The Best Drinks Reception Venues in Central London

The capital city of the UK is a given if you want to host a drinks reception that your guests will talk about for years onwards.

Central London offers an unrivalled selection of venues, from grand and sophisticated hotels to quirky cocktail bars and exclusive members' clubs. From the swanky bars of Mayfair to the hipster hangouts of Shoreditch, there are countless spaces available across Central London that would be the ideal location for your reception.

All these venues are easily accessible by public transport, and if you’re looking for somewhere with a bit more privacy then we have a collection of private dining rooms in London which would make great spaces for intimate gatherings.

Tips before booking a venue

With so much choice out there, it can be hard to know where to start. We've narrowed down our three best pieces of advice before booking a venue:

1. Venue size is key!

This might sound obvious but getting the venue size correct is key. Not only will this depend on how many guests you're expecting but also how much space you need for your activities or entertainment. A venue that's too big for your numbers might feel empty and cold, whereas one that's too small can feel cramped and uncomfortable. Take some time to work out how many people you're going to invite and check with your venue if they have any preferred layouts that they recommend which will help fit them in comfortably.

1. Is the location right?

With London being so big, it can be difficult to know where's best to hold your event. Transport links are obviously important but the location is just as important when considering the impression you want your guests to get as soon as they arrive at the event. Think about what sort of event you're holding and what vibe you want to communicate.

1. Food is important

Nobody likes being hungry at an event so start out by asking yourself some food-related questions. What food options will be available at the venue? Will you need to bring in your own catering? Are there kitchen facilities if you want to cater yourself? All these questions will need to be answered before making a final decision on your venue.

The three best venues for drinks receptions in Central London 

We love a drinks reception and we're always on the hunt for new venues to add to our portfolio. Here are three of our favourite venues in Central London for drinks receptions.

Mint Leaf Lounge – An Indian restaurant and cocktail bar, Mint Leaf Lounge is a breathtaking venue in the heart of London, close to the Bank of England. The lounge area with its glittering chandeliers and elegant furnishings is perfect for pre-dinner drinks before guests are invited through to the restaurant for dinner. We also love their various set-up options, making it ideal for parties of any size. 

CoqBull Soho – This cool and contemporary Soho restaurant has an American style menu of steaks and burgers, as well as a gorgeous terrace making it ideal for summer parties as well as drinks receptions. On the ground floor, you’ll find the main bar area filled with cosy booths to enjoy some nibbles over a glass of champagne or two. Upstairs is the private area that can be hired exclusively for drinks receptions, leaving you to enjoy the cool vibes and laidback interiors whilst catching up with friends and colleagues. 

Pitch Golf London – You want a drinks reception that stands out from the crowd? Pitch Golf London is a great space if you're looking to host a unique drinks reception combined with a group activity. The space is completely flexible, so whether you want it to be an informal networking event or something more structured, Pitch Golf can help put together an evening that suits any need.

Booking a venue with us

It’s never been easier to find the best venues and the best deals than with VenueScanner. You just browse our selection of drinks reception venues and when you see something you like you can favourite it using the heart icon. This way you have all the best venues for your event saved in your shortlist, where you can then enquire with all of them at the same time, saving time and money when you compare your options. Once you’ve decided what the best price and venue is for you you simply book and start planning all the other aspects of your event.

If you’ve not found the perfect venue yet

If you can’t find what you’re looking for here we’ve got plenty more options for other event types like summer parties, birthday parties, and product launches. We also have venues in other parts of London like Clapham or Brixton. If you’d rather outsource your event planning and venue search our concierge is always happy to help you completely free of charge.