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Top Unusual Venues in London
From gritty Shoreditch to posh Mayfair, London’s vibrant neighbourhoods reflect the city’s exciting cultural mix. Want to stand out from the pack? If you’re looking to host an event with a lot of personality, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Tagvenue we list some unusual venues that are seriously out of this world. Whether you’re after a hidden gem or a one-of-a-kind concept space, you’ll be surprised what you can find here in the city. Dreaming of a chic cocktail emporium or an old school bowling alley? Maybe you prefer modern venues and an industrial-chic warehouse space is what you're after? Tagvenue is sure to have an unusual venue that’ll get your guests talking.
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![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, LondonJJudith T.
“Really unusual venue with helpful staff (Nelson). Our guests loved it! ” -
![The Play Room at Bounce Old Street in Shoreditch, London]()
from £2000
minimum spend / per eveningCheck availabilityThe Play Room
100 guestsBounce Old StreetOld Street StationShoreditch, LondonRRadka J.
“It's a super cool venue if you are looking for something more fun and different from a regular meeting room! ” -
![The Nave at St Ethelburga's Centre in Tower Hill, London]()
from £70
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Nave
150 guestsSt Ethelburga's CentreLiverpool Street StationTower Hill, LondonAArtangel L.
“Fantastic venue with super helpful staff which made the running of the event super easy. ” -
![Entire Ship at The Golden Hinde in Southwark, London]()
from £1380
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityEntire Ship
120 guestsThe Golden HindeLondon Bridge StationSouthwark, LondonJJane S.
“Excellent venue and support staff, we had an amazing party aboard this wonderful boat. Can highly recommend. ” -
![The Speakeasy at MNM in Tower Hill, London]()
from £10
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Speakeasy
60 guestsMNMTower Hill StationTower Hill, London
#Supervenue
JJulia M.
“Really quirky venue, lovely size for our get together and bar staff were fantastic. ” -
![Menier Lounge at Menier Lounge in Southwark, London]()
from £350
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityMenier Lounge
60 guestsMenier LoungeBorough StationSouthwark, LondonAAndy W.
“Such a cool venue. We spent the entire day at Menier doing workshops and presentations. ” -
![The Lower Deck at Tamesis Dock in Vauxhall, London]()
from £185
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Lower Deck
120 guestsTamesis DockVauxhall StationVauxhall, LondonFFrancesca H.
“Great team there who are extremely accommodating and flexible. Fun and quirky venue ” -
![The Vaults at Traitors Gate at Traitors Gate Tower Hill in Tower Hill, London]()
from £1250
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Vaults at Traitors Gate
70 guestsTraitors Gate Tower HillTower Hill StationTower Hill, LondonCCerys H.
“Loved the Vaults, really cool space in a great location. Cori and her team were great! ” -
![Mala Madre Events Space at The Last Talisman in Bermondsey, London]()
from £10
per person / per sessionCheck availabilityMala Madre Events Space
90 guestsThe Last TalismanLondon Bridge StationBermondsey, London
#Supervenue
SSarah A.
“I highly recommend booking here for your events. Its a lovely, intimate space and we had a great time. ” -
![The Club at Core in Bank, London]()
from £500
minimum spend / per sessionCheck availabilityThe Club
180 guestsCoreMansion House StationBank, LondonNNisha
“The staff at this ubercool venue were lovely and the evening went without a hitch. ” -
![The Home at Anomalous Space in Angel, London]()
from £180
hire fee / per hourCheck availabilityThe Home
100 guestsAnomalous SpaceAngel StationAngel, London
#Supervenue
FFlora D.
“Everyone loved the space & we had a great event :) Definitely recommend! ” -
![Aures London Main Space at Aures London in Waterloo, London]()
from £1800
hire fee / per sessionCheck availabilityAures London Main Space
350 guestsAures LondonWaterloo StationWaterloo, LondonCColin M.
