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Top Self Catering Venues in London
Planning an event but want to keep your costs low? Alternative options to consider include self catering venues that allow for non-traditional catering (like food trucks), sponsored catering or DIY catering. It's worth remembering that town halls, libraries or other local community organisations are often much cheaper than a banquet hall, hotel or conference centre, and are ideal for self-catered events. Here at Tagvenue, we showcase a variety of alternative hire spaces, so it's easy to find a self-catering venue for your next celebration.
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![The Nave at St Ethelburga's Centre in Tower Hill, London]()
from £70
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Nave
85 guestsSt Ethelburga's CentreLiverpool Street StationTower Hill, LondonSShelley S.
“The space has such a beautiful ambiance and energy, it lent itself perfectly to our Breathwork event.” -
![The Bedouin Tent & Garden at St Ethelburga's Centre in Tower Hill, London]()
from £70
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Bedouin Tent & Garden
30 guestsSt Ethelburga's CentreLiverpool Street StationTower Hill, LondonBB
“Excellent location, communication with venue managers” -
![Whole Venue at Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert's in Earls Court, London]()
from £150
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityWhole Venue
100 guestsRefettorio Felix at St Cuthbert'sWest Kensington StationEarls Court, LondonOOyinkan
“Other staff helped me on the day and my party went off without a hitch. I would highly recommend this venue.” -
![Private Floor at My Buzzspace in Shoreditch, London]()
from £50
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityPrivate Floor
30 guestsMy BuzzspaceOld Street StationShoreditch, London
#Supervenue
SSeyi
“Everyone who attended loved the venue and some have mentioned that they will book for future events.” -
![The Clubhouse at the Victoria at The Clubhouse at The Vic in Tottenham, London]()
from £400
minimum spend / per afternoonCheck availabilityThe Clubhouse at the Victoria
30 guestsThe Clubhouse at The VicBruce Grove StationTottenham, London
#Supervenue
CClare W.
“I would definitely book this venue again for another function. Great service and value for money.” -
![Les Salons at Institut français au Royaume-Uni in South Kensington, London]()
from £300
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityLes Salons
60 guestsInstitut français au Royaume-UniSouth Kensington StationSouth Kensington, LondonKKatie.s
“The venue is beautiful, such a calm, serene place to hold a marketing workshop.” -
![Function Room at the Venue at The Old Street Gallery in Shoreditch, London]()
from £100
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityFunction Room at the Venue
100 guestsThe Old Street GalleryOld Street StationShoreditch, LondonVVanessa I.
“The venue is a good size and the location is perfect! Would definitely book again!” -
![Living Room Place whole venue at The Living Room Place Furzedown Venue in Tooting, London]()
from £60
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityLiving Room Place whole venue
30 guestsThe Living Room Place Furzedown VenueTooting, London
#Supervenue
JJamal H.
“I recently rented this venue for a personal event, and it was phenomenal!” -
![The Library at The Hearth in Queen's Park, London]()
from £132
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Library
35 guestsThe HearthQueen's Park StationQueen's Park, LondonSSophie
“The Hearth's Team (Angie & Vivian) were super kind and helpful! The venue is beautiful and well-equipped.” -
![Whole Venue at Coldharbour Blue (Whirled Cinema) in Herne Hill, London]()
from £300
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityWhole Venue
60 guestsColdharbour Blue (Whirled Cinema)Brixton StationHerne Hill, LondonLLauren C.
“The venue itself provides a cool atmosphere with comfortable seating and fully functioning bar.” -
![The Home at Anomalous Space in Angel, London]()
from £180
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Home
55 guestsAnomalous SpaceAngel StationAngel, London
#Supervenue
ZZeenat A.
“I also hired the space for a photoshoot, and found that the lighting is excellent throughout.” -
![Entire Venue at Hatcham House in New Cross, London]()
from £65
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityEntire Venue
50 guestsHatcham HouseNew Cross Gate StationNew Cross, LondonBBianca P.
“Great space, reasonably priced. We hired for a funeral wake, and everyone loved the place!”
