Looking to add an extra sprinkle of excitement to your next awards ceremony? You've come to the right place! Forget the mundane ballroom settings and get ready to be whisked away to some of the quirkiest and most enchanting venues London has to offer. From the depths of a submerged submarine to a rooftop in the heart of the city, we've got a lineup of spots that are anything but ordinary. Prepare to present those awards in places that will leave your guests buzzing with excitement and eager for next year's event!
1. The Brewery
With a capacity to host up to 900 guests, The Porter Tun at The Brewery offers a distinctive blend of history and versatility. Its expansive 778 square metres of antique wooden flooring, under the grandeur of an exposed King Post timber roof, lends itself to fashion shows that demand both space and sophistication. The venue's design allows for unobtrusive event management, ensuring that the focus remains on the glamour of the catwalk and the elegance of the evening. Located in the heart of London, The Brewery combines ease of access with a backdrop that promises to make any awards show not just an event but a memorable experience.
Location: City of London
Capacity: 720 Dining
2. BMA House
BMA House is a stunning and versatile venue that offers a unique setting for any awards ceremony. With its historic charm and modern amenities, it provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating achievements. The Great Hall, with its high ceilings and elegant features, is particularly striking, while the venue's commitment to sustainability adds an extra layer of appeal for environmentally-conscious event planners. Whether hosting a large gathering or an intimate affair, BMA House guarantees a memorable experience for all.
Location: Bloomsbury
Capacity: 200 Dining
3. London Museum Spaces
London Museum Spaces offers a unique blend of culture and history, setting the stage for an awards ceremony with character. Whether you're awarding excellence in arts, sciences, or business, doing so in a venue steeped in knowledge and creativity adds a significant touch of prestige. The versatility of spaces—from the grandeur of the London Ellipse Hall to the atmospheric Entrance Hall—ensures a tailored experience, enhancing the importance of the moment when accolades are handed out.
Location: City of London
Capacity: 400 Dining
4. Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre has more than earned its reputation as a legendary events hub. Home to the Royal Festival Hall, this iconic venue offers a unique flair that sets it apart from the rest. For an awards ceremony, the Southbank Centre provides a range of remarkable spaces, like the Hayward Gallery, a contemporary art gallery that offers innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions. Imagine presenting awards surrounded by cutting-edge art - it's bound to elevate any event's prestige! Don't miss the chance to explore the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room, both renowned for their impeccable acoustic settings - perfect for ensuring your guests hear every accolade loud and clear! And if you're looking to make a real splash, the Royal Festival Hall's auditorium is a true showstopper, with a capacity of around 2,500 guests. With multiple renowned venues and superb facilities, the Southbank Centre’s spaces are guaranteed to make your awards ceremony a resounding success.
Location: Waterloo
Capacity: 1000 Dining
5. Vision Hall
Vision Hall is a stunning venue perfect for awards ceremonies and gala dinners in Kings Cross, London. With a grand 13-meter-high ceiling and an expansive space that can accommodate up to 800 guests, it provides a luxurious setting for significant celebrations. Vision Hall is equipped with state-of-the-art AV facilities, a grand stage, and a spacious mezzanine level, ensuring a seamless and sophisticated event experience. Its central location and accessibility make it an ideal choice for hosting prestigious events, offering an unforgettable dining experience in a space designed to impress. All this, and the immersive event space are guaranteed to put all eyes on you!
Location: Kings Cross
Capacity: 320 Dining
6. Central Hall Westminster
Central Hall Westminster is a majestic and historic venue that provides a stunning backdrop for any awards ceremony. Its Great Hall features a stunning domed ceiling and is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, creating a truly grand atmosphere. With state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, the venue is fully equipped to host high-profile events. Its central London location makes it easily accessible for guests, and its rich history adds an element of prestige to any occasion, ensuring an unforgettable experience for both organisers and attendees.
For smaller celebrations, the Library's remarkable uplighting, triple-height ceilings, and intricate details make it a go-to spot for a sophisticated soirée, and the venue as a whole has a wealth of historical nooks and crannies to explore!
Location: Westminster
Capacity: 400 Dining
7. EartH
EartH is an exemplary venue for excellence awards ceremonies, providing a unique blend of artistic charm and modern sophistication. The premises, encompassing a theatre, hall, and kitchen, offer a diverse range of spaces suitable for various event formats — be it a grand, theatrical, or immersive experience. Its eco-friendly ethos and focus on experiential events resonate with a contemporary audience, making it an ideal choice for award ceremonies that aim to highlight and celebrate excellence in innovation, sustainability, and the arts.
Location: Dalston
Capacity: 300 Dining
8. Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is an incredible venue for an awards ceremony because it has a stage that’s not only perfect for delivering awards but has been designed with actors and performers in mind too. There’s something about a venue that’s hosted the best in performing arts that will add extra glamour to your awards ceremony, even if it’s not on the West End! Whether you want to incorporate a stunning show like a circus, magician, or live band, or you want to really get your guests mingling before the awards are handed out, the Barbican's Got Space has Got You Covered!
