If you’re looking for a venue that encapsulates everything that we think to be quintessentially British, then consider any of the following top picks.
Bursting at the seams with vintage elegance and a timeless beauty, The Old Finsbury Town Hall in Clerkenwell is perfect for formal soirees, be it a seated dinner or a cocktail and drinks reception. Grade II listed for all its historical charm, many of the building’s original features have survived, and it’s these ornate details that grant the space such a sense of Old World British glamour. As a lovely added bonus, all profits go to the Urdang Academy’s Student Bursaries Scheme, supporting the next generation of performing arts stars.
Dating back to the 1930s, The Troxy was once a grand cinema. Now functioning as a multi-purpose events space, it has been sensitively updated to include all the mod-cons you would expect, such as air conditioning and a state-of-the-art lighting and PA system, all without sacrificing the beauty of its original art deco styling. Very generously proportioned, the maximum capacity is 1800, but with good rail links nearby, your many guests shouldn’t struggle to reach you.
Merchant Taylors is another historical offering that harks back to the glamour and decadence that was so prevalent in Britain’s past. With no less than 9 different event spaces at your disposal, it’s very flexible and you are sure to find a space that works for you, both in terms of style and scale. Speaking of its size, it’s another one suited to larger guest lists, with a 700 person capacity. The nearest rail link is Bank tube station, which can be reached in just 4 minutes.
The splendour on offer at Chelsea Old Town Hall has led to it becoming a popular backdrop for weddings and photo/film shoots, though it can easily adapt to suit a myriad of different occasions and event styles. Celebrating the very best of late Victorian flair, it has been carefully restored to return it to its former glory. Well placed in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it is right at the heart of the city’s action and as such, it’s easily reached from across London.
21 Arlington Street is a lovely little piece of British history, having been built in 1740 for Richard Boyle, the second and last Viscount Shannon. There are 3 private rooms on offer on the first floor, with the main Boardroom benefitting from lovely views onto Green Park. The rooms themselves have an understated elegance, honouring the venue’s heritage without losing its practicality as a modern meeting and events space. Being right by Green Park, the station of the same name is just a stone’s throw away.