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Top Bar Venues in London
Private bars in London average around £750 minimum spend per event, ranging from about £500 to £1,500, or roughly £17 to £70 per person. Take a semi-private area to keep costs down, or hire a whole bar exclusively for full privacy. Choose cocktail bars, pubs, rooftops, karaoke rooms or dedicated private rooms for birthdays, after-work drinks, corporate events or a date. Compare prices and pictures before booking your perfect venue.
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![Backstage at Eastcheap Records in Tower Hill, London]()
from £1500
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityBackstage
150 guestsEastcheap RecordsBank StationTower Hill, LondonBBeatrice R.
“Amazing room, private bar had a range of really nice drinks and cocktails everything you could wish for.” -
![The Boudoir Bar at Bar Soho in Soho, London]()
from £250
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Boudoir Bar
100 guestsBar SohoLeicester Square StationSoho, London
#Supervenue
MMichael P.
“Private Bar, our own sound system, away from the public and just a great space. I'd highly recommend it” -
![The Downstairs Cocktail Bar at LOCKES Bar Covent Garden in Holborn, London]()
from £1500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Downstairs Cocktail Bar
150 guestsLOCKES Bar Covent GardenCovent Garden StationHolborn, London
#Supervenue
DDeclan B.
“A great spot for a birthday party, with private bar/staff.” -
![Shanghai Cocktail Lounge at 68&SHANGHAI in Spitalfields, London]()
from £1
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityShanghai Cocktail Lounge
30 guests68&SHANGHAIAldgate East StationSpitalfields, London
#Supervenue
MMoly
“Private bathroom, private bar area, cocktails were brilliant. All guests had a lovely time” -
![Basement Bar at The Oxford Market in Fitzrovia, London]()
from £1500
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityBasement Bar
150 guestsThe Oxford MarketOxford Circus StationFitzrovia, London
#Supervenue
YYasmine K.
“The basement is spacious and had everything you could need including a private toilet, cloakroom and bar.” -
![Private Room & Bar 1st Floor at Clerkenwell and Social in Farringdon, London]()
from £550
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityPrivate Room & Bar 1st Floor
100 guestsClerkenwell and SocialFarringdon StationFarringdon, LondonAAlastair P.
“Excellent pizzas Private bar and bathroom facilities upstairs” -
![Upstairs at The Sun at The Sun Clapham in Clapham, London]()
from £500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityUpstairs at The Sun
90 guestsThe Sun ClaphamClapham Common StationClapham, LondonPPeter C.
“Great venue with private bar. Staff were friendly and helpful.” -
![Basement Bar at Two Floors in Soho, London]()
from £750
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityBasement Bar
50 guestsTwo FloorsOxford Circus StationSoho, LondonTTom T.
“The venue was really well decorated and the private bar fully stocked.” -
![1st Floor at The Elgin in Maida Vale, London]()
from £500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availability1st Floor
100 guestsThe ElginMaida Vale StationMaida Vale, LondonHHenry
“Having a birthday there with your own private bar was brilliant.” -
![Louie's at Red Dog Saloon Hoxton in Hackney Borough, London]()
from £1000
minimum spend / per dayCheck availabilityLouie's
180 guestsRed Dog Saloon HoxtonOld Street StationHackney Borough, London
#Supervenue
AAmanda H.
“Excellent communication from venue manager ahead of booking to sort bar tab/food.” -
![The JubJub at Callooh Callay Shoreditch in Shoreditch, London]()
from £700
minimum spend / per eveningCheck availabilityThe JubJub
40 guestsCallooh Callay ShoreditchOld Street StationShoreditch, London
#Supervenue
AAna S.
“I had the absolute best birthday and think this place has the best cocktails in London for me. Thank you all!” -
![Basement Bar at Brix Ldn in Southwark, London]()
from £3000
minimum spend / per afternoonCheck availabilityBasement Bar
150 guestsBrix LdnBorough StationSouthwark, London
#Supervenue
MMandi S.
“Brix basement bar was a fantastic venue hire for my husbands 40th birthday.”
