Business at The Bloomsbury Ballroom

A grand 1920s Art Deco ballroom in the West End, ideal for large events and corporate functions.

From: £5000 per person

Capacity: Up to 880 guests

Business at Royal Institution Venue

A 420-seat, fully-equipped theatre in Mayfair's Royal Institution. Ideal for conferences and screenings.

From: £3250 per person

Capacity: Up to 420 guests

Business at QEII Centre

A versatile, large ground-floor space in a central London venue. Ideal for conferences and corporate events.

From: £50000 per person

Capacity: Up to 410 guests

Events at Between The Bridges

A versatile riverside venue with private entrance, terrace, and full AV setup. Ideal for large events.

From: £30000 per person

Capacity: Up to 800 guests

Events at 8 Northumberland Avenue

A grand Victorian venue with modern tech, ideal for large events up to 1000 guests near Trafalgar Square.

From: £58 per person

Capacity: Up to 1000 guests

Film and Photo at 73 Waterloo at St Johns

A spacious, historic hall in central London, perfect for large events with a sustainable focus.

From: £3500 per person

Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Conferences at Mamuśka! Restaurant & Bar - Southbank Waterloo

From: £375 per person

Capacity: Up to 400 guests

Business at Rosewood London

A luxurious, flexible ballroom in a historic building, accommodating up to 555 guests.

From: £130 per person

Capacity: Up to 430 guests

Events at Central Hall Westminster

A versatile Lecture Hall for up to 400 delegates in Central London's historic Grade II* listed building.

From: £5700 per person

Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Business at BFI Southbank

A 450-seat iconic auditorium at BFI Southbank, ideal for screenings, conferences, and awards.

From: £4000 per person

Capacity: Up to 450 guests

What licensing times should I confirm for a West End venue hosting 400 guests?

Confirm a late licence permitting live music or DJ until at least 2 am, plus last admission times and any corkage deadlines. Larger venues often hold a Premises Licence covering up to 500 guests—verify there’s no requirement for additional Temporary Event Notices (TEN).

What is a realistic budget per head for a fully catered 400-guest West End party?

Plan £100–£150 per guest for a three-course meal, staff, basic AV and venue hire contribution. For 400 guests this equates to £40,000–£60,000 total. Upgrades such as premium drinks or live entertainment will add £20–£50 per head.

Which West End areas offer the best transport links for a 400-guest party?

Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Leicester Square (Northern/Piccadilly) and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo/Piccadilly) stations are within 5 minutes’ walk of most venues. Tottenham Court Road (Central/Elizabeth) provides step-free access. These hubs can handle coach and taxi drop-off for large groups.

What key questions should I ask when booking a 400-person party venue in West End?

Ask: 1) Exact seated vs standing capacity; 2) Available AV kit and power rating; 3) Layout options (bars, dancefloor, cloakrooms); 4) Licence end times and extension fees; 5) Deposit amount and payment schedule. These clarify costs, logistics and compliance up to 12 months before your date.

How many guests can fit in 1,000 sq ft at a party setup?

1,000 sq ft (~93 sqm) accommodates approximately 140 standing guests at 0.7 sqm each. For a theatre-style seating plan allow 1 sqm per chair (93 seats). Banquet rounds need 1.2 sqm per person (78 guests).

How much space do I need for a 400-person standing party?

Allow 0.5–0.7 sqm per person for a comfortable standing reception—totaling 200–280 sqm. If you include a dancefloor or additional stations, add 20% extra. For mixed seated areas, budget 1–1.2 sqm per guest (400–480 sqm).

What deposit is usually required to secure a 400-person party venue in West End?

Most venues request a 25–30% deposit of the total minimum spend. On a £12,000 hire you’d pay £3,000–£3,600 on booking, with the balance due 4–6 weeks prior. Deposits secure your date and cover initial staffing costs.

How much does it cost to hire a 400-person party venue in West End?

Expect a minimum spend of £5,000–£15,000 for exclusive hire at weekends; midweek rates range £4,000–£10,000. Many venues set a per-head minimum of £100–£150 covering space, basic AV and staffing. Factor in catering, bar spend and service charges separately.