Private Bars for Hire in London

Q: How much does it cost to book bar venues in London?

Booking costs of private bars average £900 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 £500 to £1500 minimum spend per event - From £300 to £500 hire fee per event - From £17 to £120 per person

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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.

6542 Bar venues in London

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Private Bars - Tagvenue’s Picks

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

	Backstage at Eastcheap Records	Dark & Stormy 60 guests at LOCKES Bar Covent Garden	Basement Bar at The Oxford Market
Space type	Bar	Bar in a Cocktail Bar	Bar in a Restaurant
Venue	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.	Cocktail bar on Great Queen Street, just minutes from Covent Garden, with a split-level space featuring seasonal cocktails, over 30 wines, and delicious pizzas. Ideal for birthdays, team gatherings, or private parties, with a downstairs bar, dance floor, and options for DJs or custom music.	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.
Booking costs	from £1500 minimum spend / per day	from £1000 minimum spend / per session	from £1500 minimum spend / per day
Capacity	70 guests seating, 150 standing	60 guests seating, 60 standing	150 standing
Location	Tower Hill, London	Holborn, London	Fitzrovia, London
What users say	‘A massive thank you to eastcheap records! Bar staff, management and bouncers were so friendly and helpful.’	‘Fantastic space for a private party with your own bar. Amazing bar staff who made the best cocktails.’	‘We loved that the venue had a private entrance, bar and cloakroom/toilet facilities.’

FAQs about Top Bar Venues in London

How much does it cost to book bar venues in London?

Booking costs of private bars average £900 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 private bars in London as of October, 2026
From £500	to £1500	minimum spend per event
From £300	to £500	hire fee per event
From £17	to £120	per person

What are the top bar spaces available in London?

Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2026), the best options include:

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.’
Dark & Stormy 60 guests 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.’

What are the typical capacities of bars for events in London?

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 (October 2026):

Small	up to 60 guests	prices average £600 minimum spend per event
Medium	between 80 and 120 guests	prices average £850 minimum spend per event
Large	over 150 guests	prices average £1000 minimum spend per event

What are some bar venues close to Central London?

These are the venues within 1.1 mi from Central London, available to book on Tagvenue:

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: ‘They brought out the food in a timely manner, and the bar service was incredible.’
The Drawing Room at BFI Southbank on BFI Southbank Waterloo - 1.1 mi from centre.
Our user said: ‘Great venue in great south bank location. Friendly staff...’

What events can you host at bars for events in London?

In London, private bars are most commonly booked for 30 to 85 guests. Here are some popular kinds of events people have hosted at these spaces on Tagvenue, as of October 2026:

Party	Usually between £800 and £2,500.	User who booked The Games Room at Heist Bank for 30 guests said: ‘Great private space for an intimate party. The staff were fantastic from booking to end.’
Birthday Party	Usually between £750 and £2,500.	User who booked The Boudoir Bar at Bar Soho for 60 guests said: ‘Awesome location, amazing staff, very reasonable min spend. Was the perfect venue for my birthday party.’
Christmas Party	Usually between £1,500 and £4,800.	User who booked Whole Venue at Prosecco House for 40 guests said: ‘Service was amazing and so were the food and drinks. Great location.’
Engagement Party	Usually between £1,200 and £2,900.	User who booked Basement Bar at The Oxford Market for 80 guests said: ‘Everyone had such an amazing time and I can’t wait to book for our next party...’
Drinks Reception	Usually between £700 and £2,500.	User who booked The Vault Bar at Walkers of Whitehall for 25 guests said: ‘Cool venue, great food and friendly staff!’

Where can I find some quirky bars for hire in London?

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!

Can I bring my own alcohol at a private event in a bar?

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.

Can you hire a bar for free?

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.

Tagvenue team

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
Cocktail bars	A drinks-led celebration, small milestones, intimate gatherings	Expert mixology, semi-private areas or whole-bar hire; from £10 pp	£500 to £1,500
Traditional pubs	A relaxed, classic British atmosphere, A "living room" vibe	Gastro pubs with private dining and function rooms	£250 to £1,300
Rooftop bars	Views and a sense of occasion	Terraces and skyline lounges; from £50 pp, premium end	£1,500 to £8,000
Karaoke bars	A fun, private group night	Private karaoke dens with song libraries and time slots	£400 to £1,500
Bars with private rooms	Private parties, celebrations, and business meetings	Private rooms with own service bar and team; £17 to £120 pp	£500 to £1,500
Activity bars	Corporate and group events for socialising	Food, drinks, and interactive entertainment like arcade games, ping pong, games and immersive concepts	£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: historic and vibrant.
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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Verified Reviews of Private Bars in London

Polina C.

Verified review

Booked Qube East Bar and Lounge at Qube East - Cocktail Bar & Recording Studios

5.0

Hired this venue for my 21st Birthday party. It was an amazing venue and the staff were super friendly and helpful, they elevated the experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make the night special. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with great music and a lively crowd. The drinks were top-notch, especially the signature cocktails that everyone loved. The bartenders were friendly and attentive, ensuring our glasses were never empty. A special shoutout to the management for accommodating our group and helping with the decorations. If you're looking for a fantastic place to celebrate a special occasion, Qube is the perfect choice!

