Small Party Venues for Hire in London

London is second to none when it comes to the party life in Britain. It’s the home of some of the most iconic nightclubs in the country, like the Ministry of Sound in Southwark. But what if all you want is to chill out with your friends in a private, enclosed space? Maybe you’re trying to organise a small birthday for a friend? Hiring a small party venue is a popular option for many different events and celebrations. Have a look at our shortlist of special occasions that often require a small party space:

• Baby showers - London offers a huge choice of small event venues for baby showers. Perhaps you’re planning a petite afternoon tea in a shabby chic tea room? Or maybe you’re after a small private dining room in a restaurant of your choice? Let us know what you have in mind and we’ll give you our best recommendations!
  
• Weddings - Intimate weddings are a hot trend. Happily, it’s becoming easier and cheaper to find the perfect small event venue to host them, especially in London. What’s more, you can get creative – how about hosting your special day in a pub? Now that’s truly a London-style wedding!
  
• Birthdays - Get together with your closest buddies and have a brilliant birthday bash! The capital’s full of fun venues for small birthday parties and laid-back gatherings, from teeny-tiny bars in Shoreditch, Soho and Islington to cute dry hire spaces that can be found all over London. If you’re planning a small kids’ party, we also have plenty of options for you.

Another benefit of small party venues is that they’re very easy to find in all parts of the city. You don’t even need anything special, there are all sorts of spaces that will gladly host your party. Here are some of our favourite examples for spaces suitable for small parties:

• Minimum spend venues - It’s basically free venue hire! You don’t have to spend a single penny on hiring the space. Instead, you just need to pay a certain amount for food and drinks. Small minimum spend party venues include pubs, bars and restaurants.
• Private dining rooms – Because every occasion is good for a delectable dining experience! No matter if you’re keen on French haute cuisine or delicious pub grub, we know how to find a place that meets your needs.
• Community centres – This cheap party venue hire option is available in most London neighbourhoods. Community halls are versatile and more affordable than banqueting suites, which makes them an ideal choice if you have a tight budget. Other wallet-friendly options include church halls and party rooms.
• Kids’ party places – Let the magic happen! We know the best kids’ birthday party places, including the city’s hidden gems. How about a party bus filled with video game consoles or a room in a party centre? With Tagvenue you can find the perfect venue for your kids in a snap.

Guide to planning a small party in London

Depending on what type of event you want to organise (birthday, family gathering, or dance party), you may need to take a slightly different approach. But if you follow this guide, you should be able to hire a venue and prepare everything you need in advance, so that your party day will be smooth and free of stress.

First thing you have to do is contact the venue of your choice. You can even enquire for multiple spaces so that you won’t have to worry about them not being available at the time you want.
Include all the details such as how many people you want to host, if you want to bring food or alcohol, or if you want to set up some games and decor. The venue manager will be able to clear up what you can do with the venue and help you out if you have any questions.

Then, figure out the invitations. Setting up a facebook event or group is one of the easiest ways to provide your guests with the necessary information and give them a way to RSVP. For a more traditional approach, you can buy some invitation cards and share them with your friends or family.

What’s a party without fun icebreakers and activities? If you want to make your party fun and memorable, you should incorporate games into the agenda. Remember to match the games to how well the guests know each other. Start with icebreaker games if you’re dealing with a newly formed team at the office, and go with something more interesting as the night progresses.

Unless the venue has live music or a DJ - you should make sure to get some music going. Make a playlist on a streaming app like Spotify or Apple Music and let everyone add something they like to the mix. If you’re going for a themed party, you can also find a pre-made playlist with top hits from a certain era or style.

If you want to have some food and drinks, ask the venue about their options. Most party venues will be able to provide you with some sort of catering for your event, but it will often cost extra. Ask them if you can bring your own dishes into the venue or just check this on their venue page.

Small Party Venues in London FAQ

Can I hire an event space in London for a party that fits less than 50?

Of course! What you are looking for is a small party venue. Be sure to check out cafes, studios and function rooms for some great small-sized options. For a Central London venue, expect an average price of £300-£500 per session. (Based on Tagvenue data.)

Can I simply hire a booth for my small party?

Yes! There are many venues that will offer you the chance to hire a booth for your group. This is a great option for small parties and doesn’t come at a high cost. You can often find booths for hire at pubs, nightclubs and bars.

How much does it cost to hire a small party venue in London?

Hiring a small party venue can start at around £10 to £40 per person. Minimum spend for a smaller sized venue will be found starting around £50 to £1200 per session. Hire fee per session will range from £50 to £1200. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Can I hire a small party venue for free?

You can certainly hire a small event space for free if you check out your minimum spend options. Quite popular at bars and pubs, this type of price model simply requires you to spend a pre-agreed amount on food and drink. Make sure your guests know the drill.