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Celebrate at Top Bars for Birthday Parties
minimum spend / per evening
#Supervenue
“Couldn't have asked for a better venue with friendlier staff for my 30th birthday party.”
minimum spend / per evening
#Supervenue
“Hired for ab30th Birthday Party! Lovely venue and lovely staff, highly recommend”
hire fee / per session
“We hired the upstairs bar and terrace at TOLA for a joint birthday party for c.60-70 friends.”
minimum spend / per session
“Great venue perfect for a 30th birthday party. Staff were really helpful and attentive.”
minimum spend / per session
#Supervenue
“Was a very nice space for a surprise 25th Birthday party for around 16 people.”
minimum spend / per session
“I had my 30th birthday party in the Basement Bar at Coin Laundry. It was excellent and I highly recommend!”
Drink and Dine at London’s Fantastic Drinks Reception Bars
minimum spend / per session
“The room is private and very spacious with a great atmosphere. We would highly recommend it for any events.”
minimum spend / per session
#Supervenue
“Had my 30th birthday here. Really great space and team - wholeheartedly recommend for private hire!”
minimum spend / per afternoon
“Good space, seating and standing areas, private bar and you can connect your own music”
minimum spend / per day
#Supervenue
“Fantastic place to have a private party. I had my 35th birthday here and the staff and venue was 10/10.”
minimum spend / per afternoon
“The team were amazing from the manager at the door to the barmen - everyone was so friendly and accomodating!”
minimum spend / per session
#Supervenue
“Nice private bar upstairs, quick service. Left to do our own thing. The disco lights were a delightful bonus.”
Pick from Most Attractive Bars for Live Music Events
minimum spend / per session
“Would definitely recommend this venue to any promoters.”
minimum spend / per session
#Supervenue
“Great private space that was well lit and offered personal bar and toilets. Well connected and easy to find.”
minimum spend / per evening
“The venue had our own private bar and really cool games and decor.”
minimum spend / per morning
“The space was amazing and so was the bar staff we had a fantastic time”
minimum spend / per day
#Supervenue
“The private bar was great as well, and the location in Kings Cross is superb!”
minimum spend / per day
#Supervenue
“I booked a private room for my boyfriend's 30th birthday on a Saturday night.”
FAQs about Top Bar Venues in London
Booking costs of private bars average £750 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 August 2026:
| From £500 | to £1500 | minimum spend per event |
| From £35 | to £70 | per person |
| From £200 | to £300 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated August 2026), the best options include:
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Backstage at Eastcheap Records in Tower Hill - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘A massive thank you to eastcheap records! Bar staff, management and bouncers were so friendly and helpful.’ -
The Boudoir Bar at Bar Soho in Soho - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Private Bar, our own sound system, away from the public and just a great space.’ -
The Downstairs Cocktail Bar at LOCKES Bar Covent Garden in Holborn - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Fantastic space for a private party with your own bar. Amazing bar staff who made the best cocktails.’
You'll find private bars 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 (August 2026):
| Small | up to 60 guests | prices average £500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 80 and 120 guests | prices average £750 minimum spend per event |
| Large | over 160 guests | prices average £1000 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 1.1 mi from central London, available to book on Tagvenue:
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The Vault Bar at Walkers of Whitehall
on 15 Craig's Court Whitehall - 0.9 mi from centre.
Our user said: ‘Good space and separate bar area. Good service and friendly staff.’ -
Entire Venue at Clipper Lounge EMB
on Victoria Embankment - 1 mi from centre.
Our user said: ‘The booking process was very easy, didn’t feel pressured at all in terms of pre-booking things too early.’ -
The Drawing Room at BFI Southbank
on BFI Southbank Waterloo - 1.1 mi from centre.
Our user said: ‘Unique and private. Able to play our own music. Included bartender to staff the bar. Polite people.’
Shoreditch remains a hotspot for unique vibes, offering hip venues like The JubJub at Callooh Callay Shoreditch near Old Street Station and the iconic, multi-level Queen of Hoxton. For those with a taste for vintage-style cocktail bars, head to Camden Town, where you'll find private spaces like the chic Studio48 Bar & Kitchen. Prefer a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to dance. Brixton is your go-to destination. Whatever your party style, London has a quirky spot to match!
