If you’re wondering what to do for a stag do or hen party in London, you’re not short of options. So, for starters, it depends what kind of group you are or the specific type of pre-wedding celebrations you’re after.
Some of you will be after a classy affair, some not so much. Luckily for you – or whoever is organising the hen party or stag do this time, – London can cater for all types of events. You really are spoilt for choice.
Still stuck for London hen party ideas? Or not sure how to celebrate that stag? We’ve got a few options up our sleeve…
A private dinner with the crew is a favourite option for lots of hen and stag dos. Whether it be the main part of the night or just the start (or a stomach liner, perhaps), book a private room in a restaurant and make the most of the privacy. There are plenty of private dining venues in London to choose from, it’s just a matter of choosing what your favourite cuisine is.
Depending on the theme or atmosphere you’re after from your venue, London has plenty to offer. Some favourites for private dining include:
The Shop
Wildside and Ferus at Savage Garden
Get the butter and jam ready, because this is scone-a be a great event! No… okay, ignore that.
But seriously, afternoon tea is a great idea for a classy hen do. Get the girls or boys together for a bit of tea and cake – what’s not to love. You might choose to go to a restaurant or hotel that provides it already, or go all out and host a venue for all the hen party shenanigans (ideal if you’ve got some keen bakers in your group!).
If you’re feeling half classy, half not, up the prosecco and make it a bottomless afternoon tea! Book in for an afternoon tea at one of these venues – or host your very own with exclusive venue hire:
The Shop
How about trying your hands in the kitchen? A cooking class is a fun and engaging way to get everyone chatting, laughing and well yeah, cooking. Especially good if you’ve got different friendship groups in the squad, cooking classes are a great way to mingle. Plus, who can say no to learning a thing or two in the kitchen.
Think about the cuisine you fancy making – maybe the bride or groom’s favourite, maybe a Thai because they got engaged in Thailand, or maybe just a curry because that’s what they love on a Friday night.
You could even look at hiring your own venue for the occasion; a London venue with a fully fitted kitchen for you to take advantage of. The best bit about these venues? You can hire the whole thing and keep your pre-wedding celebrations in one place.
One thing that is almost guaranteed to go down well with your hens and stags are cocktails. Whether that’s just in one of the best bars in Central London, best pubs in North London, or South London’s finest establishments, you’ll be treated to a fine selection of cocktail menus, we don’t doubt.
You could even book in for a cocktail masterclass or for a cocktail masterclass teacher to come show you how it’s done. Some recommendations? Of course – just be careful on those zombies.
The Green Room – 32 Southwark Street
Buddha Bar London Knightsbridge
Potentially a better option AFTER the cocktails have happened is karaoke. It’s definitely a popular one with hen and stag parties because it’s a chance to really let your hair down and to perform in front of a better audience than just your shower gel. There are some places in London where you can crank up the volume on the likes of Celine Dion, and sing your heart out with no (maybe a little) judgement from your friends and family.
Our vote for the best places in London? Lucky Voice Islington and Lucky Voice Holborn, without a doubt.
What better way to enjoy London than with views over its infamous River Thames or canals? Even when the sun isn’t shining, you can get beautiful views of London and the outskirts of London from these kinds of bars and restaurants – at the same time as enjoying great food, drink and that all-important atmosphere. Ahem… plus it’s also great for those Instagram snaps too.
We’ve got a few favourite riverside venues and canal-side bars for you to check out, and here they are:
Maybe you’re on the hunt for a typical hen party or stag party venue: a nightclub. Maybe to follow an afternoon tea or cocktail masterclass, or even to distract from your embarrassment at karaoke? Dancing the night away is a great way to end the night, and London is lucky enough to have some of the best and most unique nightclubs and lively bars around.
Some of our favourites?
Fu Manchu
The Hoxton Pony
What’s cooler than being cool? …Well, it’s being on a boat. The river and canals of London Town has a fair few boat venues on their waters, which inevitably go down a treat for all you event and party planners out there.
Sunshine or rain, boat venues are a popular choice with everyone, so you’re guaranteed to impress every member of the hen or stag do with one of these: