We can think of few locations in the Square Mile that stand up next to the City’s luxurious Livery Halls.
Steeped in history and exuding refined glamour and opulence, they are the crème de la crème of the City’s venue menu.
People come from all over to get a guided tour of the elaborate spaces, hear secret stories of their past, discover the exhibitions they host, and hope to get a seat at the royal engagements they throw.
But with more than 40 different Livery Halls to choose from, settling on the right one is tough.
That’s why we’ve pulled together this comprehensive guide to the very best in the City of London. Whether planning a wedding, fashion show, conference, fundraiser, or more traditional black-tie dinner, you won’t want to miss these spectacular spots.
Brewers’ Hall
Brewers’ Hall is an elegant Livery Hall tucked away in a quiet square in the City of London.
First built in 1403 and having sadly been destroyed twice since, the third rendition of the hall still stands in the exact same spot.
Having recently been refurbished, Brewers’ Hall is extremely impressive and boasts many beautiful features. The venue is full of history, from links to the brewing industry throughout to cabinets full of breathtaking silverware dating as far back as 1680.
The space offers sophistication and elegance with a contemporary feel, all accompanied by the high-end service and style you would expect from a traditional Livery Hall.
With three different rooms and a truly remarkable gallery reception area, the
hall is versatile, offering an unforgettable experience for all visitors. Brewers’ Hall really is a must-visit for everyone.
Aldermanbury Square, Barbican EC2V 7HR
brewershall.co.uk
Butchers’ Hall
This refurbished Livery Hall provides a range of versatile event spaces topped off with a stunning roof garden, top-class facilities with state-of-the-art AV and lighting, and a dedicated fibre-optic broadband line.
All this is complemented by renowned service, hospitality and trusted event delivery from Bovingdons Catering Ltd, celebrating more than 30 years of exceptional food and seamless service.
The talented Bovingdons team pride themselves on being an ethical and responsible partner, and strive to ensure service is a cut above.
Working with Liverymen of the Butchers’ Company, Bovingdons presents a range of menus for the centrepiece of any occasion or as an enhancement to conferences or meetings.
And that pursuit of delivering the perfect event is married to Butchers’ Hall’s historic setting – one of the most exciting livery halls to visit right now thanks to a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
It is located close to Smithfield Market, meaning it not only has some impressive interiors but stunning surrounds too. Diners will be treated to all the best food and drink – especially steaks.
What else would you expect from the butchers? Choose to hire either of the two floors or the ever-exciting new rooftop garden which boasts tasty views across the Square Mile.
87 Bartholomew Close EC1A 7EB
butchershall.com
Drapers’ Hall
Drapers’ Hall is truly one of the most magnificent venues in London.
Given that the Drapers’ Company was the original authority on cloths and textiles, it was inevitable that an eye for design and quality would be cast over its hall.
Step over the threshold, deep in the heart of the City, to discover some of London’s most elegant interiors.
Opening one upon the other, the great Livery Hall, reception rooms and tranquil outdoor spaces make Drapers’ Hall a very special place for weddings, banquets, private dinners, cocktail parties and corporate events – and almost anything else you might have in mind.
The venue can comfortably hold up to 700 guests for a standing reception when using all rooms, 276 for a seated dinner, and 300-350 for theatre-style presentations or concerts.
It even has the luxury of being able to open its doors, allowing guests to roam a quaint garden that too can be decorated for summer soirees.
It is this ability to take the inside out and vice versa that makes Drapers’ Hall the perfect location for all types of events.
Drapers’ Hall is instantly recognisable from films such as The King’s Speech and Goldeneye, meaning you’ll be experiencing its opulence in the knowledge that some of the industry’s most cherished names have preceded your arrival.
So, be it below ornate detailed finishes on the ceiling, or clear blue skies in the garden, Drapers’ Hall is a force to be reckoned with on more than one front when selecting the perfect venue for your next celebration.
Throgmorton Avenue EC2N 2DQ
thedrapers.co.uk
Fishmongers’ Hall
Fishmongers’ Hall has an outstanding reputation, not just among its City neighbours, but much further afield, for offering superb surroundings, delicious cuisine and first-rate service.