Yes, many bars with private spaces in London offer the option to bring your own alcohol (BYO) for your event. When browsing for the perfect venue on platforms like Tagvenue, you can easily filter your search to find bars that allow BYO alcohol. However, keep in mind that some venues may charge a corkage fee for bringing your own drinks, so it's a good idea to confirm any potential charges in advance. This way, you can plan your budget accordingly and avoid surprises on your event's day.
Many London bars have no upfront hire fee, instead they set a minimum spend, meaning you commit to spending a set amount on food and drinks. Ask what it includes (room, staff, basic AV, sometimes food and drink) and check for extras like security or late-night licensing.
Your Guide to Hiring Private Bars in London
Which type of bar should you book for your event?
It depends on the mood you want — a drinks-led night, a relaxed pub, a rooftop with a view, or somewhere hidden and intimate. Here is a quick guide to the main types, what to expect, and typical minimum spend. Select any type to explore that collection.
|
Type |
Best for |
What to expect |
Min spend from / to |
|
A drinks-led celebration, |
Expert mixology, semi-private areas or |
£500 to £1,500 |
|
|
A relaxed, classic British |
Gastro pubs with private dining |
£250 to £1,300 |
|
|
Views and a sense of occasion |
Terraces and skyline lounges; |
£1,500 to £8,000 |
|
|
A fun, private group night |
Private karaoke dens with song |
£400 to £1,500 |
|
|
Private parties, celebrations, |
Private rooms with own service bar |
£500 to £1,500 |
|
|
Corporate and group events |
Food, drinks, and interactive |
£500 to £1,500 |
London's best areas for a private bar event
Each area has its own bar scene, and all are well served by the tube. Here are the top areas to consider:
- Soho: hidden speakeasies and cocktail bars.
Top pick: The Boudoir Bar at Bar Soho — private bar with its own sound system for up to 100, from £250 minimum spend (rated 4.9). - Shoreditch / Hoxton: trendy and drinks-led.
Top picks: The JubJub at Callooh Callay, a bar-within-a-bar for up to 40 from £700 (4.8), and Louie's at Red Dog Saloon Hoxton for up to 180 from £1,000 (4.9). - Covent Garden / Holborn: central and classy.
Top pick: The Downstairs Cocktail Bar at LOCKES Bar — your own bar for up to 150, from £1,500 (4.9, 306 reviews). - Tower Hill / City:
Top pick: Backstage at Eastcheap Records for up to 150 from £1,500 (4.9). - Camden Town: vintage-style cocktail and karaoke spots.
Top pick: Studio48 Bar & Kitchen, a retro four-floor venue with an Elvis karaoke lounge, from £100 minimum spend (4.7).
What about hidden bars and speakeasies in London?
Hidden bars are one of the most-searched types with secret entrances, password doors and underground rooms. Most are open to the public, and some, especially in Soho and Shoreditch, can be hired privately for a group. This is different from a members' club: no membership needed, just a booking.
Check out our top picks:
- Hidden Society: An intimate cocktail bar tucked beneath 61 Goodge Street in Fitzrovia, featuring soft lighting, literary nods, and space for up to 100 guests.
- Cache Cache Speakeasy: A clandestine, decadent bolthole hidden beneath the historic market piazza in Covent Garden, hosting live DJs and musicians.
- The Speakeasy at MNM: A 1920s-style secret bar hidden away in the basement of a barber shop at 141-142 Fenchurch Street, holding up to 40 guests.
- Under The Counter: A late-night retro listening bar tucked beneath The Counter in Soho with a capacity of 40 guests.
How to choose a bar:
- Guest count: small (up to 60), medium (80–120), large (160+) — confirm the space fits your format.
- Budget: a £750 minimum spend comfortably covers a medium bar for 80–120; ask what it includes.
- Occasion: cocktail bar for friends, private room for the office, hidden bar for a date.
- Catering and drinks: check menus, drink packages, bar tabs or BYO with corkage.
- Area and transport: pick somewhere near a tube station guests can reach easily.
- Extras and fees: confirm AV, entertainment and cancellation terms before you sign.
For more, see how to score the best deal at a London bar.
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Page last updated in August 2026
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