Private Bars for Hire in London

Looking for a private bar in London for your next celebration? You’re in the right place! Here at Tagvenue we’re party venue hire experts. Are you focusing on bars in central London or some other neighbourhood? No matter what you have in mind, we’re sure to have something that fits your requirements. If you’re still not sure what kind of private bar you’d like to hire, have a look at some of our top recommendations:

• Boundary-breaking cocktail bars – As London is famous for its mixology scene, the choice of cocktail bars available for private hire is tremendous. Indulge your guests with delectable daiquiris, mouth-watering margaritas and other special drinks prepared by London’s best bartenders. Cheers!

• Traditional British pubs – Because it’s London, after all! We’re here to help you find the best pubs for hire in every district of London. Everybody loves a nice cold pint and delicious pub grub in a cosy setting. Consider yourself a foodie? London has plenty of gastropubs with function rooms for private dining, too.

• Karaoke bars – Unleash your inner rock stars and divas! A private karaoke party is always a good idea. Have a round or two at the bar and sing your heart out. And the best part? At a karaoke bar it’s absolutely acceptable to make a fool of yourself. Let your hair down, rock the mic like a boss and enjoy your private party!

• Up-and-coming hipster joints – think places in south and east London, Brixton, Hoxton, Camden Town and Islington. London is full of hip districts that are famous for their great bar scenes. From places for laid-back drinks to best bars in London with a view, there’s something for everyone.

Private Bars are fantastic for celebrating almost any occasion, but they are especially suited for birthday parties and company gatherings. They offer all of the amenities that you expect at a bar, with the added bonuses of privacy and a dedicated staff.

There are many things to keep in mind for when you are planning to hire a private bar. Here are a few things to stay on top of to make sure you get the most out of your night:

Guest Count – An accurate guest count is a key part of ensuring your party’s success. Send out invitations and request a confirmation of attendance. Once you have a rough number of how many guests you will be expecting, you can find the perfect place for your party. Calculate your purchase of food and beverages based on the number of guests you expect. Always confirm the final guest count with your venue, so they can ensure that your party will be adequately staffed.

Location – Location is a key factor to keep in mind when planning a fun night out. Central London has plenty of great options to choose from that are convenient to get to from any part of the city. This area also offers convenient options for your afterparty, especially around popular clubbing spots like Soho. If you are considering an event that will attract guests from out of town, consider venues and hotels not too far from major transport hubs, such as airports and train stations. 

Cost – Establishing a budget for your party is very important. London can be pricey, however, there are numerous types of hire options that may ease the cost. Minimum spend options avoid the cost of a hire fee - in exchange for use of the space, you will simply need to spend a certain amount at the bar for a drink and/or food. Per-person party packages are an excellent option as they usually offer a set menu and often some limited drink options as well. Remember that centrally located venues will generally be more expensive.

Private Bars in London FAQ

What areas of London have the coolest and quirkiest bars?

Check out Shoreditch for the hipster vibes of venues such as Cargo, located in the arches of a disused urban rail-yard or the legendary multiple-event spaces of Queen of Hoxton. Try Camden Town if your tastes turn more to vintage cocktail venues such as the popular lounge Near & Far. If you want a less complicated vibe and love to dance, check out Brixton.

How much does it cost to hire a bar for a private party?

If you are looking to hire a bar for a private party, expect minimum spend options to range from £100 to £3000. Other options include spaces for straight hire for £90 to £2000 per session. Some more pricey options can be found around £10000. Other private bars can be hired for £25 to £100 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Can I provide the alcohol at an event in a private bar?

Yes, there are many venues that will allow you to BYOB for your event. When searching for your venue on a venue platform like Tagvenue, you will be able to determine whether you will be allowed to provide your own alcohol or not. Be aware that you may be charged a corkage fee, so make sure to check ahead of time about any potential cost.

What are the best private bars in London?

Some of our favourites are:

Lockes Bar – The Downstairs Cocktail Bar is a trendy space that is great for hen parties and birthday parties alike. This venue is ideal for small parties.

Patch St. Pauls – This bar offers an elegant cocktail lounge adorned with wood, high tops, and benches. This space is excellent for baby and bridal showers.

Dirty Martini – The “Cocktail Cavern” has a vintage revival theme that is akin to a speakeasy. This space will be sure to impress your guests and will certainly set the tone for your evening.