A broad selection of London's rooftop bars, outdoor spaces and hidden gardens for your summer party
Host your summer event at one of London's best rooftop bars, roof terraces or outside spaces. Al fresco drinking and dining, evening screenings and a few extras we've included.
Last summer on a beautiful/sweltering (almost unbearably) hot evening, I was happily trundling down the Strand with three corporate clients. And then they popped the question. "What's the coolest summer party space in London?".
Was it a test or a genuine request? My mind was whirring as we neared the end of the Strand and I was running out of options. When a client asks me a question like this, I'm expected to know. Instantly. I made a few half-hearted attempts to mention a few half-decent roof terraces in the vicinity. And then it hit me. I need to pull together the best list of Summer party venues in London for all to enjoy!
Fast forward ten minutes and there we were, in our own private area on one of London’s Party Boats, London's coolest and most spectacular location, with a complimentary bottle of Moët. Nice. It's amazing when you're looked after like that and it's important never to forget it.
So, as the temperature rises, as the tube becomes even more tropical (and starts to smell more like London Zoo than the London Underground) and as your clients or colleagues become more discerning about where they want to be taken on long, balmy, sunny evenings, ask yourself where your go-to summer haunt is? Your high-rise oasis of calm above the bustling, simmering City, way down below? A sublime hidden garden? Or a party boat cruising down the Thames on a beautiful summer evening?
The Honourable Society of Gray's Inn
A hidden gem located in the heart of Central London and less than five minutes’ walk from Chancery Lane station, The Walks at Gray’s Inn are formed of five acres of private gardens – the perfect Summer party setting.
During June and July, a grand and elegant custom-built marquee will be placed in The Walks. A magnificent interior emulates the splendour of the Inn’s rich history, offering a charismatic space with a clean and crisp design.
Packages start from £80+VAT per person and can be completely customised based on your requirements. All packages include everything you need to create a truly memorable event for your guests, including delicious food options, unlimited drinks and the luxury marquee and private garden.
Braxted Park
Whether it’s an outdoor launch event with champagne and canapes, a summer party with BBQ and garden games, or a large team building event, the grounds of Braxted Park are the perfect backdrop for any event. With 500 acres of parkland and gardens surrounding the elegant Braxted Park house, this stunning country estate can host outside events up to 2000 people, with on-site catering facilities, wi-fi and conference equipment, free car parking and accommodation all available.
IET Venues - Savoy Place
The Johnson Roof Terrace provides 180° views across the iconic London skyline, making it the perfect setting to create unforgettable outdoor events, such as summer parties, drinks receptions or as a filming location. When booked alongside the Riverside Room, it offers a flexible outdoor space, suitable for a variety of private or corporate events for up to 200 delegates.
Tobacco Dock / Skylight
Skylight is London’s largest rooftop for parties, offering breath-taking 360° views, delicious cocktails and seasonal escapades. During the winter we are home to Europe’s only, and London’s largest, rooftop ice rink and in summer, Skylight transforms into an urban lawn club in the sky! With a selection of croquet lawns and pétanque courts, add a dash of competitive spirit to the party proceedings!
BMA House
This year we’ve upped our game with all that’s Summer; we’ll be serving you a vibrant Summer Party package which promises fun, authentic food and the flexibility to tailor the package to suit your Summer celebratory needs! Our Street Food offering is displayed in theatrical ways in our stunning private outdoor areas, these food experiences will be a talking point throughout your event! You get the choice of TWO outdoor spaces, pick the welcome drink for all guests and then decide between Street food or a Barbecue. Our offering includes hire of an impressive outdoor space, hire of an indoor alternative, welcome drink, four refreshing drinks per person, indoor up-lighters and garden furniture.
Gilwell Park London
World famous home to the Scout movement, Gilwell Park is a truly unique venue for weddings or an adventurous team building day. Located deep in Epping Forest, the White House - dating back to 1754 - is the ultimate London rural retreat.
Gilwell Park is like no other venue, offering a complete range of indoor and outdoor areas making it possible for you to find the perfect space. From the quintessential Georgian White House, the modern purpose built CIC, the outdoor Swan Centre or rustic Gidney Cabin you can choose from seven amazing spaces, for between 2 and 250 guests.
Gilwell Park also offers 39 stylish and comfortable bedrooms set in 108 acres of beautiful countryside. Perfectly located on the border of Essex and London, Gilwell Park is only 10 minutes from Junction 26 of the M25 and just 25 minutes from central London by train.
65 Queen's Gate
65 Queen’s Gate provides a genuinely unique venue for conferences, meetings and events - right in the heart of London. The Nordic minimalism and functionality of both the interior space and outdoor terracing provide clients with an understated ‘blank canvas’ onto which they can tailor their own event styling, whether it’s for 20 guests, or 275.