“Cool location, excellent space. Extremely well kitted out, AV-wise. ”
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Book Small Unusual Venues in London
minimum spend / per afternoon
#Supervenue
“The space was perfect for our needs, and its great you can use the rest of the bar easily too. ”
hire fee / per session
#Supervenue
hire fee / per afternoon
“Loved having a busy atmosphere but being able to have your own space at the same time. ”
per person / per session
hire fee / per day
hire fee / per morning
“Beautiful atmosphere a real vintage feel to the place like an Agatha Christie setting. ”
London’s Extraordinary Bars with Unusual Spaces
minimum spend / per session
“Great party space with different areas. Option to go downstairs to Bar Soho. ”
minimum spend / per day
“Amazing room, private bar had a range of really nice drinks and cocktails everything you could wish for. ”
minimum spend / per session
“Great space. Unique and private. Able to play our own music. Included bartender to staff the bar. ”
minimum spend / per afternoon
“The bar staff, management, security and cloakroom attendant were all so friendly and helpful. ”
minimum spend / per evening
#Supervenue
“It was well organised and it ran seamlessly The bar and location are perfect and the food was delicious. ”
minimum spend / per session
“The venue was very clean, well kept and bar staff are attentive and friendly. ”
FAQs about Top Unusual Venues in London
A unique or quirky venue will offer your event a huge dose of character, and a huge shot of fun. Whether you hire a railway arch or a bedoiun tent in the heart of London, a cool and unusual venue will get your party off on the right foot. Many unique party venues are playful takes on your run-of-the-mill bar, pub, or club. They offer a vibrant atmosphere for all of your guests to enjoy and often serve plenty of fun cocktails and menu items. And don’t forget all of the photo opportunities a unique venue offers! These venues are a sure way to take your event from average to unforgettable.
When hiring an unusual venue in London, you will find that prices can vary substantially depending on the venue type but you can be sure that you will definitely get what you pay for. The easiest way to book an unusual venue is to choose a minimum spend venue and expect prices in the range of £100 to £1000. For a flat hire fee, most venues will charge between £50 to £1500 per session. (All data from Tagvenue.com)
Here are some of our favourite quirky locations you should consider while looking for your favourite venue:
- City of London – The financial district is home to many interesting and unusual venues. Many venues have their own themes, such as outer space or the Victorian era, and alluring underground spaces.
- Shoreditch – It’s full of hip places with a quirky vibe for you to choose from. There are cool cocktail bars and reimagined industrial spaces on every corner!
- Battersea – This area is also known for its industrial venues; including its iconic Battersea Power Station. It’s the perfect destination for an unusual party or a live music event. Just decorate with your preferred theme and you're ready to go!
Here are some of the best unusual spaces that London has to offer:
The Bedouin Tent & Garden at St Ethelburga's Centre - For a unique and magical wedding venue, this 16-sided tent, crafted in Saudi Arabia and adorned with atmospheric lighting and cushioned seating, can host up to 30 guests. The adjoining garden courtyard provides a beautiful setting for outdoor mingling and photos.
Blame Gloria – If flowers are your thing, then look no further. Blame Gloria is a cool underground space with interesting wall decorations and plenty of room to dance the night away.
Sugar Cane – Few things are more fun than taking a trip down to the islands, and Sugar Cane can help get you there. This is a Polynesian themed bar and has all of the fun cocktails to match the island vibe. This is a great spot for birthday parties!
Your Guide to Hiring Unusual Venues in London
Looking for a venue that stands out? London has no shortage of unique spaces—whether you want to party on a boat, dine in a historic museum, or dance the night away in a repurposed warehouse. At Tagvenue, we've collected some of the city’s most unusual venues, so all you have to do is browse, book, and enjoy.
Top Picks for Unusual Venues in London
London's museums offer more than just exhibits—they’re also exceptional event spaces. From hosting an intimate dinner surrounded by ancient artifacts to organising a grand reception in a hall adorned with priceless art, these venues provide a unique blend of culture and history for any occasion.
- Quirky Hotel Venues
From the legendary elegance of The Ritz to the ultra-modern interiors of boutique hotels, London’s hotel venues offer unique settings for all kinds of events. Some even have themed rooms, rooftop bars, or hidden speakeasies for an extra wow factor.
Want a blank canvas to create your dream event? Dry hire venues let you bring in your own caterers, decorations, and entertainment. Think theatres, industrial lofts, underground spaces, and repurposed railway arches—the city is full of one-of-a-kind spots ready to be transformed.
- Venues with a View
London’s skyline is a breathtaking backdrop for any occasion. Whether you choose a rooftop bar in Shoreditch, a glass-walled penthouse overlooking the Thames, or a boat cruising past Tower Bridge, a venue with a view never fails to impress.
- Historic Venues
Host your event in a venue that tells a story. From medieval banqueting halls to Georgian mansions, these historic venues offer unique architectural features, such as stone arches, grand fireplaces, and elegant period details along with
state-of-the-art amenities for your event. The most stunning options can be found in Westminster, Mayfair, and Covent Garden.
