Office Party Venues for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Office Party Venues in London

On the lookout for a great office party venue for this year’s company bash? If you’re feeling bored with the boardroom, you might like to plan an out-of-office office party. When choosing a staff party venue in London, make sure to pick a space where your employees can let down their hair.

Perhaps you want to book a great bar or restaurant, or maybe you’re on the lookout for something a little different, like an art gallery, bowling alley or day-cruise ship. Check out Tagvenue’s round-up of the most sought after office party venues in the capital. We’re sure to have a venue that suits, whether you’re after somewhere for an intimate gathering, medium-sized Christmas shindig or huge corporate blow-out. So what are you waiting for? We know how to take a staff party to a whole new level.

You’ll find plenty of venues for an office party in the city, and it may be hard to decide which place to choose. That is why we’ve prepared a short guide on the most popular types of office party venues:

Bars – A casual atmosphere, gin and tonic, dance music… Do you need anything more to have fun? Duh! A fancy place with fancy people! So choose your favourite, gather your workmates and head out for a party where you can truly unwind. There are plenty of benefits to throwing an office party in a bar. Bars often charge a minimum spend hire fee, which means that you can secure a venue for your event for free! All you have to do is spend a set amount of money on food and drinks.  Bars offer the extra incentive of a fun atmosphere which often includes fun activities such as karaoke or dancing. You won’t have any time to get bored! You don’t have to worry about music either, because most bars have their own music on site. Choose a bar with your favourite dance music and trip the light fantastic!

Lounges – A comfy room for a group or colleagues with drinks and food provided? Or maybe a fancy space where you can bring your own alcohol and bring your own food? Check out London’s amazing lounges! Take your workmates with you, play some Snooker, watch a football match and more!

Terraces – Looking for an outdoor space with a nice view? Terraces are the perfect solution! Find a nice terrace and take your workmates out for a party! It’s a perfect spot for al fresco dining and drinks. What are the benefits of hiring a terrace for your office party? Fresh air and stunning views encourage conversations that will last a lifetime in your memories! Terraces feature an adjoining  restaurant or bar, so you can get food and drinks there as well!

Private rooms – Privacy, delicious catering and a lot of fun - these and more are available in a private room. Bring your own DJ, hire an external caterer or take advantage of the venue’s offer, but first - ask the venue manager whether BYO alcohol, loud music and external catering are allowed.

Basic venues are not a solution for you and your colleagues? If you are craving something extraordinary, that will provide you and your workmates with fun and excitement, check out our out of this world, mind-blowing, extravagant propositions!

Game spaces and play rooms – Are your colleagues more into action than chit chat? Hire a playroom instead! These gaming spaces will provide you with an abundance of activities, arouse a competitive spirit and create strong bonds between you and the teammates (or break them depending on who wins of course). 

Galleries – Extravagant, top-notch location. Captivate colleagues and throw a noteworthy office party in one of London’s galleries.

Piano Bars – The perfect option for live music lovers. Sit down and listen to the sounds of music while enjoying your favourite drink with workmates. 

Cinemas – Do we have any film lovers here? We bet we do! Hire a cinema and throw a watch-party. Unite with your workmates and watch a tear-jerker, horror, action film or anything else you want! You just bring the popcorn and your mates and let the show begin!

Some venue types are especially popular for throwing office parties at. Their capacity, facilities, excellent communication and helpful staff earned them the name of ‘Supervenues’. They are venues beloved by our customers, featuring many positive reviews. If you don’t want to stress too much about hiring the venue, and you are looking for a safe option, check out these options on Tagvenue. 

Now that you’ve decided on the type of the venue you want, it’s time to choose your office party space. So, what should you  keep in mind when deciding on a venue?

1. Budget

We don’t have to say how important it is to set the budget for your event, do we? Deciding on this early will help you narrow down possible options and ensure that you can afford something extra like entertainment, drinks or snacks. Bars and restaurants are a great option for free venue hire as they usually offer minimum spend. This is a great option for your event, since all you have to do is spend a pre-agreed upon amount on food and/or drink  without needing to pay any venue hire fees. 

2. Location

The venue should always be in a convenient location, and it’s even better if it offers good public transport options. The venue should be easy for everyone to get to. Searching for venues in a specific location will be especially easy if you use an online venue marketplace platform. This will allow you to narrow down your search to venues in a particular area.

3. Catering options

You can either try catering that the venue provides, or decide on an external one. But first you should make sure the venue allows it. 

4. Entertainment

The office party is about fun, and creating bonds with your colleagues. You don’t want to spend the party looking at the wall, do you? Choose a venue with many entertainment options such as bowling, Billiards, karaoke or a dance floor. Paint the town and have fun!

Innovative Team-Building Activities for Office Parties

In today's fast-paced corporate world, office parties have evolved from mere gatherings to opportunities for strengthening workplace relationships. An office party in London, thanks to the city’s diverse wonderful venues, offers the perfect occasion for integrating innovative team-building activities that can turn any corporate event into a cohesive bonding experience. Here's a guide to putting together engaging and innovative activities for your next office party event in London:

