Small Party Venues for Hire in London

Small Party Venues Hire Guide

Special events you can host in a small party venue

London is second to none when it comes to the party life in Britain. It’s the home of some of the most iconic nightclubs in the country, like the Ministry of Sound in Southwark. But what if all you want is to chill out with your friends in a private, enclosed space? Maybe you’re trying to organise a small birthday for a friend? Hiring a small party venue is a popular option for many different events and celebrations. Have a look at our shortlist of special occasions that often require a small party space:

• Baby showers - London offers a huge choice of small event venues for baby showers. Perhaps you’re planning a petite afternoon tea in a shabby chic tea room? Or maybe you’re after a small private dining room in a restaurant of your choice? Let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll give you our best recommendations!
• Weddings - Intimate weddings are a hot trend. Happily, finding the perfect small wedding venue in London is becoming easier and cheaper. What’s more, you can get creative – how about hosting your special day in a pub? Now that’s truly a London-style wedding!
• Birthdays - Get together with your closest buddies and have a brilliant birthday bash! The capital’s full of fun private party venues for small birthday parties and laid-back gatherings, from teeny-tiny bars in Shoreditch, Soho, and Islington to cute dry-hire spaces that can be found all over London. If you’re planning a small kids’ party, we also have plenty of options for you.

Another benefit of small party venues is that they’re very easy to find in all parts of the city. You don’t even need anything special. There are all sorts of quaint event spaces that will gladly host your party. Here are some of our favourite examples of spaces suitable for small venues for parties:

• Minimum spend venues - It’s basically free venue hire! You don’t have to spend a single penny on hiring the space. Instead, you just need to pay a certain amount for food and drinks. Small minimum-spend party venues include pubs, bars and restaurants.
• Private dining rooms – Because every occasion is good for a delectable dining experience! Whether you’re keen on French haute cuisine or delicious pub grub, you can find an elegant private party venue that meets your needs.
• Community centres – This cheap party venue hire option is available in most London neighbourhoods. Community halls are versatile and more affordable than banqueting suites, which makes them an ideal choice if you are planning a small party on a tight budget. Other wallet-friendly event venue options include church halls and party rooms.
• Kids’ party places – Let the magic happen! We know the best kids’ birthday party places, including the city’s hidden gems. How about a mini party bus filled with video game consoles or a room in a party centre? With Tagvenue, you can find the perfect party venue for your kids in London in a snap.

Guide to planning a small party in London

Depending on the type of small event you want to organise (birthday, family gathering, or dance party), you may need to take a slightly different approach. But if you follow this guide, you should be able to hire a small party venue and prepare everything you need in advance so that your party day will be smooth and free of stress.

The first thing you have to do is contact the venue of your choice. You can even enquire about multiple small event spaces or luxurious private rooms so that you won’t have to worry about them being unavailable when you want. Include all the details, such as how many people you want to host, if you want to bring food or alcohol, or if you want to set up some games and decor. The venue manager will be able to clarify what you can do with the party venue and help you if you have any questions.

Then, figure out the invitations. Setting up a Facebook event or group is one of the easiest ways to provide your guests with the necessary information and give them a way to RSVP. This is crucial, especially when booking cosy event spaces in London, where the venue’s capacity might be limited. You can buy invitation cards and share them with your friends or family for a more traditional approach.

What’s a party without fun icebreakers and activities? To make your party fun and memorable, you should incorporate games into the agenda. This can particularly shine in small corporate events or birthday parties where a more personal touch can be added due to the venue size. Remember to match the games to how well the guests know each other. Start with icebreaker games if you’re dealing with a newly formed team at the office, and go with something more interesting as the night progresses.

Unless the venue has live music or a DJ - you should make sure to get some music going. Make a playlist on a streaming app like Spotify or Apple Music and let everyone add something they like to the mix. If you’re going for a themed party, you can also find a pre-made playlist with top hits from a certain era or style.

Ask the venue about their options if you want to have some food and drinks. From small venues for baby showers to other event-specific places, most party venues can provide you with some catering for your event, but it will often cost extra. Ask them if you can bring your own dishes into the venue to cut costs, or check this on their venue page.

FAQs about Small Party Venues in London

Can I hire an event space in London for a party that fits less than 50?

Of course! What you are looking for is a small party venue. Be sure to check out cafes, studios and function rooms for some great small-sized options. For a small party venue in Central London, expect an average price of £300-£500 per session. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

Can I hire a booth for my small party in London?

Yes! Many venues will offer you the chance to hire a booth for your group. This is a great option for small parties and doesn’t come at a high cost. You can often find booths for hire at pubs, nightclubs and bars.

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

Hiring a small event space can start at around £10 to £40 per person. The minimum spend for a smaller-sized venue will be found starting around £50 to £1200 per session. The hire fee per session ranges from £50 to £1200. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Can I hire a small party venue in East London for free?

You certainly can hire a small event space for free if you check out the minimum spend options. Quite popular at bars and pubs, this type of price model requires you to spend a pre-agreed amount on food and drink. Make sure your guests know the drill.