Drinks Reception Venues for Hire in London

Drinks Reception Venues for Hire in London

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Top Cocktail Reception Venues in London

London has multiple bookable drinks reception venues on Tagvenue, from private pub rooms and cocktail bar basements to rooftop terraces and riverside function rooms. Most cost £700 to £2,500 minimum spend per event, or £20 to £65 per person. Central London, Westminster and Soho hold the deepest supply. Browse, compare, and book the best places for drinks today.

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7640 Drinks Reception Venues in London

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7640 Drinks Reception Venues in London

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Drinks Reception Venues - Tagvenue’s Picks

Based on Tagvenue’s data, as of September 2026, here’s an overview of some of the best spaces you can book for your event in London:

Basement Bar at The Oxford Market Basement Bar at The Oxford Market Lounge Area at Lucy Wong Lounge Area at Lucy Wong Backstage at Eastcheap Records Backstage at Eastcheap Records
Space type Bar in a Restaurant Lounge in a Bar Bar
Venue A lively restaurant and bar near Oxford Circus, featuring a spacious beer garden, a basement bar with a dance floor, and flexibility for DJs and themed cocktails. Ideal for engagement parties, wedding receptions, and birthday celebrations with a fun and casual vibe. Underground cocktail bar in Fitzrovia blending chic decor with Cantonese-inspired bar snacks and signature drinks. Great for lively parties with a dance floor, PA system, and outdoor courtyard. Eastcheap Records is an industrial-chic bar in central London, known for live music, DJ sets, and excellent cocktails. Perfect for lively parties, with a dance floor, PA system, and flexible music options.
Booking costs from £1500 minimum spend / per day from £1 minimum spend / per session from £1500 minimum spend / per day
Capacity 150 standing 30 guests seating, 40 standing 70 guests seating, 150 standing
Location Fitzrovia, London Fitzrovia, London Tower Hill, London
What users say ‘Plus the drinks/cocktails were phenomenal and all my guests couldn't stop raving about how good they were.’ ‘The area was perfect for the party, good seating and standing space! Food and drinks were also excellent.’ ‘Cocktails and drinks were lovely and service was great.’
Drinks Reception Venues for Hire in London

FAQs about Top Cocktail Reception Venues in London

Booking costs of drinks reception venues average £1500 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:

Prices of drinks reception venues in London as of September, 2026
From £800 to £2500 minimum spend per event
From £500 to £3750 hire fee per event
From £50 to £65 per person

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), 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.’

  • 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.’

  • Backstage at Eastcheap Records in Tower Hill - rated 4.9/5
    Our user said: ‘Cocktails and drinks were lovely and service was great.’

You'll find drinks reception venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in London, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):

Small up to 60 guests prices average £1000 minimum spend per event
Medium between 80 and 110 guests prices average £1500 minimum spend per event
Large over 130 guests prices average £3000 minimum spend per event

These are the venues within 0.8 mi from Central London, available to book on Tagvenue:

  • Library Bar at Cinnamon Club on The Old Westminster Library 30-32 Great Smith Street - 0.3 mi from centre.
    Venue said: What guests say: The Library Bar is warm and welcoming; the room's library atmosphere and attentive, polished service are regularly highlighted.
  • Brunel Room at One Great George Street on One Great George Street - 0.6 mi from centre.
    Our user said: ‘Very well organised service and fantastic communication.’
  • The Chaplin Bar at Marlin Waterloo on 111 Westminster Bridge Road - 0.8 mi from centre.
    Venue said: The Chaplin Bar is a bar in Marlin Waterloo centred on a striking marble-topped island that organises seating around it. Design: The space shows dark timber panelling, low pendant lighting and a herringbone wood floor, fitted...

Based on Tagvenue data (as of September 2026), users looking for drinks reception venues most commonly go for these venue types:

Restaurant prices average £2000 minimum spend per event typically between 65 and 150 guests
Bar prices average £1500 minimum spend per event typically between 50 and 150 guests
Pub prices average £1000 minimum spend per event typically between 60 and 150 guests
Lounge prices average £1100 minimum spend per event typically between 50 and 130 guests
Cocktail Bar prices average £1100 minimum spend per event typically between 45 and 120 guests

Smaller drinks reception venues usually fit up to 60 guests standing. Here are some great options in London, based on Tagvenue data as of September 2026:

  • Private Room at The Prince Regent, rated 4.8/5 - function room for 50 guests
    Our user said: ‘The venue was superb for a small intimate group of 20 or less people. We were 11.’