With longer days fast approaching, why not step outside and plan your event on our rooftop terrace. Overlooking the Natural History Museum as well as stunning views over South Kensington, it is the perfect location to plan your special event in our unique venue
Our Central London location, with easy access to tubes, buses, and the Heathrow Express, gives us unrivalled convenience, and our highly competitive pricing means that 65 Queen's Gate provides - we believe - one of the best value events venues in the capital.
Cinnamon Kitchen, City (Devonshire Square)
From office parties, to birthday bashes, family celebrations or intimate get-togethers, Cinnamon Kitchen is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some top-notch drinks and incredible food. Plus, being a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street station, finding us and getting home is a doddle. Come and see us this summer to try our brand new menu and great cocktail offers.
London Party Boats
London Party Boats Ltd specialise in Thames river cruises and offer a unique party venue in London for corporate and group bookings, We have four vessels available for private charter, carrying from 1 to 360 passengers. All vessels are available seven days a week from 7 am to 1 am and can be extended until 3 am if required. We can provide a full catering experience and have fully stocked bars on all our vessels.
MV London Belle up to 120 Passengers
MV Jewel of London up to 240 Passengers
MV Pearl of London up to 360 Passengers
Other venues with roof terraces:
Grand Connaught Rooms
The iconic Grand Hall, one of London's largest and most impressive event venues, the opulent Champagne Bar, the indulgent Tempus Restaurant and the sleek and modern meeting rooms collectively make the Grand Connaught Rooms the ultimate venue in London. This amazing destination also offers the fabulous Penthouse Roof Terrace, an oasis of calm with incredible views over Covent Garden and Holborn. The Roof Terrace is best enjoyed alfresco for drinks receptions and an exclusive art deco-style space and lounge are a fall back for bad weather and to provide seating.
House of Commons
Outside on the Commons Terrace is the Terrace Pavilion, a purpose-built marquee, which can accommodate up to 200 guests for standing receptions and opens out onto the eastern river frontage of the Palace overlooking the River Thames. We have an enviable reputation for delivering first-class catering and services. Whatever your occasion, we will work with you to create an experience to remember whether it is a showcase dinner or corporate event, planning your party or wedding, finding the ideal venue, or a drinks reception or working lunch, we deliver successful, stress-free and memorable events.
As one of the world’s most iconic buildings, no other venue in the world is more instantly recognised than the Palace of Westminster. It is impossible to walk through its corridors or dine in its imposing function rooms without a deep sense of awe.
Madison
Madison comprises a glamorous bar, restaurant, cocktail bar, and rooftop terraces that are Mediterranean style sun traps making Madison one of London’s most sought-after social settings.
Celebrated not only for its party style atmosphere with a cracking line-up of in-house DJ’s and live bands but also for its menu Madison’s takes its food inspiration from the eclectic traditions of New York. The menu reflects the vibrant mix of its many nationalities and their individual food traditions, thus making New York’s food gastronomically unique which is the central core of Madison’s menu.
Regent's Conference & Events
Sanctum Soho
Five-time awarded 'Boutique Hotel of the Year' at the prestigious World Travel awards. Karma Sanctum is enriched with chic décor and a taste of bohemium opulence with a Rock and Roll twist.The hotel's bar and grill Wild Heart serves a delicious mix of the best dishes from worldwide cuisines. Dine in one of the restaurant's booths or lounge with a cocktail in the cosy bar area. Venture up to the fifth floor and visit one of London's best-kept secrets.
The Karma Sanctum Soho's roof terrace, featuring a decadent bar, fireplace and outdoor heated Jacuzzi. The Cinema located on the lower ground floor offering a mix of vintage glamour and opulent design is perfect for screenings, parties and private dining with it's own bar.
Outa town - Stay Cotswold, Baldon House
The impressive house has spacious rooms and 7 bedrooms, any many of the rooms benefit from stunning views of the grounds. Large kitchen with breakfast table, which is well stocked for easy caterin. Through the grand hallway to the historic panelled dining room with fireplace and table for 12. The spacious drawing room with grand piano looks out across the grounds. The Master bedroom suite with dressing room and super king bed has a fantastic view of the grounds. There are a further 2 x doubles, 2 x singles and 2 x twins. There are 5 bathrooms in total. Outside the terrace with outdoor seating overlooking the huge grounds. There is plenty to explore including the Walled Garden and the Lake. Located in quiet spot within walking distance to the local pub and only 5 miles from the iconic city of Oxford. The University Arboretum, one of the oldest in the country, is only a short walk through the picturesque grounds. London Paddington to Oxford by train (55 mins) or London to Marsh Baldon by car (52 miles).
Updated 4th June 2019