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Find Affordable Self Catering Venues in London
hire fee / per hour
#Supervenue
“The price and affordability were a big factor for me and this venue and organisers exceeded my expectations.”
hire fee / per hour
#Supervenue
“The lady at the reception was quite helpful to settle us in. Great venue and great value for money!!”
hire fee / per hour
“Drinks a good price, pizzas lovely and Sasha was brilliant. Couldn’t have asked for a better venue!”
hire fee / per hour
#Supervenue
“Terrific support and a lovely place to screen a film. Would definitely book again for future screenings.”
hire fee / per session
“The venue itself is full of character and feels like a hidden gem when you stumble across it!”
hire fee / per day
“Venue was lovely and staff was friendly too, was perfect my baby shower and was very spacious”
Browse Popular Hotels with Self Catering Offers
hire fee / per day
“The hotel itself is very presentable and was great as a venue for the wedding.”
hire fee / per evening
“Having hosted events at numerous locations and hotels, the Fitzrovia hotel definitely tops most of them.”
hire fee / per day
“The venue was big and overall I had a great experience with the Brentford lock.”
hire fee / per session
“Venue is very accessible and central London.”
hire fee / per hour
“Loved the venue and staff. Great in communication and offer help with any concerns or questions.”
hire fee / per day
#Supervenue
“We held our wedding party at The Gate, following the official marriage a couple of days before.”
London’s Finest Halls for Self Catering Events
hire fee / per hour
#Supervenue
“Excellent hall and service”
hire fee / per day
hire fee / per hour
hire fee / per hour
hire fee / per hour
“I ended up hosting in the Gallery, not the theatre and had a five-star experience with the venue and team.”
hire fee / per hour
FAQs about Top Self Catering Venues in London
The cost of self catering venues in London averages around £100 hire fee per hour. The final price will depend on location, size, amenities, and demand. Some venues also offer additional packages that include catering, AV equipment, or additional services. Take a look at the usual price ranges in London, based on Tagvenue data from September 2025:
| From £70 | to £175 | hire fee per hour |
| From £660 | to £2000 | minimum spend per event |
| From £500 | to £2500 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2025), the best options include:
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Whole Venue at Refettorio Felix at St Cuthbert's in Earls Court - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘I would highly recommend this venue. I had a magical night.’ -
The Nave at St Ethelburga's Centre in Tower Hill - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘Amazing venue in a prime Central London location.’ -
Private Floor at My Buzzspace in Shoreditch - rated 4.8/5
Our user said: ‘It was fab! Great space and location, we were able to take our own food and drink.’
This largely depends on the type of venue you hire, such as dry hire vs. wet hire venues. Some venues will have a kitchen or kitchenette food preparation or simply offer a catering or warming kitchen for you to heat up food. You should always make sure that you have the catering supplies on hand to serve your guests.
The biggest advantage of self catering venues is the money that you can save by providing your own food and drinks. There is more work involved, of course, but you also have the enjoyment of creating a more personalised event. This is especially good for more creative types and those who love to get stuck into a project. It can also be enormously helpful for people who need to prepare a menu that takes into account allergies or intolerances.
Of course! This is always a viable option as there are plenty of ways to cater a party in London in non-conventional ways. A crowd favourite are food trucks, which are perfect for summertime parties and even wedding receptions.
Your Guide to Hiring Self Catering Venues in London
Self-Catering Venues in London: Plan the Perfect DIY Event
Venues that allow outside catering give you full control over your menu, making them a budget-friendly option for weddings, birthdays, and private parties. If you’re hiring a professional caterer or preparing the food yourself, these self catering party venues let you create a truly personalised experience. Here’s what to consider when booking one in London:
Planning & Preparation
- Kitchen Facilities – Some venues have on-site kitchens, while others require you to bring pre-prepared food. Check what’s available in advance.
- Serving & Storage – Aluminium trays, chafing dishes, and portable coolers make buffet-style service easy. Don’t forget utensils, plates, and serving tools.
- Clean-Up – Opt for recyclable plates and cutlery for easy cleanup, or rent glassware for a more polished look.
Dry Hire vs. Wet Hire: Which One to Choose?
- Dry Hire Venues – These are blank-canvas spaces where you bring everything, from furniture to decorations. Perfect for fully customised events on a budget. Many party rental companies in London offer affordable tables, chairs, and decor.
- Wet Hire Venues – These come with basic setups like tables and chairs, saving you time and effort. You’ll still handle the catering, but setup and logistics are simplified. They’re ideal for larger gatherings.
Setting Up a DIY Bar
- Keep it simple with a self-service bar:
- Stock coolers with beer, wine, and soft drinks.
- Provide ice, cups, and mixers for easy drink-making.
- Add a signature cocktail station for a fun, interactive touch.
