If you’re suffering from the winter blues and want to get in ahead of the crowds and plan ahead to summer, then here are some of the best venues in London at which to hold a BBQ.
Alexandra Palace is certainly well known for its beautiful and spacious interior, with 9 flexible, interconnecting open spaces of various sizes on offer and a whole list of well-known stars who have graced the stage over the years. This should not outshine the wonderful outdoor space on offer however, with the building sitting within its own 196 acres of parkland, which in turn boasts stunning panoramic views of London. Despite feeling tucked away from the bustle of the city, it is still surprisingly well connected via nearby transport links, not to mention the 1500 complimentary car park spaces that are available onsite.
STYX is a North London based converted warehouse that has been given a whole new lease of life as a bar and multi-purpose event space. The large decked area outside comes complete with canal and a pizza pop-up, whilst the bar itself sits within a rusted freight container. Having hosted various music and performance events as well, organising entertainment at this unique, quirky venue is not a problem, making it ideal for a fun, laidback BBQ. The nearest transport link is Tottenham Hale station, which sits just 4 minutes away and connects you to the rest of London.
The vibe of Big Chill House is perfectly encapsulated in its name, with this being a great choice if you want your summer BBQ to have a guaranteed chill-out feel, with the relaxed, informal style of the year-round terrace sure to please. This large Victorian pub also boasts delicious food and drink, plenty of great offers, a dancefloor, great music and even free Wi-Fi, so there is plenty to keep everyone satisfied and in good spirits. The maximum capacity reaches more than 500, whilst the nearest tube station – Kings Cross St Pancras – can be reached in just 5 minutes.
Found on a rare quiet London street, underneath a railway arch, Bermondsey Social Club is a unique and highly adaptable space that offers both indoor and outdoor areas, and yet with a relatively more intimate capacity of 120. Licenced until 1 am, 7 days a week, the fun can carry on long into the night, whilst Bermondsey, South Bermondsey and Surrey Quays stations, all of which are around 10-15 minutes away, ensure that the venue can be reached easily from across the length and breadth of the city. Overall, the simple, almost rustic feel of the space allows for you to dictate the style and feel of the occasion yourself.
Coq d’Argent strikes the perfect balance between central city convenience and the peace and tranquillity of quieter settings. Sitting above the buzz and noise of the city on the top floor of N1 Poultry, this unique venue is surrounded by a secret garden and boasts various terraces and a rooftop garden, but also benefits from fantastic views out over London’s skyline and various iconic landmarks. It is during the summer months especially that this picturesque hidden gem truly comes to life, with the trees and flowers belying its City of London location.