  • Private Lounge at Baaria, rated 4.9/5 - lounge for 30 guests
    Venue said: Ideal for: Small groups seeking an informal, social space for seated drinks and casual mingling. What guests say: The lounge is cosy and welcoming with attractive, characterful decor.

  • The JubJub at Callooh Callay Shoreditch, rated 4.8/5 - bar for 40 guests
    Our user said: ‘I had the absolute best birthday and think this place has the best cocktails in London for me.’

Cheap drinks reception venues in London start from £300 hire fee per event or £20 per person. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:

  • The Saloon Bar at The Marylebone London, from £300 hire fee per event (up to 80 guests standing)
    Our user said: ‘Great service and great space. Perfect for a private hire.’

  • Group Booking Space at The Listing, from £20 per person (up to 70 guests standing)
    Our user said: ‘Lovely venue, attentive staff, and well-organised.’

  • The Bar at The Walbrook Club, from £350 minimum spend per event (up to 50 guests standing)
    Our user said: ‘The venue is great with very welcoming and outstanding staff.’

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:

  • SAMA Bankside – A long-time London favourite, enjoy this quirky and industrial themed venue with its fantastic drinks.
  • The Zetter Clerkenwell – A specialist in private hire, this venue features an eclectic design and literary theme.

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.

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Your Guide to Hiring Drinks Reception Venues in London

Which venue type suits your drinks reception?

Each type comes with a different price point, capacity range and atmosphere. Tagvenue booking data  shows which types London clients actually choose:

Venue type

Avg. minimum spend

Typical capacity

Best for

Restaurant

£2,000

80 – 150 people

Receptions rolling into dinner

Bar

£1,500

50 – 150 people

Corporate and networking drinks

Pub

£1,000

45 – 150 people

Team drinks, birthdays, budget events

Cocktail Bar

£1,100

60 – 120 people

Style-led celebrations, mixology

Lounge

£1,100

50 – 130 people

Relaxed, conversation-friendly events

Private pub function rooms – best for team drinks and budget events

Pub function rooms are the cheapest reliable option in central London and usually come with their own bar, entrance and toilets. Expect 45 to 150 people at around £1,000 average minimum spend.
Top pick: The Chesterfield Room at The Market Tavern in Mayfair, a Supervenue holding 45 people from £300 minimum spend per session, two minutes from Green Park. Recently refurbished, and repeatedly booked for leaving drinks and milestone birthdays. Also strong: The Wildwood Room at The Green Man in Fitzrovia, 60 people from £200 minimum spend, and Full Venue Hire at The Loosebox in Westminster, 300 people from £1,000 minimum spend and rated 4.9/5.

Cocktail bars – best for style-led and mixology receptions

Cocktail bars bring in-house mixologists, so there is no separate bartender to hire. Private lounges and basement bars here take 45 to 130 people and average £1,100 minimum spend.
Top pick: The Downstairs Cocktail Bar at LOCKES Bar Covent Garden, a Supervenue holding 150 people from £1,500 minimum spend, with 306 reviews. Also worth a look: Elixir Room at Mr Fogg's Apothecary in Mayfair, 70 people from £1,250 minimum spend, and Entire Venue at Smiths Cocktail Bar in Hammersmith, 110 people from £800 minimum spend.

Rooftops and terraces – best for summer receptions and skyline views

Rooftop drinks receptions turn on five things: the view, how private the space is, capacity, step-free access, and the time of day you book.

  • View and time of day – south and west-facing terraces get golden hour; book a 6pm to 8pm slot in summer for sunset, or after dark for a lit-skyline backdrop. River-facing terraces on the South Bank give you a St Paul's and City outlook.
  • Privacy – rooftops are listed as whole venue, private space or semi-private area. A semi-private terrace means sharing with walk-in guests, which matters for a corporate event with a speech.
  • Capacity – London rooftop reception spaces typically hold 50 to 120 people standing. Terraces rarely scale past 150 people.
  • Access – check lift access to roof level and whether the venue has a wet-weather indoor fallback. Every outdoor London booking needs a rain plan.

Top picks: Soho Sky Terrace at Courthouse Hotel Soho, a Supervenue rated 4.8/5 holding 80 people from £5,000 minimum spend; Rooftop Terrace at TATTU London in the West End, 65 people from £1,500 minimum spend; and The Rooftop Terrace bar at Doggett's Coat and Badge on the South Bank, 120 people from £1,000 minimum spend per session, rising to £2,300 for evening hire – a clear illustration of why you should always check which session a quoted rate covers. 

