Whether you’re planning your own or throwing a surprise for a loved one, coming up with venue ideas for a baby shower in London can be a bit of a pest – especially if you’re on a budget. Traditionally baby showers are organised by someone other than the parent-to-be or their relatives, but recently it has become more common to throw your own or co-host with a friend. So if you want to have a say in where you’re going, you’re not the only one.

Depending on your guest list and what the parent-to-be would like, there are plenty of different baby shower ideas and games to get the fun started. Activities like “Guess the Baby’s Weight” or decorating rompers are easy to set up wherever you are. Afternoon tea is a popular option, as well as cupcakes for guests to take with them.

Gifts are always a tricky topic – the etiquette for baby showers is that each guest brings a gift, but it’s common now for guests to pool their funds and buy a selection of items between them, so there aren’t any repeat purchases. If you’re on a strict budget and you’re not sure what other guests are buying, try thinking about what the parent-to-be might like for themselves – nice hand-cream or some healthy snack supplies might not be obvious choices, but they’ll be really appreciated in a month or so!

Whether you’re looking for something low-key or a bit special, we’ve put together some of our favourite baby shower venues in London:

CUB / SUPER LYAN

Location: Hoxton
Capacity: 40 standing, 35 seated
Check it out here: Super Lyan / Cub

DUKES LONDON

Location: Whitehall
Capacity: 350 standing, 60 seated
Check it out here: Dukes London

RAIL HOUSE CAFE

Location: Victoria
Capacity: 100 standing, 40 seated
Check it out here: Rail House Cafe

Michael Nadra

Location: Primrose Hill
Capacity: 120 standing, 80 seated
Check it out here: Michael Nadra

The Paternoster Pub

Location: St Paul’s
Capacity: 200 standing, 70 seated
Check it out here: The Paternoster Pub

COMO The Halkin

Location: Belgravia
Capacity: 90 standing, 60 seated
Check it out here: COMO The Halkin

The Old Crown

Location: Tottenham Court Road
Capacity: 80 standing, 45 seated
Check it out here: The Old Crown

SALUT!

Location: Islington
Capacity: 26-32 seated max
Check it out here: SALUT!