Seeking ideal drinks reception venues for hire? It’s no secret that London has one of the best drinking scenes in the world. From boundary breaking cocktail bars to cooler-than-cool hipster joints, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to drinking in the capital. Planning to host a drinks reception in the city but aren’t quite sure where to start? Here at Tagvenue we have a great selection of London bars, pubs and cocktail lounges for your next event. Hire online today!
In London, prices of drinks reception venues average £1000 minimum spend per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in London, based on Tagvenue data:
From £500 | to £1750 | minimum spend per event |
From £25 | to £65 | per person |
From £250 | to £4140 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated August 2025), the best options include:
Basement Bar at The Oxford Market
in Fitzrovia - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘On the actual night, the bar staff were very nice and made good drinks/cocktails.’
Private Cocktail Lounge at Patch St Paul's
in Blackfriars - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The food was delicious, and there was a wider array of drinks.’
Lounge Area at Lucy Wong
in Fitzrovia - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The area was perfect for the party, good seating and standing space! Food and drinks were also excellent.’
When hunting for a good venue consider an event space with enough room for the guests to circulate. Also, an open layout that will keep guests together in one area will facilitate a great event atmosphere. Check out some of our favourites:
Many venues able to host a drink reception will allow you to bring your own alcohol. Some venues will charge a corkage fee for BYOB. Make sure to check this detail with the venue manager and get all agreed terms and conditions in writing before you finalise your booking.
This depends on the type of venue you’re dealing with. Typical cocktail bars will obviously include services of their mixologists, but some venues for weddings and other parties will have you hire a pro bartender separately.
Who doesn’t love cocktails and canapés? Nothing sets the tone for a great event like a well-planned drinks reception. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated cocktail soirée in Mayfair, a casual rooftop gathering in Shoreditch, or a stylish pre-dinner event in Westminster, London has the perfect venue for every occasion.
A memorable drinks reception isn’t just about the venue—it’s about the experience. From creative drink pairings to entertainment that keeps the energy flowing, here’s everything you need to know about hosting an unforgettable drinks reception in London.
Looking to impress your guests? Here are some creative ways to elevate your event:
Hosting a London drinks reception but haven’t found a venue yet? Whether you’re after a local hangout where everyone knows your name, a traditional British pub to knock back the perfect pint or an upmarket bar where you can live it up like an A-lister, we can point you in the right direction. What are you hosting and when? See how fast you can book one of London’s hottest drinks reception venues today.
The right venue can make or break your event. Keep these factors in mind:
Turn your event into an engaging event with these activities:
If you’d like more ideas to make sure your party is nothing short of excellent, see our Party Planning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Putting on an Awesome Event!
Non-Alcoholic Delights: Building an Inclusive Drinks Menu for Your London Drinks Reception
Embracing inclusivity at your London drinks reception means ensuring that every guest, regardless of their drinking preferences, can enjoy the festivities with a delightful beverage in hand. Non-alcoholic options have evolved far beyond soda and juice, offering sophistication and complexity to rival their alcoholic counterparts. Here’s how to craft an inclusive drinks menu that leaves all your guests feeling properly taken care of:
By curating a diverse drinks menu, you ensure that all guests, regardless of their alcohol preferences, can enjoy the celebration to the fullest. Non-alcoholic delights offer a way to make everyone feel included and appreciated, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your London drinks reception!
Lucy Wong is one of our supervenues and is quite literally one of the cosiest corners in London for a cocktail. Its Lounge Area can be hired for an affordable minimum spend rate that has made it a super-popular spot among party throwers.
Another Tagvenue supervenue with 500+ positive reviews and attractive minimum spend pricing is Mala Madre, just minutes away from London Bridge station. Their highly rated communication and value-for-money make it a popular choice.
Tucked amongst the chic boutiques and intimate cafés of Shepherd Market, The Market Tavern is a city pub where every drink is poured with a generous serving of quirky personality. Its Chesterfield room is super popular not only for its affordable minimum spend requirement for hire, but also for the recently refurbished, stunning setup and highly-rated service.
Garden Deli at The Folly is a sanctuary of calm and botanically inspired haven. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & drinks, the Folly can meet your needs any time of the day. Quirky cocktails & a wide selection of wines sit alongside a carefully crafted seasonal menu, whilst music & a late license until the early hours on Thursday & Friday make the folly the perfect place to start & end the drinks reception.
Need some more brilliant ideas? Take a look at our cocktail party ideas for a splendid evening.