Halls for Hire in London

Halls Hire Guide

London’s versatile halls are ideal for conferences and expos, make good rehearsal spaces for workshops, are perfect for impressive Asian weddings, and so much more! 

Book a Hall in London for Any Event

Still not sure about hiring a hall for your special occasion in London? Take a look at some of our expert tips for planning your event:

• How about hiring a university hall for your big day? These spaces can work perfectly as cheap wedding venues! It makes the event particularly special if you and your other half come from the same academic background. London offers a variety of classic function halls to choose from, and we know where to find them!
• For Asian weddings in London, hall hire is the ultimate solution. You're going to need a lot of space for dining, dancing and entertainment. Halls can be stylish and spacious at the same time, and there’s the option to bring in your own external caterer for your big day. Enter your requirements in our smart search filters and explore your options.
• If you’re looking for birthday venues or kids' party spaces, we have listings for large event spaces in Central, North, West, East and South London. Think about searching for community halls for hire and adapt the space to fit your needs. Whether it’s a 6th, 16th or 60th birthday celebration, you can decorate the room to your taste with balloons, a themed cake and entertainers.
• Sports halls don’t have to be boring! Have you ever seen a basketball court with gothic arches? The one at Harrow Club W10 takes sports hall hire to a whole new level. Its designers managed to mix and match styles and have created a unique space your guests will love.

Decorating a Hall Venue

Need some more advice on organising an event? You don’t need years of experience to make a hall look wonderful. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Think of a unique theme. A Great Gatsby-themed party never disappoints. If you hire a vintage hall in London for your roaring 20s style party, it will be a night to remember. The Great Hall at The Queen’s House is a perfect choice for this kind of event.
• Choose your colour scheme. Picking two or three matching tones is enough to create an ambience that everyone will remember. You can also get inspired by Truman Capote’s famous party and arrange everything in black and white only!
• Lighting is key. You can change the mood of the venue completely with the right coloured lights. When you have a tight budget, think about using white Christmas lights. They’re a classic solution which allows for a cosy look without spending a fortune!
• For flower decorations, use in-season arrangements only. It will make your event cheaper and friendlier for the environment, it’s a win-win situation.

Take a look at some of London’s fantastic halls for hire:

Here at Tagvenue, we understand how much effort it takes to create a jaw-dropping event. But having an amazing venue is a great starting point. We list a range of affordable venues for your next special occasion, so you can focus on all the details. Why not c

heck out a few of our favourite venues:

• Stationers’ Hall at Stationers’ Hall and Garden – Situated just steps away from the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, Stationers’ Hall prides itself on its extraordinary heritage and excellent location. This beautiful historic venue consists of four connected rooms that offer a one-of-a-kind vintage luxuriousness. If you’re looking for a unique hall in the City of London, this is the one!

• Chapel Room at Katherine Low Settlement – Looking for an affordable, yet classy space in Battersea? Katherine Low Settlement has a space that’s perfect for all of your needs. This event hall is happy to host a wide range of events, from meetings and training to parties and sports events.

• Old Parish Hall at Core Clapton – A former Edwardian parish hall stylishly renovated into a bright and airy blank canvas space in Clapton, Old Parish Hall is our North London favourite for events that call for a versatile venue.

• Large Hall (with Kitchen) at St Paul's UR Church and Halls – Enjoy this stunning spiritual setting for everything from civil weddings to corporate gala dinners. Whatever the occasion you’re sure to impress with this amazing event hall in South Croydon.

• Conference & Meeting Hall at Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert's - Refettorio Felix near West Kensington station offers a majestic conference hall recently renovated by an award-winning designer. The best part? Your booking fees go to charity!

• Sports Hall at Haileybury Centre – Designed with athletic activities in mind, this hall at Haileybury Centre is happy to host all kinds of events and gatherings. Oh, and it’s really budget-friendly, too!

• Lighthouse Venue – Boasting one of the biggest cinema screens in the UK, Southwark’s Lighthouse Venue is the perfect spot for events that require state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment to really blow the audience away.