With an unrivalled riverside location, the hall is a Grade II*-listed building with a unique history, rich architectural heritage, and is home to a valuable and diverse collection of artefacts and paintings.
The focal point of the Company’s charitable and fraternal activities, this elegant Greek Revival building dates from 1834 and was designed by architect Henry Roberts.
Offering unparalleled views over London Bridge and the Thames, the first-floor rooms offer sumptuous surroundings for any events, with the crown jewel of Roberts’ singular architectural vision being the main Banqueting Hall.
Refurbished in 2018 and shortlisted in the ‘Highly Decorative’ category for the Painting Decorating Association Premier Trophy Awards 2019, this magnificent room can entertain 186 in a seated horseshoe, 220 in a top table with sprigs, and up to 350 for a reception.
This room can be used for all types of events, from fine dining to concerts and opera, from formal lectures and conferences to cocktail parties.
Despite its classical appearance, the hall is equipped with state-of-the-art AV to ensure that requirements can always be catered for, as well boasting personalised Wi-Fi network capability. The Court Drawing and Court Dining Rooms share the same level of historical splendour and offer commanding views of the Thames.
Despite large-scale restorative works to the ceilings and river frontage following damage sustained during The Blitz, these rooms drip with ambience when illuminated by candle light and offer the perfect setting for everything from pre-dinner drinks to a wide array of smaller functions.
The Fishmongers’ Company has an extensive art collection and the Court Drawing Room houses arguably the most famous portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, painted by Pietro Annigoni in 1954.
The Court Room on the ground floor has a magnificent terrace overlooking the River Thames which is perfectly suited to receptions in fine weather.
110 Upper Thames Street EC4R 3TJ
fishmongers.org.uk
Grocers’ Hall
Grocers’ Hall is a stunning, unique venue, located a one-minute walk from Bank Underground in the heart of the City of London.
The historic venue offers a flexible event space for all types of corporate events, from lunch presentations, conferences and seminars for up to 180 delegates, drinks receptions and wine tasting for up to 250 and awards dinners for up to 150.
Hire includes the traditional Livery Hall with its stunning Venetian chandeliers, the light and airy Piper Room with its ‘Piper’ tapestry adorning the far wall, and three syndicate rooms for additional breakout spaces.
In-house AV includes a PA system and speakers, hand-held microphone, portable lectern microphone, lectern, front projector with 5ft screen and staging… and that’s before we get on to bespoke packages tailored to individual needs.
The Grocers’ philosophy combines a commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail. As a result, guests experience one of the finest events venues in the City of London with the highest standards of food and service.
The in-house team is at the venue’s heart, led by the head chef and operations manager, who offer a wealth of experience, passion and flair.
They are supported further by a dedicated team of chefs, butlers, silver service waiters, and hospitality professionals, where exceeding guest expectations is integral to operations.
So if you are looking for an event to provide a real ‘wow’ factor for your guests, look no further than Grocers’ Hall.
Princes Street EC2R 8AD
grocershall.co.uk
Ironmongers’ Hall
Secluded among Brutalist Barbican structures, entering Ironmongers’ Hall is akin to Alice stepping into Wonderland.
Indeed, behind its modest entrance lies a fairytale venue decked in hanging chandeliers and ornate decorations that seem to have been lifted right out the pages of a book.
Picture-perfect framing for weddings and celebrations can be spied from every angle, with rich dark wood, sparkling chandeliers, a grand piano and leather-clad chairs presenting the kind of opulence you can only dream of.
A real highlight of Ironmongers’ Hall is its intimacy, which despite the grandeur emanating all around prevails, making this one of the most sought after spots for a soiree in the City of London.
But it is not just time-honoured tradition and spectacular splendour that has turned this venue into a desired destination for party planners from far and near – Ironmongers’ Hall also prides itself on its functionality.
Bookings include exclusive use of the entire floor, which means privacy, and a fully equipped technology suite means conferences and business events are equally well catered for.