This venue also has some of the best food and drinks on offer to ensure your awards ceremony is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds, - with the highly renowned Searcy’s catering at hand! All of that, plus the award-winning theatre, makes this venue a great choice for an awards ceremony!
Location: City of London
Capacity: 200 Dining
9. The HAC (Honourable Artillery Company)
The Honourable Artillery Company is one of London's best-kept secrets. Set on a private estate in the heart of the city, it's a world away from the hustle and bustle, yet still easily accessible.
The HAC has a rich history dating back over 300 years. Originally established as an artillery company, it's now a prestigious regimental headquarters, complete with an arsenal of events spaces. Whether you're masquerading in the magnificent 18th-century mansion, Armoury House, or hosting a high-tech conference in the modern Prince Consort Rooms, you're sure to be in for a treat!
The jewel in the HAC's crown has to be the Artillery Garden. It's a stunning five-acre green space, often used for summer parties and sporting events, but it's also a magical spot for evening receptions, offering a rare slice of nature in the city.
Location: Old Street
Capacity: 350 Dining
10. The Inner Temple
Situated in the historic Inner Temple, this venue is steeped in legal lore. The Hall has played host to countless barristers' dinners, and now it can add your awards ceremony to its illustrious guest list, complete with a side of Law & Order! With its grand architecture and an ambience that screams 'prestigious', it's the kind of place that makes handing out gongs feel even more ceremonial. Plus, imagine the reaction when you reveal the location: surprise, prestige, and a hint of courtroom drama—what more could you ask for?
Location: Temple
Capacity: 240 Dining
11. Kia Oval
The Kia Oval isn't just a cricket ground—it's where sports legends are made and, now, where your awards ceremony could take place! With its unique blend of sporting heritage and state-of-the-art facilities, this venue offers a pitch-side perspective that's hard to beat. Imagine handing out awards with the iconic cricket field as your backdrop. It’s the kind of setting that’ll have your guests in a flurry of selfies and social media posts. Plus, with event spaces that can host up to 900 standing, there’s plenty of room for high-fives and celebrating success.
And let’s talk facilities: whether you need a stage fit for rock stars or a screen that’ll make your presentations pop, the Oval's got you covered. It’s the kind of venue that scores sixes on ambience, facilities, and that all-important ‘wow’ factor. So why settle for a run-of-the-mill venue when you can have one that’s as legendary as your award winners?
Location: Vauxhall
Capacity: 520 Cabaret
12. OXO2
For an awards ceremony that embraces both sophistication and a modern edge, OXO2 stands out as a top contender. Located on the famous South Bank, this venue boasts breathtaking riverside views and a chic, contemporary design that instantly elevates any event. OXO2’s flexible layout can be tailored to create the perfect ambience for presenting awards, making it a unique and memorable choice.
Location: South Bank
Capacity: 160 Dining
13. 30 Euston Square
30 Euston Square is a prestigious venue in the heart of London. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern facilities, making it ideal for awards ceremonies. The venue features a state-of-the-art auditorium, perfect for presentations, and the elegant State Rooms add a touch of sophistication for dining and receptions. With a capacity for up to 300 guests and equipped with cutting-edge AV technology, this venue ensures a seamless and stylish event. Plus, the rooftop terrace provides a stunning backdrop for pre-event cocktails or after-party celebrations, providing a unique and memorable setting for showcasing achievements.
Location: Euston
Capacity: 160 Dining
14. Plaisterers’ Hall
Plaisterers' Hall is a hidden gem that boasts both history and elegance, making it an exceptional choice for awards ceremonies that aim to impress. This venue's grandeur is rooted in its historical significance, offering a rich backdrop that adds a touch of sophistication to any event.
With its neoclassical architecture and lavish interiors, Plaisterers' Hall transforms into a majestic setting for celebrating achievements. The venue's versatility ensures that it can cater to both intimate awards dinners and grand celebrations, all while providing a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from more conventional choices. Booking here might just earn you the 'Best Venue' award from your guests!
Location: City of London
Capacity: 330 Dining
If you're looking to celebrate achievements in style, why settle for the ordinary? Dive into London's hidden gems and make your next awards ceremony as memorable as the accomplishments you're recognising. Whether it's the charm of a century-old theatre or the sleek lines of a modern art gallery, these venues promise to add a sprinkle of magic to your event. Ready to raise the stakes and pick a venue that's anything but typical? get in touch with us now to explore these unique spaces and more!
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Bradley Mezei
Bradley Mezei is an Account Executive at Hire Space with a passion for venue finding and events. With 8+ years in sales, he brings expertise and creativity to every project.