Portico Terrace at The National Gallery - Events
Capacity: Up to 100 guests (Standing)
Location: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN, London
Coordinates: 51.508929, -0.12829899999997
Features
- Wifi
- Alfresco Dining
- Black & white mosaic floor
- Breakfast
- View of Trafalgar Square
Food & Drink
- Professional Kitchen
- Halal Catering
- Kosher Catering
- Recommended Caterering List Available
- Recommended Caterers Only
Space
- Outdoor Space
- 10m² (110ft²)
- Ceiling Height 3m (9.9ft)
Licenses
- Licensed Until 11pm
- Extensions Available
Capacities
- 60 Dining
- 100 Standing
Venue Guide Prices
Events
Venue Hire Per Evening
| Price | Schedule |
|---|---|
| £18,000 / Venue Fee | Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays and Sundays, 18:45 - 23:00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base venue hire fee and what does it include?
Dry venue hire starts from £18,000 + VAT, which includes the venue, an event manager, security, first aid, and cleaning/porter teams. For standing receptions, this covers a three-hour hire with guest access from 18:45/19:00 – 22:00, while seated dinners cost £20,000 + VAT for a four-hour hire with guest access from 18:45/19:00 – 23:00.
Can I extend my event beyond the standard hours and what does it cost?
Yes, you can extend your event beyond 22:00 or 23:00 up to 02:00 at £2,000 + VAT per hour. All events must end by 02:00 maximum.
What days of the week can I book evening events?
Evening events cannot be hosted on Fridays as the gallery is open to the public until 21:00. Events are available Monday through Thursday and weekends, with the gallery closing at 18:00 on these days to allow for evening hire from 18:45.
Are there any dates when the venue is completely unavailable?
The venue is not available on New Year's Eve due to Trafalgar Square celebrations and road closures that prevent supplier access. Additionally, November tends to be heavily booked with limited availability.
Do I have to use your approved suppliers for catering and other services?
Yes, catering, production, florist, and entertainment are in addition to the facility fee and must be provided through one of the venue's approved suppliers. You must select from their Accredited Supplier List and cannot bring in external vendors.
What are the smaller space options and their pricing?
The Yves Saint Laurent room is priced at £10,000 + VAT and can accommodate up to 60 people for a four-hour hire from 18:45/19:00 – 23:00. The Pigott Theatre evening hire starts at £15,000 + VAT and can accommodate up to 300 people in theatre-style seating.
Are there restrictions on the types of events I can host?
The venue cannot host ticketed events as per gallery policy. This means you cannot sell tickets to the public for your event, limiting it to private, invitation-only gatherings.
Can I access exhibitions as part of my event?
Exhibition access at the National Gallery is an exclusive benefit of Corporate Support only. For events that include private views of exhibitions, you must contact the Corporate Team separately, as this is not included in standard venue hire.
Venue Photos
This venue has 5 professional photos:
Amenities & Features
- Trafalgar Square views
- Black and white mosaic floor
- Alfresco dining capability
- Central Hall wet weather backup
- Accommodates up to 250 guests
- Portico Foyer extension available
- Evening hire until 02:00
- Dedicated event manager included
Event Types
Great for: The only venue in London offering alfresco dining with direct views over iconic Trafalgar Square from a historic National Gallery terrace.
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Additional Information
✓ Prime Venue - Verified premium partner
Contact: Available through HireSpace booking platform
Website: https://www.hirespace.com/Spaces/London/134056/The-National-Gallery/Portico-Terrace/Events