Escape the hustle of the city with a private garden, a courtyard tucked behind a historic building, or a rooftop terrace with a secret bar. They’re great for summer parties, alfresco dining, and laid-back networking events.
Want to make a splash? Book a boat venue on the River Thames. From luxury yachts to quirky barges, these floating venues offer a completely different perspective of London and a fantastic atmosphere for any celebration.
How to Find Unique Venues in London That’ll Make Your Event Stand Out
Want your event to be different from the usual hotel ballroom or pub function room? The vibe you're going for will guide everything.
- For weddings or birthdays: Studios, galleries, or even underground spaces like Aures London give you room to dance, set up food, and create a visual impact.
- Want something elegant or offbeat? Museums, old churches, or converted warehouses add serious charm.
- For work dos: Quirky doesn’t have to mean chaotic—there are many cool venues for networking or product launches.
Go All-In On a Theme
Some venues already come with a retro or immersive setup (think 1920s speakeasy or 80s disco club). If you’re planning a themed night:
- Set a dress code. It makes the theme pop
- Winter party? Go for venues with igloo-style domes or fairy lights
- Casino Royale night? Find a spot with red velvet, chandeliers, and space for card tables
Match the Space to Your Crowd
Many unusual venues are best for small to mid-sized events.
- Hosting a dinner, band, or DJ set? Double-check floor plans
- Bigger venues will cost more, so only size up if you need it
Food and Drink Setup
Not every event needs a full sit-down dinner. Most quirky venues offer:
- Buffet or shared plates – chill, social, and easy
- Bar options:
- Cash bar – guests pay as they go (budget-friendly for hosts)
- Open bar – better for weddings or bigger parties
Some places even let you BYOB or bring in caterers. So it is worth asking about corkage and kitchen access
Entertainment Ideas
Quirky spaces work best when there’s a bit of personality in the entertainment.
- DJs can double as MCs
- Some venues offer in-house entertainment partners, but most let you bring your own
- Just make sure the place is soundproof if you’re planning to go loud
How to Plan an Event in One of London’s Unusual Venues
London has many artistic venues that add a creative twist—from modern galleries in Shoreditch to creative studios in Kensington.
What Makes Artistic Venues So Special
- Modern or classic: Choose from contemporary spaces or old buildings filled with character.
- Built-in personality: Many venues already feature artwork, installations, or unique architecture—so the vibe is already set.
- Flexible layout: Most spaces can adapt for dinner, dancing, live music, or workshops.
Make It Feel Like Your Event
- Add your own touch: Some venues let you curate a mini exhibition or display art that fits your theme.
- Live art & workshops: Invite a local artist to do a live painting, or set up a DIY corner where guests create something to take home.
- Great for photos: The design of these venues makes them perfect for memorable event photos and social sharing.
Don’t Forget the Logistics
Even the coolest venue needs to tick the practical boxes:
- Is it wheelchair accessible?
- Can you bring your own caterer?
- Do they have sound systems, lighting, or a kitchen?
Is the layout flexible for your type of event?
Outdoor Unusual Venues in London: Garden Parties, Rooftops & More
Want to take things outside? London has some hidden outdoor gems that are perfect if you’re after a fresh-air event with serious charm.
- Secret gardens: Tucked behind townhouses or inside heritage buildings—great for small weddings or chilled private events.
- Historic courtyards: Beautiful old spaces updated for modern events, often with cool contrasts between stone walls and bold setups.
- Rooftop terraces: Host your event with skyline views of landmarks like the London Eye. Great for dinners, cocktails, or networking events.
- Boats on the Thames: Party boats have something really unique—views, fresh air, and a chance to party on the water.
What are Some Unusual Venues in London for Weddings?
If you want something a bit different for your wedding, London has loads of quirky and unexpected spots.
- Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration (Covent Garden) – A quirky, explorer-themed venue that feels like a Victorian adventure club. It’s great for fun, theatrical weddings with a twist. It’s located near Charing Cross Station, and the minimum spend is £7,000.
- Sizona Location (Islington) – A bright, 2,000 sq ft loft space with a creative studio feel. Perfect for small, intimate weddings with a modern vibe. You can find it near Old Street Station, from £99 per hour.
- OmVed Gardens (Highgate) – A peaceful, hidden garden venue surrounded by nature. It's a great choice if you're planning a relaxed, eco-friendly celebration near Highgate Station for £660 per hour.
- Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus (St James) – Big, bold, and packed with music history, this is a cool pick for a rock' n' roll wedding. It can hold up to 450 guests. It is near Piccadilly Circus Station, from £15,000 minimum spend.
