Find your BBQ Party Venue in London

A barbecue is a fun way to spend time with family and friends, and the summer months definitely call for such a gathering. BBQ parties let you enjoy the sun, freshly made food and cold drinks all at the same time. This type of relaxed atmosphere is something we long for all year long! If you're hosting a BBQ party in London, here are some tips and tricks on how to make sure it goes off without a hitch:

Keep your set-up simple - Your BBQ party will take place outside, so it will be exposed to the elements. Keeping your decorations simple will allow you to act quickly if the weather changes. Then in case of strong wind, you won’t have to stress over decorations flying away. While looking for a BBQ venue, search for ones that already have unique and beautiful decor, so you won’t have to add too many other fragile elements. If you’re organising a party that will last through the night, a set of string lights will be enough to set the mood and give that extra bit of light.

Go potluck style - A fool-proof solution to make sure everyone will have what they like. The potluck party does require some coordination beforehand, though. You need to check on what everyone's bringing, to make sure there are no doubled dishes or forgotten ones either. You also need to make sure that you check with your guests for any potential dietary restrictions or preferences, like vegan or gluten free diets. Still, regardless of any menu necessities, a BBQ potluck is a fun way to make sure everyone can participate and share their favourite recipes.

Serve a pitcher cocktail or sangria - Serving cocktails or sangria in a pitcher will save you the trouble of preparing a drink for each of your guests. You can prepare the drink in a large quantity at once beforehand, chill it and then set it at the table just when your guests start arriving. It’s a good beverage to serve if you’re preparing a party for a large group. Remember to also have some soft drinks on hand for those who will not drink alcohol.

Choose classic recipes and give them a modern twist - Warmer months mean a flood of BBQ invitations. Perhaps you are tired of eating the same food in all of the places you go, and you want your party to be a unique one. Still, when hearing ‘BBQ’, certain images, tastes, and smells come to mind, and some of your guests may be disappointed not to find them at your party. You can still have both, the traditional and the modern if you switch up the recipes just a little bit. Maybe prepare a new marinade for your chicken? Or throw in some recipes from around the world?

Go with an easy dessert - The main attraction of the BBQ is the grilled food itself, so there’s no need to go overboard with dessert (unless that’s what you would like to do!). There are many desserts that can be prepared on the grill, like s'mores or grilled fruit. They don’t require much preparation and can be done during the party. Serving ice cream with a set of toppings for the guests to choose from themselves is also a foolproof way to serve an easy dessert.

Prepare some activities - Occupy your guests while they wait for the food with some games or activities that can be easily played outside. If you’re inviting guests who may not know each other, prepare some conversation starters to encourage people to mingle and chat. Prepare a badminton net, or a giant Jenga so that guests can enjoy themselves while the BBQ is cooking away on the grill. If you have enough room, you could also prepare a space for dancing. Remember to add some dance hits to your playlist!

Choose the right venue - Securing a great spot for your party will make or break the event. If you’ve invited just a few guests, then pick an intimate location where they can mingle easily without feeling uncomfortable. However, if there are many people coming over or if you're hosting a big corporate event with business partners and colleagues, then go for a bigger venue instead so that everyone has enough space to move around easily without bumping into each other all the time. Here are some other points to remember when choosing a venue for your next BBQ party:

• Make sure the area for the party is shaded for your guests to be able to hide away from the heat.
• Be mindful of any guests who may have mobility issues and check whether the venue has full accessibility.
• Check whether it’s easy to locate and reach the party spot. It’s great if it can be easily reached by public transportation, but if you’re planning late night celebrations, make sure you will receive no noise complaints. Check for parking spots as well and inform your guests of their availability.
• Make a backup plan in case of rain. Ask the venue whether they have large umbrellas or retractable roofs to hide under, or if there is an indoor space you could use to continue the party.
• Check if the venue has enough seating. A BBQ is a rather informal party so there’s no need to prepare tables with assigned seating, but make sure your guests won’t have to juggle their food and drinks while leaning onto the wall.
  

BBQ Party Venues in London FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a BBQ party venue in London?

Hiring rates for BBQ party venues in London may vary greatly depending on the type of hire you’re looking for. If you want to book a venue for a set time, hourly rates can range between £40 to £300. The minimum spend starts at as little as £350. Some venues may offer per person packages with prices starting at £35. Remember that the prices may vary depending on the size of the venue and the number of guests, as well as the day of the week and the time of the day. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

What are the best venues for a BBQ party in London?

There are many amazing venues and the vast selection we have here at Tagvenue will help you choose the one that fits your party best, but here are our top 3 picks:

• Neverland - Enjoy the beach without leaving the city! This Fulham-based venue offers unique beach vibes that will add some oomph to your summer months. Guest rating: 4.9/5
• 41 Portland Place - Add a summer twist to your function with a great BBQ - this elegant venue provides an outside terrace that will allow you to do just that! Guest rating: 4.8/5
• Limin' Beach Club - Have the best BBQ party by the Thames minus the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Tucked a bit further away from the City, this venue still is a top location for your party. Guest rating: 4.8/5

What types of BBQ party venues can I hire in London?

London has many types of BBQ venues and you are sure to find ones that suit you best. When searching for a BBQ venue you can find rooftop terraces and bars. If you decide on one in the city centre you can add the view of London’s skyline to your party! In London, you can also find gardens and patios tucked away in the back of museums and galleries. Some historic venues may also have lawns that can be hired for your needs. Although not really situated by the water, London also offers venues that will add beach vibes to your party by providing sand and colourful cocktails.

Can I hire a BBQ party venue in London for free?

It sounds almost impossible, but yes, you can hire a venue for free in London! When searching for a party spot just look for ones that hire on a minimum spend basis. This means that you don’t have to pay the hiring rate, but agree that you and your guests will spend a minimum agreed amount on food and drinks.