Basements, vaults and hidden spaces – best for privacy and self-contained events

Basement rooms are fully self-contained, which means no noise complaints, no shared entrance and no volume restrictions.
Top picks: Basement Bar at The Oxford Market in Fitzrovia, London's highest-rated drinks reception space at 4.9/5 across 274 reviews, holding 150 people from £1,500 minimum spend, with its own bar, entrance, cloakroom and toilets. Also: Backstage at Eastcheap Records near Tower Hill, 150 people from £1,500 minimum spend, rated 4.9/5; The Vault Bar at Walkers of Whitehall, 300 people from £1,500 minimum spend; and Exclusive Hire at Basement Sate in Soho, an art deco space for 110 people from £2,000 minimum spend.

Restaurants and private dining rooms – best for receptions that become dinner

If your reception is the opening act before a seated meal, book a restaurant with both a bar area and a private dining room, so guests move without changing venue. Restaurants average £2,000 minimum spend for 80 to 150 people.
Top picks: The Green Room at Casa do Frango Mayfair, a Supervenue for 100 people from £1,250 minimum spend, booked for wedding drinks receptions; Garden Deli at The Folly at Bank, 100 people from £1,500 minimum spend, with a late licence on Thursdays and Fridays; and 9th Floor Exclusive Hire at Wagtail near Cannon Street, 250 people from £5,000 minimum spend.

Gardens, terraces and waterside – best for summer and outdoor receptions

Outdoor space in central London splits into pub gardens, restaurant terraces and moored boats.
Top picks: Terrace On The Common at The Nel Pub & Terrace in Clapham, 100 people from £100 minimum spend; Outside Lounge at Vagabond Victoria, 100 people from £100 minimum spend; and Bridge at The Tattershall Castle, a river-view space for 60 people from £500 minimum spend at Embankment. See also boat venues and summer party venues in London.

Which London drinks reception venue is right for your event?

Venue and room

Area / nearest station

Max standing

From

Best for

Basement Bar, The Oxford Market

Fitzrovia / Oxford Circus

150 people

£1,500 min spend

Highest-rated, fully self-contained

Entire Ground Floor, LOCKES Bar

Holborn / Covent Garden

300 people

£3,000 min spend

Large corporate receptions

The Vault Bar, Walkers of Whitehall

Whitehall / Charing Cross

300 people

£1,500 min spend

Alumni and association drinks

Soho Sky Terrace, Courthouse Hotel

Soho / Oxford Circus

80 people

£5,000 min spend

Premium rooftop with views

The Chesterfield Room, The Market Tavern

Mayfair / Green Park

45 people

£300 min spend

Small budget receptions in Mayfair

Mala Madre Events Space, The Last Talisman

Bermondsey / London Bridge

90 people

£1 min spend

Value for money, highly-rated

The JubJub, Callooh Callay

Shoreditch / Old Street

40 people

£700 min spend

Intimate, character-led East London

Brunel Room, One Great George Street

Westminster

150 people

£1,020 hire fee

Institutional and formal events

Living Room, The Little Orange Door

Clapham / Clapham Common

100 people

£750 min spend

Rated 5/5, south London value

Which drinks reception venue suits your occasion and group?

Occasion

Guest count

Budget guide

Look for

Corporate networking / client drinks

60 – 150 people

£1,500 – £3,000 min spend

Private space, own bar, step-free access, good transport

Work team or leaving drinks

20 – 50 people

£200 – £700 min spend

Pub function room, midweek slot, flexible food

Wedding drinks reception

50 – 120 people

£750 – £2,500 min spend

Own bar, outdoor space, no corkage options

Milestone birthday

30 – 100 people

£250 – £1,500 min spend

Décor allowed, sound system, late licence

Graduation or family celebration

25 – 60 people

£200 – £1,000 min spend

Semi-private area, mixed-age seating, all-day access

Festive and Christmas receptions

40 – 150 people

£750 – £2,500 min spend

Package pricing, book by September

Pre-dinner reception

40 – 150 people

£1,000 – £2,500 min spend

Restaurant with separate bar and dining room

After party / reception into a party

80 – 300 people

£1,500 – £3,000 min spend

Dance floor, late licence, DJ setup

Cheap and affordable drinks reception venues in London

The cheapest London drinks reception venues work on low minimum spends or per-person rates rather than hire fees. Real examples currently listed:

Three reliable ways to cut cost: book midweek or afternoon rather than Thursday or Friday evening; choose minimum spend over hire fee if you expect a well-attended bar; and look one zone out – Clapham, Hammersmith and Islington all price below Soho and Westminster. See more affordable party venues in London.

