxed and fun.
• If you want something more affordable yet creative and fun, check out The Lower Deck at Tamesis Dock. Being a part of a beautiful converted 1930s Dutch barge, this venue is a great place for your birthday party. The Lower Deck is located on the Tamesis Dock and has a capacity of up to 80 people. The place is spacious and has a warm atmosphere that will make everyone feel comfortable and at ease. It's a great place if you want to spend your party in a friendly and relaxed environment.

What types of venues can I hire for my 21st birthday in London?

There are tons of great venues for 21st birthday parties in London! You can rent a bar or restaurant, or consider something more unique like an art studio or rooftop terrace. If you’re looking to celebrate your 21st birthday extra special, you might want to rent the whole club and throw an epic party.

How far in advance should I book a venue for my 21st birthday in London?

The short answer is: as far in advance as possible. The longer answer is that you should book a venue as far in advance as you can, but also be realistic about the deadline. It’s not uncommon for birthdays to wait until a week or two before the party to book a venue. This can be stressful, especially if you have your heart set on a specific spot with specific amenities. If there's a place on your list of dream venues that is not available when you start looking around, don't despair! Check out some other venues we have and find the one that best fits your needs.