Self-Catering Venue Hire Tips:
- See if the venue has a special space for preparing food – Ask about kitchens or kitchenettes. These facilities allow you to prepare tasty, fresh nibbles and serve them right away.
- Plan the menu carefully – Keep in mind that some of your guests may have special dietary requirements (gluten free, halal, vegetarian). Because of that, having a variety of entrees, main dishes and snacks is the key to a successful self-catered party.
- Use seasonal produce – Think Eton mess with summer berries in June and spicy pumpkin soup in autumn. It’s not only cheaper, but much more delicious!
- Manage your time wisely – If you’re thinking about a self-catered wedding, remember that it can be really time consuming. You can use food trucks as well as DIY food stations and dessert bars. After all, there are many different self-catering wedding venues for your big day.
The most popular self-catering venues in London include community centres, halls, and warehouses. You can also take a look at our dry hire venues, many of which are happy for you to organise your own catering. Hiring a venue that allows outside catering is one of the best ways to organising affordable wedding or party event.
Planning a party at a self catering venue does not need to be a stressful endeavour. Enjoy exploring your creativity and bringing a personal touch to your event as you plan a menu that you love. The savings are a big plus as well. Fortunately for you, Tagvenue is an excellent resource for finding the perfect venue for your party. Browse through our selection of amazing venues and book with us today!
How to Maximise Your Budget at a Self-Catering Venue
Looking for self-catering venues near you? If you're planning a wedding, corporate retreat, or birthday party, a self-catering venue hire gives you full control over your event’s catering, decor, and setup—helping you save money while creating a completely bespoke experience.
Why Choose a Self-Catering Venue?
Also known as DIY or BYO venues, self-catering spaces offer flexibility and cost savings by allowing you to:
- Bring in external catering that fits your budget and taste.
- Set up a self-service bar instead of paying for an in-house drinks package.
- Decorate and furnish the venue to match your vision—perfect for wedding venues with external catering.
Budget-Saving Tips for a DIY Event
- Buy in Bulk – Get food, drinks, and tableware from wholesale suppliers.
- DIY Decorations – Use rented linens, candles, and fairy lights for a stylish look on a budget.
- Smart Table Settings – Opt for recyclable plates or rented glassware for a balance of cost and elegance.
How to Find the Perfect Self-Catering Venue in London
Whether you need a self catering wedding venue or party venues that allow outside catering for a private event, London has many options you can choose from.
Maximising Venue Use: When booking a self-catering venue, ask about the space's flexibility. Some venues offer multiple areas for different event stages, Use courtyards for welcome drinks, rooftops for ceremonies, or banquet halls for dining. Check kitchen access and catering rules..
Budget Management: One of the biggest perks of a self-catering venue is cost control. Set a clear budget, track expenses, and compare catering options to find the best value.
Embracing the Local Charm: Choose a venue in Greenwich for riverside charm or Camden for an edgy vibe You could even incorporate local flavours by bringing in food from nearby markets or hiring a London-based chef.
Top Self-Catering Venues in London for Every Type of Event
- The Loft: Located in East London, this is a cool space with an industrial look, perfect for birthday parties or fun get-togethers. Up to 120 people can fit here, and you can book it starting at £500. It's a flexible spot where you can bring your own food and decorations to match your party theme.
- Studio Spaces: This venue is a versatile space with three blank canvas spaces and is great for corporate events, workshops, or creative meetings. This venue can handle groups of 1500 people, and prices start at £8000 per day.
- The Grand Hall at Troxy: Located in East London's Limehouse area, The self catering venue is an art deco venue perfect for large-scale events. Originally a cinema in 1933, it now hosts weddings, corporate events, live shows, and more. With a capacity of up to 1,800 people, it has a high ceiling, classic 1930s decor, and great sound and lighting systems.
- The Garden Room with Garden at The Wilds: Located in Hackney, this charming DIY venue is great for small events. It has an indoor room and a delightful private garden, perfect for up to 30 guests. The decor is rustic with a touch of modern elegance, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Rental prices start at £75 per hour. The venue is especially popular for small weddings, workshops, and family gatherings.
- The Jacobean Room at Kingswood Arts: This exquisite ballroom in West London is ideal for large events, such as weddings, galas, and corporate functions, accommodating up to 400 guests. The room has ornate Jacobean-style interiors, a high ceiling, and grand chandeliers. Rental prices begin at £250 per hour, making it a luxurious yet convenient choice if you want a majestic setting for your special occasion.