• Whitehall Suite at One Whitehall Place – A former gentlemen's club, One Whitehall Place now offers eight stunning banquet halls, all bursting with one-of-a-kind character. All this is just a stone’s throw from the Embankment station, what’s not to love?

Creative and Practical Decorating Tips for Different Types of Halls 

• Grand Ballrooms: Elegance and Opulence - Grand ballrooms in Mayfair or Notting Hill, epitomise luxury and are perfect for upscale events. When decorating these majestic spaces, consider a palette of rich colours like deep blues and burgundy complemented by gold accents. Luxurious drapery, ornate centrepieces, and sophisticated lighting, such as crystal chandeliers, enhance the regal atmosphere. Incorporating elements like mirrored tables and velvet linens adds a touch of grandeur to the space.
• Industrial Spaces: Chic and Edgy - 

  Industrial spaces in areas like Knightsbridge and Marylebone offer a unique canvas for modern and edgy decor. Embrace the raw, urban aesthetic with exposed brickwork, metallic fixtures, and minimalist lighting. Use bold, contemporary art pieces and neon signs to inject personality. Opt for eclectic furniture - a mix of vintage and modern pieces creates a chic yet approachable atmosphere. Incorporating greenery with potted plants or hanging installations adds a fresh touch to the industrial setting.

• Historic Halls: Timeless Sophistication - 

  Kensington's historic halls, with their timeless charm, are ideal for classic and sophisticated events. Use a neutral colour scheme with soft pastels to complement the venue's natural elegance. The hall's history is reflected through cascading greenery and blooms. Vintage furniture, like antique wooden chairs and classic tableware, aligns perfectly with the historic ambience.

• Contemporary Spaces: Modern and Versatile - Contemporary large event spaces lend themselves to a variety of themes. Utilise modern decor elements like geometric shapes, sleek furniture, and vibrant colour schemes. Innovative lighting solutions, such as LED installations or coloured spotlights, can dramatically alter the space's feel. Interactive elements, like digital guestbooks or projection mapping add a cutting-edge twist.

• Riverside Venues: Nautical Elegance - Venues along the Thames provide a stunning setting for events. Embrace a nautical theme with blues, whites, and sandy neutrals. Decor elements like rope accents, lanterns, and driftwood centrepieces bring in the riverside charm. Large glass windows can be left undraped, enabling guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Thames.

• Quirky Venues: Eclectic and Artistic - 

  Quirky halls in places like Camden call for imaginative and artistic decor. Think bohemian chic – a vibrant mix of colours, patterns, and textures. Handmade decorations, ethnic rugs, and unconventional seating like floor cushions or bean bags create a relaxed, informal environment. Art installations and graffiti walls can serve as conversation starters.

• Garden Venues: Natural and Serene - Use elements like wood, stone, and natural fibres to blend the indoors with the outdoors. Floral arches, green walls, and botanical motifs in the decor will create a serene, garden-like atmosphere. Soft, warm lighting, like fairy lights or lanterns, enhances the natural beauty of the event space.  The key is harmonising your decor style with the venue's ambience. Whether it's a corporate event in Southwark or a wedding in Kensington, the right decor can transform a hired hall into an unforgettable setting.

Layout and Seating Arrangements to Optimise Your Hired Event Space

Hiring a hall in London means you have access to venues ranging from Victorian-era ballrooms to contemporary, minimalist spaces. Planning layouts for each space according to its unique charm and scale is important.

Event Types and Choosing a Venue

• Corporate Events: Consider halls with a formal and sophisticated ambiance for conferences or business meetings. Venues like the White Loft + The Chalet at Lumiere London Old Street are ideal. A U-shaped or boardroom-style layout fosters interaction and engagement among attendees.
• Weddings: Grand halls like Porchester Hall offer elegance. A banquet-style layout with round tables encourages a warm, communal atmosphere for weddings. Consider also a dance floor area and a separate space for the ceremony.

• Art Exhibitions and Cultural Events: Cultural spaces like Gallery 13 at Saatchi Gallery are perfect. These events benefit from an open-plan layout, allowing guests to meander through the art displays.