Jeremy G.

Verified review

Booked The Drawing Room at The Marquis Cornwallis

4.7

We booked a joint 30th birthday at the Marquis Cornwallis for 50 people. There were more than 50 people that turned up but the staff were fine with this. Everything was exactly as described on the profile for the venue. The team in charge of communication were very responsive leading up to the booking. When we arrived the furniture was all set up around the edge of the room with the bar staff helping us to put it in place how we wanted. We were allowed our own music which was done with an aux connection to my phone. The room is set apart from the rest of the pub with it's own bar and the staff had placed a notice on the door to ensure it was a fully private booking. Overall a great location for an event and I would 100% book again.

Taylor S.

Verified review

Booked Function Room at Simmons | Euston Square

5.0

From arrival a member of staff was on hand to welcome us and help us set up. They led us up to the space, which is fantastic and was perfect for my needs. We got to play our own music (they had an aux to iphone port adapter ready in case we didn't have that ready ourselves) and also could use karaoke whenever we decided. We also had our own bar and bartender for the whole night, and it was happy hour for some of our booking (6-11pm). You get the whole upstairs room private, and there is a photo booth and N64 console for use as well. I was told on the evening that I had met the minimum spend, and was refunded the deposit I paid promptly (within a week). Thank you for a fantastic night, this was a great venue to host my 30th birthday party :)

Anish P.

Verified review

Booked Dark & Stormy 60 guests at LOCKES Bar Covent Garden

5.0

A huge shoutout to the team at Lockes for a fantastic night hosting my engagement drinks! We had the private space booked out downstairs and we loved the vibe and service of the staff! They were flexible in customising the furniture & layout of the room, ensuring we have control of the lights and music volume and allowed me to change the arrival time of my pre ordered food based on when the majority of my guests arrived. I had many guests ask me how I found this venue and express how much they loved it! Steve & Marco do a fantastic job of running the place and they were easily reachable from the moment we made the first inquiry. The availability of the entire cocktail & food menu was fantastic and we loved the attentive service we received from our bartender who looked after us all night. I couldn’t have found a better venue that met all my requirements than Lockes - we’re so glad to have chosen this venue!

Amber P.

Verified review

Booked Cocktail Cavern at Dirty Martini Hanover Square

4.4

Really great communication from start to finish with the team, especially the event manager. Well run on the day with smooth food timings and bar service who worked well given the demand. The packages on offer and prices were reasonable and helped make the event very inclusive. Really appreciate how helpful everyone was, especially the management in allowing some external catering due to religious reasons as well as general helpfulness in making the event a success and would definitely recommend the space and services.

Samuel B.

Verified review

Booked Studio 61 at Sway

4.8

I used Sway last week for my 25th birthday party, and hired their Hide Room for the evening. We had a fantastic evening emphasised by the accommodating venue and helpful staff. From the initial organisation with the event staff (special mention to Cortney), to the effective door-team the whole evening ran very smoothly. We had a private bar and bartender, which allowed the guests to purchase drinks without leaving the room, which was a great help. We also played our own music through the evening, which was easily set up by plugging in through an Aux cord, with a lightning adapter which was provided by the staff. Later in the evening we could go back and forth to the club, which all of the guests appreciated to get a variety of music and also atmosphere. We also ordered food for the event from their buffet pick n mix menu, and ordered the 12 plates option to provide everyone with nibbles in the middle of the evening. This food was well portioned and of a very high quality, lots of guests commented to me how good it all was! The chilli and mango prawns were great, but even the triple cooked chips were fantastic and did well to line the stomach.

Joanne M.

Verified review

Booked Secret Bar at Looking Glass Cocktail Club

5.0

We hired the Secret Bar at the Looking Glass Cocktail Club bar for a joint 30th birthday and had an amazing night. The bar was accommodating with our minimum spend which we easily met and went over anyway and our guests all loved the venue. The bar has a recommended DJ but were happy for us to use our own DJ. They also let us decorate the bar and not many other venues we looked at allowed hire until 3am! Our guests loved the mirror door entry, and it was nice to be entirely separate from the living room bar, with our own toilets, cloakroom and bar. Pre-ordered drinks were served around on trays rather than just at the bar which was a nice touch and saved queuing at the bar. Thanks for an awesome evening!

Raphael K.

Verified review

Booked Mezzanine at Trapeze Bar

4.8

+ the venue was great, not too many people at the start, very accommodating barman and staff upstairs (e.g. when asked to show the football game on the TV) + DJ was playing great music and everyone really enjoyed it + the food (platters) was actually really tasty and there was plenty of it + the manager on duty was really nice and let us bring upstairs as many people as we wanted + great offers on drink from the start

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How to Score the Best Deal at a London Bar: Insider Tips from Venue Managers

Page last updated in October 2026

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