Small drinks reception venues in London

For 20 to 50 people, book a semi-private area or small private room rather than a whole venue. Spaces up to 50 people average £700 minimum spend across London, and £500 in Clapham.

Top picks: Lounge Area at Lucy Wong in Fitzrovia, a Supervenue rated 4.9/5 for 40 people; Private Lounge at Baaria in Covent Garden, 30 people from £200 minimum spend; Trafalgar Room at Walkers of Whitehall, 30 people from £350 minimum spend; and The Leopard Room at BBAR in Westminster, 40 people from £1,000 minimum spend with its own entrance and bar. Browse all small party venues in London.

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Drinks Reception Venues in nearby suburbs

Soho Central London West End Westminster Edgware Road Clapham

Drinks Reception Venues in other cities

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Verified Reviews of Drinks Reception Venues in London

NX
Ning X.
Verified review
Booked Irish pub function room at Sir Colin Campbell Pub
5.0
What a fantastic venue and absolutely perfect for what we were looking for. From the first point of contact onwards Matthew and Gav had been very responsive and helpful, and when visiting on site Gav was super friendly and accommodating, prepared the room exactly how we asked, he and Lydia on the day had done an amazing job to make our guests feel welcome throughout. The location was very convenient and good facilities in the venue providing a lot of flexibility for different options. I’d strongly recommend it for your events.
HS
Hannah S.
Verified review
Booked Event Space at St John's Hyde Park
5.0
We hosted our university's Spring Ball here and could not have chosen a more beautiful and atmospheric venue than St. John's. Our students had a blast. Location is very convenient transport link-wise and tucked away in a lovely and quiet residential area in Hyde Park, heightening the privacy and classy feel of the event. Andrejs, the events manager, was a delight to work with being very communicative, flexible, and helpful with our planning up to the date and throughout the event, even accommodating multiple site visits by my team. We also found it very convenient that the venue was able to provide most of the furniture and decorations (uplights and candlesticks) at very little cost. Andrejs and his team were also very communicative and flexible between our caterer, photobooth, and band hire; there was plenty of space for each of these, with particular appreciation for the side kitchen for our caterer. We're very thankful for being able to bring together so many external aspects to the event. Thanks very much again for such a great experience. Our students would love to be back!
OT
Omair T.
Verified review
Booked The Wildwood Room at The Green Man
5.0
The staff did an amazing job with organising our small wedding reception. Everything was sorted for us when we arrived. All table decor was thoughtfully laid out, the room layout worked amazingly, sound system set up, food came out right on time and was delicious. The team really paid attention and absolutely delivered. It was just a pleasant memorable experience that made our day that much better by not having to worry about things. No hesitation at all in recommending The Green Man for events.
MA
Mathilde A.
Verified review
Booked The Chesterfield Room at The Market Tavern
5.0
We recently had a leaving drinks hosted at the Chesterfield Room and we were so impressed from the onset. The drinks were presented really well and the food was very popular amongst guests. The staff were super friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. We will definitely be using the venue again for other events. Thank you!
FS
Ferhat S.
Verified review
Booked Basement Bar at The Oxford Market
4.7
Craig was super helpful and quick to respond to any of my questions and needs. On the actual night, the bar staff were very nice and made good drinks/cocktails. Bar service was super fast. The basement bar its self is a hidden gem. Good space/layout with own bar, entrance, cloakroom and toilets. Good venue capacity. Highly recommended!
AB
Amelia B.
Verified review
Booked Great Hall at Apothecaries’ Hall
5.0
Great service and organisation. They went out of their way to accommodate allergies / dietary requirements and last minute changes to the order of the day. It also rained on the day and they were happy to move the event indoors - a lovely touch. Rosie and Katie were delightful and we would organise more events here.
ES
Emilia S.
Verified review
Booked First Floor Bar at The Walmer Castle
5.0
Fantastic venue for celebration drinks with friends, having the entire first floor bar and dedicated service was perfect and the entire team were super professional. Everyone had a great time, many thanks!
JR
Jan R.
Verified review
Booked The Chesterfield Room at The Market Tavern
5.0
This was a fantastic venue in a great location for my daughter's 21st birthday celebrations. Chris was hugely helpful with the planning of the event and then on the night he and his team were brilliant and very friendly. Phoebe really enjoyed the evening. Thank you

Page last updated in September 2026

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