• Private Parties: Small spaces like Watandar Hall provide a unique experience. A cocktail layout with scattered high tables and lounge areas works well for a relaxed, social vibe.

Make the Most of Your Space With Strategic Planning

• Understand the Capacity - Always start your planning by aligning your guestlist with the hall’s maximum capacity. This number is not just about legality but also comfort. Overcrowding can make an event feel chaotic, while too sparse a setting can make an event seem underwhelming.
• Track the Flow - Ensure there is clear and easy access to key areas like exits, restrooms, and food stations. A well-thought-out flow prevents bottlenecks and enhances the overall experience.
• Seating Arrangements - Tailor your seating based on the event. Round tables are great for galas and weddings, whereas theatre-style seating suits large conferences. For interactive workshops, consider cabaret-style seating.
• Use Vertical Space - In London’s more compact event venues, vertical space can be a game-changer. Use tall decorations or screens to draw the eye upwards, making the room feel larger.
• Lighting and Decor - Lighting can transform a space. Soft, warm lighting creates an intimate setting, while bright, dynamic lights suit corporate events. The decor should complement the architecture of the space and reflect the theme.

What Type of Hall Do I Need for My Event?

• Historical Venues: In venues with historical significance, your decoration plans may be restricted by rules that protect the architectural features.
• Modern Spaces: For blank canvas spaces, you can be bold with layout and decor.
• Outdoor Spaces: Some event spaces in London have gardens or terraces; use these for cocktail receptions or breakout sessions.

FAQs about Halls in London

What are some of the best halls for hire in London?

London has some amazing spaces for hire. Here are Tagvenue's top picks:

• King's House – This is a large blank canvas space that can host a variety of events from corporate gatherings to elegant cocktail parties. The newly-refurbished space offers an exciting blend of vintage flavour - it was once a billiard hall - and a modern AV setup. It also offers a range of amenities that will make your next event comfortable and easy.
• Tramshed – Tramshed offers a beautiful vintage setting that is perfect for hosting a wide range of events. The space adorns a large window with stained glass which will wow your guests. If you’re planning to prepare your own food, booking a hall without catering like this one is a great choice!
• Great Hall at Kingswood Arts – If you are looking for a gorgeous 19th century hall decorated with warm wood tones, then the Great Hall is perfect for you. This event space fits up to 100 guests and is perfect for social gatherings, large meetings, and celebrations and boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere.

How can I hire a cheap hall in London?

You don’t need to break the bank to rent a hall in London. You can find spaces all over the city at just about every price point, so you are bound to find one that works for your budget. Fortunately for you, Tagvenue has curated a list of the best halls in town. We recommend searching for minimum spend and dry hire venues to help stay within your budget. If you are expecting a limited number of attendees, then small spaces with event packages are the best option for you.

Where can I book a hall in London?

London has amazing event spaces all over the city, but you will be able to find some of the best in Finsbury. There are plenty of public transportation options available to get to this part of the city and its central location makes it super convenient, whether your guests are locals or from out of town. Another great location is Tottenham if you are looking for a place a little farther away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. However, if you have your heart set on the city centre, we recommend checking out the quirky spaces in Hackney, the elegant halls in Westminster, and large party spots in the City of London, there’s much to discover! 

How do I ensure the London hall meets my event requirements?

To ensure the hall you hire in London meets your event requirements, start by clearly defining the purpose and size of your event. This will help you narrow down the suitable types of halls, whether it's a grand ballroom for a lavish wedding or a sophisticated space for a corporate event. Next, consider the location and transport accessibility of the hall, ensuring it's convenient for your guests to reach via public or private transport. Visiting the venue in person is crucial to gauge its ambience and layout and to ensure it matches your expectations regarding size, facilities, and aesthetic appeal. Ask about customization options like seating arrangements, lighting, and décor to see how the space can be tailored to your needs. Finally, review the hall's amenities, such as audio-visual equipment, catering services, and parking availability. Clear communication with the venue's management about your specific requirements and expectations is key to a successful event.