• Escape Room Challenge: London boasts a range of venues offering escape room experiences such as Mission: Breakout in Camden Town, which can be a thrilling way for teams to collaborate under pressure. Divide your party attendees into small groups and challenge them to solve puzzles and escape within a set time. This activity fosters communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
• Interactive Cooking Workshops: Partner with one of London's culinary schools or a restaurant with private dining facilities to host a cooking workshop. Cooking together not only requires teamwork and planning but also results in a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy together, celebrating their collective effort.
• Treasure Hunt Across the City: Organise a treasure hunt that takes your team across some of London's iconic landmarks or hidden gems. This can be an excellent way for team members to work together to solve clues. It's an adventurous break from the conventional office setting that encourages exploration and teamwork.
• Art Jamming Session: Find a loft or a studio where your team can engage in an art jamming session. Provide canvases, paint, and brushes, and let everyone's creativity flow. This can be an open-ended activity where each participant expresses themselves or a collaborative art project where everyone contributes to a large mural. It's a great way to encourage creativity and non-verbal communication.
• DIY Cocktail Workshop: Collaborate with a local bar or a mixologist to set up a DIY cocktail-making workshop. Participants can learn about different spirits and mixing techniques to create their signature cocktails. This fun activity allows team members to engage in friendly competition, encourages creativity, and provides a relaxing environment for socialising.
• Charity Bike Build: Partner with a charity organisation and include a bike build activity in your office party. Teams work together to assemble bicycles, which are then donated to children in need. This activity fosters teamwork, offers a sense of accomplishment, and highlights the importance of giving back to the community.
• Improv Workshop: Hire a professional improv coach and host an improv workshop. Improv exercises are fantastic for breaking the ice, encouraging spontaneous thinking, and fostering a culture of support and affirmation within the team. It’s a lively way to enhance communication skills and inject humour into the office party.
• Tech-Free Zone: Designate a portion of your party venue as a tech-free zone where team members can engage in traditional board games, puzzles, or conversation without the distraction of digital devices. This encourages face-to-face interaction and can lead to more meaningful conversations and connections.

These types of team-building activities can help your London office party break the monotony and strengthen bonds among the team members. What’s more, it will leave lasting memories. The key is to choose activities that align with your team's interests and the company culture. This way, you can simply ensure an inclusive, enjoyable, and beneficial experience for all attendees.

Food and Drink Inspirations for Every Palate

When planning an office party in London, the selection of food and drink can do wonders to enhance your event. Catering to a diverse workforce means considering a variety of tastes and dietary requirements. Luckily, London offers endless possibilities to delight all the taste buds at your office party. Here’s a guide to inspire your menu choices, ensuring that all attendees can enjoy a taste of something special.

• Global Cuisine Stations: Embrace London's multicultural spirit by featuring cuisine stations from around the world. From Indian curries and Italian pastas to Japanese sushi and Middle Eastern mezze, allow your team to embark on a gastronomic journey. This not only satisfies diverse tastes but can also spark conversations about travel and heritage.
• Interactive Food Bars: Interactive food bars where guests can customise their plates are always a hit. Consider taco stands, build-your-own burger bars, or a gourmet salad station with a variety of toppings and dressings. For dessert, a DIY ice cream sundae or crepe station can add a fun twist. These stations cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• Signature Cocktails and Mocktails: Collaborate with a local mixologist to create signature cocktails and mocktails for your event. These unique beverages can be themed around the company's brand or the season. Don't forget to include rich, aromatic coffee and a selection of teas to cater to non-alcoholic preferences.
• Local and Seasonal Delights: Highlight the best of British produce by incorporating local and seasonal ingredients into your menu. This could range from a selection of artisan cheeses and chutneys to fresh seafood platters and farm-to-table vegetable dishes. Seasonal menus not only taste better but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
• Themed Food Nights: A themed food night can add an extra layer of excitement to your office party. Whether it's a traditional British feast, a Mediterranean night, or a Caribbean carnival, themes can guide your décor, music, and entertainment choices, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.
• Health-Conscious and Allergy-Friendly Options: With health-conscious eating on the rise, offer a variety of nutritious, balanced dishes. Quinoa salads, vegetable hummus wraps, and fruit platters are great options. Ensure that allergy-friendly alternatives are clearly labelled and separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
• Street Food Vendors: Hire local street food vendors to bring an authentic and casual dining experience to your office party. From gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to vegan kebabs and fresh falafel, street food is a great way to cater to various tastes and dietary needs while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and informal.
• Late-Night Snack Bar: As the party continues into the night, a late-night snack bar can provide a much-appreciated boost. Options like mini fish and chips, sliders, or even gourmet popcorn can be a hit, ensuring the energy stays high until the very end of the event.

With a bit of creativity, you can create a culinary experience that celebrates the diversity of your team and makes everyone feel valued and included. Good luck and bon appetit!

FAQs about Office Party Venues in London

How can I organise a cheap office party?

If you want to stay on a low budget for your office party, consider co-sharing a space with a different party, or hiring a private room instead of a whole venue. Picking a venue which provides a minimum spend option will also help you save some money, since you are only obliged to spend a certain amount of money on drinks and food, but don’t have to pay a fee for hiring your chosen venue.

What are some great venues for an office party in London?

When getting your colleagues together for an office party, you want to make sure that you get the best for your money. Discover some of the fantastic venues you can hire in London without breaking your budget and always be sure to explore party package options when booking. Check out a few of our favourites:

• Corporate party at West End on the Thames – Enjoy a bespoke party package on a luxury boat on the Thames.
• Cocktail Cavern at Dirty Martini Hanover Square – Hire this modern cocktail bar for your next corporate do. Sample the cocktails and share a selection of winning dishes and canapes while your colleagues relax and enjoy.
• The Rooftop Terrace at Good Hotel London – Share delightful panoramic views of London’s Canary Wharf and the River Thames as you celebrate with your colleagues.

Can I provide my own drinks for an office party?

Some venues offer an option for you to provide your own alcohol for your office party. This could be a smart way to stay on the budget, however, make sure to double check this information with the venue manager before you hire the venue.

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

If you decide on a venue with minimum spend expect prices from £100 to £12000. Per hour rates will range from £6 to £350. If you want to hire an office party venue per day or per session prepare for prices from £100 to £10000. (All prices from Tagvenue.)