Last year was a flop. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, none of us were able to have a Christmas party, so now’s the time to organise something special. And office Christmas party venues in the City of London do not disappoint.
Whether you’re looking for something intimate and cosy, or grand and elaborate, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most wonderful spaces you can hire to commemorate a long year with your colleagues.
So, forget the last-minute rush to the pub, why not think ahead and book a party to remember. Here are some of our favourites.
Queen of Hoxton
Swap the City of London for the rabbit hole for your next Christmas soiree. The Queen of Hoxton team has transformed its rooftop yet again this winter – and this time the theme is Alice in Wonderland.
The rooftop bar has the usual wigwam but this year it’s covered in trippy objects swinging from the ceiling. Sip on an exclusive Always Late After 8 cocktail or an Alice’s Always Awake Potion (a twist on an Espresso Martini), before gobbling down a Queen Of Hearts Katsu Burger – this is one rooftop bar not to be missed this winter.
1-5 Curtain Road EC2A 3JX
queenofhoxton.com
Thames Clipper
One of the best views of the City has got to be from the water – at night while the skyscrapers light up the sky. And while there are plenty of party boat cruises in London, few do it with as much flair and professionalism as the seasoned Thames Clippers team.
This is a classy affair – with a wide range of party options depending on the size of your team and the quality of service wanted. They cater to groups of 12 to 220 among their selection of 17 high-speed catamarans with licensed bars and warm indoor cabins.
thamesclippers.com/private-hire
Bob Bob Ricard City
Head to the renowned restaurant in the heart of the City for a modern twist on traditional French and Russian cuisine. Formerly known as Bob Bob Cité, the restaurant and dining areas have had a multi-million pound refit. But not to worry, the famous “Press for Champagne” button is still at every table.
For something very special, book the private dining area for an intimate seasonal meal. The three private rooms are modelled on the dining salons of the Royal Yacht and have space for 18 guests each.
Dine on a full à la carte menu, whether lunch or dinner, and feel the European Christmas spirit encompass you and your colleagues.
122 Leadenhall Street EC3V 4AB
bobbobricard.com/city
Conservatory at the Barbican
For something spectacularly beautiful, book the Barbican Centre’s iconic greenhouse and have your own private tropical garden for your Christmas celebrations.
You can choose from a couple of seasonal packages, including the Festive Fun option, which comes with mulled wine on arrival, unlimited prosecco, decorations and lighting, a Christmas carvery station and a DJ. It’s one of the top office Christmas party venues in the City of London, so send this to the party committee immediately.
Barbican EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
Coq d’Argent
Celebrate the festive period in the heart of the City surrounded by your colleagues or friends in the main restaurant, or cosy up at Lodge d’Argent, the winter rooftop in collaboration with Hennessy.
The glamorous alpine winter bar terrace can accommodate up to 40 seated guests or up to 100 standing, while sofa areas can be hired for groups based on a minimum spend. What’s more, Coq d’Argent will be decorating its heated terrace with furs, festive lighting and two chalet huts which are also available to book. The cosy cabins can house up to six people and are available between noon and 3pm and 5.30pm to 8pm.
No.1 Poultry EC2R 8EJ
coqdargent.co.uk
Pacific Ballroom
If you’re looking for a grand event space, why not book the Pacific Ballroom at Pan Pacific? Prepare to be amazed as you enter the underground room at the luxury hotel, just a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street.
The huge ballroom has direct access from the Bishopsgate Plaza via a glass escalator as well as direct access via the hotel, so guests can stay at the latest five-star offering to the City.
Whether you’re dining or dancing, the incredible space has been designed thoughtfully with lots of wonderful finishing touches. That includes a custom-made Lasvit chandelier designed by Yabu Pushelberg, which hangs above the ballroom and is made of floating crystal orbs that create a starlight experience across the ceiling. Will you be the belle of the ball?
80 Houndsditch EC3A 7AB
panpacific.com
Duck & Waffle
The 24-hour bar and restaurant up at the top of Heron Tower is a no-brainer for Christmas parties. Each year, they redesign the whole drinks menu with festive cocktails and offer up a selection of dining options. Plus, those views just can’t be beat (although Sushisamba down one floor below does get close).
And, as Duck & Waffle is open all day, every day, you’ll easily be able to party all night long, finish it all off with a Bloody Mary and then walk right on into work without skipping a glorious beat.
You may even want to start elsewhere in the City for food and then end up here for late-night drinks and a cheeky serving of their signature duck and waffle dish. That’s just about as good as it gets.
110 Bishopsgate EC2N 4A
duckandwaffle.com
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
