Blank Canvas Venues in London

What is a blank canvas venue?

A blank canvas venue is a space that can be adapted to your specific event needs and requirements, and are often sold as dry hire, meaning the space is an empty shell and you can add every element of the event yourself. They are often hired by event planners and organisers who want complete control and free reign over the look and feel of their event, and they offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional event venues. They also allow you to add more of a personal touch.

Get in touch with one of our team to find out how we can help you find your dream blank canvas venue!

What kind of events can I host at blank canvas venues in London?

Due to their very nature, there are all sorts of events that can be hosted in blank canvas venues in London. Whether you're looking to host a corporate conference with exhibition areas, a private summer or christmas parties, a product launches, a brand activation, or even a wedding, the beauty of these versatile venues is that they can be completely adapted to suit your event needs. From the decor to the food and drink, everything can be tailored to your exact specifications.

With careful planning and consideration, hosting an event in a blank canvas venue can be a truly unique and memorable experience for both you and your guests. The possibilities are endless!

What are the benefits of hiring a blank canvas venue in London?

When it comes to events, London has a lot to offer. There is an abundance of options when it comes to choosing a venue, and this includes the best blank canvas venues.

These venues can be adapted to any event, making them a popular choice for many organisers. They allow complete flexibility and creativity, and allow you to have complete control over everything from your own branding to AV, meaning you can create an event with true brand personality.

However, there are some things to consider before hiring a blank canvas space in London. The first is cost. Blank canvas venues can be more expensive than traditional venues because you are essentially paying for a blank space that you then have to fill yourself. This means that you will need to factor in the cost of furniture, decoration, and catering into your budget. However, if you have good relationships with suppliers, you could find this is cheaper than using an all-inclusive venue or their preferred suppliers.

Location is also important to consider when hiring a blank canvas event space. London is a large city with a lot of traffic, so you will need to make sure that your venue is easy to find and get to, and that you have sufficient access (and time) for loading trucks and vans with all your event supplies.

You will also need to consider the type of event that you are hosting. If you are hosting a large event, then you will need to make sure that your venue can accommodate the number of guests that you are expecting, and that your budget can accommodate the amount of furniture and catering you’ll need to source.

Overall, hiring a blank canvas venue in London can be a great option for personal and corporate events. With careful planning, hiring a blank canvas venue can be a great way to create a unique and memorable event, but some planners find it easier to go for an all-inclusive option where everything is included.

It completely depends on whether you want a truly unique and bespoke event or whether you're happy for it to be more of a cookie-cutter style experience.

What should I look for when choosing a blank canvas event space in London?

If you're planning an event where you might require a blank canvas venue in London, there are a few things you need to bear in mind before starting your search.

First of all, you'll need to decide on the type of event you're hosting. Is it a large conference with exhibition stands and so you need more of a conference venue setup? An awards ceremony? A product launch?

The type of corporate event you are planning will have a big impact on the kind of venue you'll need to look for. Blank canvas venues tend to be large spaces which can accommodate lots of people, so if you’re planning a smaller event this may not be the best option for you.

You will also need to consider whether the event will be hybrid, and therefore whether you'll need capabilities for live streaming.

The budget you have available will also dictate the kind of event spaces you can hire. If you have a limited budget then you may need to compromise on the location or facilities, but if you have a larger budget then you will be able to choose from a wider range of venues around the city.

Your desired location is also an important consideration, as it will determine how easy it is for your guests to get to and from the event. If the venue is located in a central, ideal location then it will be easier for guests to get to, but if it is located further out of town then you may need to provide transport. Don't forget to take into account things like public transport access and parking.

Finally, you will need to consider what facilities and services you require from the blank canvas venue. Some venues may offer basic facilities such as catering facilities and some minimal furniture, while others may have a range of services that can help make your event run smoothly. In other words, some are dry hire venues and some are all-inclusive. Read our guide to determine what would be best for you.

Make sure you know what you need before you start your search for the perfect blank canvas venue as this will also determine your budget. For example, you may need a stage for speeches and entertainment and a sound system, which the venue may not have. Never assume - always ask exactly what is included in the package and what is actually available at the venue already. You’ll also need to consider the logistics of your event. Things like security, sound and lighting all need to be taken into account when planning an event in a blank canvas venue, as well as layout. For example will your event be held in a main hall? Or will there be separate sections with interconnecting rooms? Do you need studio spaces?

Once you’ve thought about all of these considerations, it’s time look for a venue! Find some options on Hire Space and then make sure you discuss with the venues anything and everything you’ll need for your event. For example, you’ll need to discuss catering, AV, theming, and furniture, as well as whether they have a list of preferred suppliers you need to us. So make sure you talk openly about your expectations and what you’re aiming to do, If your blank canvas venue is hired on a dry hire basis, you’ll need to source everything yourself, so it’s certainly worth keeping a comprehensive list with everything you need so you don’t forget anything really important! Check out our guide to venue finding for more guidance on planning your event.

How much does it cost to hire a blank canvas venue in London?

The cost of hiring a blank canvas venue in London will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the venue, the type of event you are planning and the time of year. As most blank canvas spaces are dry hire and usually pretty large, the venue hire may be quite expensive depending on the location.

Event organisers should also consider things like catering, decoration, AV, branding and equipment hire when budgeting for their event.These are all essential elements of any event, so it's important to factor them into your budget from the outset so there are no surprises or hidden costs that can destroy a perfectly good budget!

A large blank canvas space in central London could cost anywhere from £5,000 to £500,000 depending on the size of the space, location, time of year and day of week. For more of an idea of costs, make sure to contact us and we will be happy to provide you with more information!

What are the best blank canvas venues in London?

When it comes to spaces, London has an amazing range of blank canvas venues on offer. From converted warehouses with exposed brickwork to boats to photo studios, no matter what type of event you're organising, there's bound to be a perfect venue for you and you’re sure to find the perfect one that works for your event objectives and budget. With so many choices available, it can be difficult to know where to start when searching for the perfect setting, so here are a few of our favourite blank canvas backdrops.

Blank canvas venues in North London

North London is full of interesting blank canvas spaces for events. We love York Hall, the Business Design Centre or Shoreditch Studio. Although more East than North, Tobacco Dock and the Troxy are also fantastic large blank canvas, versatile venue spaces for all kinds of events. If you’re going slightly outside London, Alexandra Palace is a fantastic option too for memorable events.

Browse more North London blank canvas venues

Blank canvas venues in South London

If you’re looking for something south of the river, look no further! Evolution Battersea and Under The Bridge are both great options in South London for blank canvas events.

Browse more South London blank canvas venues

Blank canvas venues in Central London

Looking for something more central? Try Holborn’s Conway Hall, edgy Steel Yard in the City or versatile East Wintergarden. You could even hire out Bar Rumba for a fun and edgy brand activation!

Browse more Central London blank canvas venues

So there you have it - our guide on blank canvas venues! For more guidance, reach out to one of our event experts or browse our range of blank canvas venues in London to get started.