Plus, booking here helps the Ironmongers’ Company support a raft of good causes in London and beyond. That’s what is known as a win-win.
Off Shaftesbury Place, Aldersgate Street, Barbican EC2Y 8AA
ironmongers.org
Merchant Taylors’ Hall
After 650 years on the same site – surviving through the Great Fire of 1666 and the London Blitz of 1940 – the Merchant Taylors have picked up a few tricks to keep the good times going, and the bubbly forever flowing.
Located in the heart of the City of London, Merchant Taylors’ Hall offers a magnificent backdrop to all your moments of importance, with seven rooms and a courtyard garden providing plenty of options for any occasion.
The tranquil courtyard is a delight in fine weather and sets this destination apart from most other livery halls.
Even after the adversity of the last 650 years, the inside of 30 Threadneedle Street boasts high ceilings, tall windows, Chinese silk wallpaper, and chandeliers. With room for up to 280 diners, the only obstacle will be keeping your eyes on your plate and not the magnificent decor.
While on site, hosts encourage guests to soak in the architecture surrounding them at every turn and in every one of the rooms.
The beautiful, historic building is nestled in the heart of the City of London, yet as guests step through the door, they will feel like they’ve been transported to a different world.
30 Threadneedle Street EC2R 8JB
merchant-taylors.co.uk
Plaisterers’ Hall
Plaisterers’ Hall is the largest Livery Hall in the City of London. It’s a breathtaking and sophisticated venue, boasting impressive facilities and is home to the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers.
The venue, set within One London Wall designed by Foster + Partners, backs on to the remains of the original London Wall. Opened in 1972 situated near the Barbican and St Paul’s, it has décor throughout of the neoclassical style created by Robert Adam in the 18th century. Plaisterers’ Hall reflects the grandeur of a bygone era in an ultra-modern setting, creating a luxurious atmosphere for entertaining.
The intricacy of the plaster work around the venue, maintained to an impeccable standard, combined with the impressive chandeliers in the Great Hall, makes Plaisterers’ Hall the ultimate backdrop for those sought after once-in-a-lifetime bashes. The grand hall is an ideal setting for events where you’re looking to leave a lasting impression, such as weddings, corporate dinners and Christmas soirees.
The impressive technical capabilities make it the ideal location for conferences, fashion shows, photoshoots and exhibitions. The hall stands as the biggest of its kind in the Square Mile, and can seat over 300 people for dinner, and up to 550 for a standing reception.
Enjoy dinner and drinks in the venue’s lavishly decorated spaces before partying the night away beneath dazzling chandeliers. A stone’s throw from the City’s most iconic landmarks, guests will be able to take in the sights when it’s time for carriages, heading home with memories that will last a lifetime.
1 London Wall, Barbican EC2Y 5JU
plaisterershall.com
Saddlers’ Hall
Saddlers’ Hall was built in a neo-classical style and impresses with bespoke period furniture, historical antiquities and paintings.
Taking centre stage is the Great Hall, which comes complete with exquisite stained-glass windows and a musicians’ gallery; a sumptuous venue for everything from conferences to weddings, large drinks receptions, and delicious banquets.
An added perk is the multitude of breakout spaces, which provide extra conferencing facilities, while the secluded courtyard can be used for alfresco summer entertaining.
As one of the very oldest of the City of London livery companies – records of a Guild of Saddlers in the Capital date from 1160 AD – the livery has had plenty of time to refine its offering.
40 Gutter Lane EC2V 6BR
saddlershall.com
Stationers’ Hall
Stationers’ Hall has a little bit of Hollywood about it.
Due to its proximity to St Paul’s Cathedral – the hall is based in Ave Maria Lane – it is often frequented by production companies seeking space for green screen shots. If Hollywood directors are so obsessed with this hall, we bet you will be too.
Completed in 1673, the suite of impressive and interlinking rooms, combined
with a large secluded garden, makes this hall well equipped for a wide range of events.
Stationers’ Hall has one of the best private gardens in the Square Mile, stunning and comfortably able to hold 200 guests.
Ave Maria Lane EC4M 7DD
stationershall.co.uk
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