Banqueting halls are perfect for big, ceremonial events such as school reunions or an annual fundraising dinner. At Zipcube, we can identify the perfect banquet hall for any occasion and we've put together a great list of halls to help you choose. Whether you want a vintage, glamorous space or a modern contemporary hall – we've got it covered. We guarantee to find you the perfect party venue, so don't hold back and search now to find the ideal space.
London is a historic city and there are lots of wonderful spaces available to hire within it. From its medieval halls, many of which are hundreds of years old, to the large contemporary buildings which can fit a huge number of diners and guests: the splendour and magnitude of a banquet feast is easy to arrange.
You'll likely be looking for a banquet theme to match your event as well. You might look for inspiration from the Roman feasts of the Classical era, or the majestic banquets of Medieval kings and queens. Other popular themes include an opulent 'Roaring Twenties' theme or a Diplomat's Ball with lots of pomp and ceremony.
Banquet Halls in London: Tips and Ideas
When we think of banquets, we think of food, lots of food. Fortunately, London is packed with restaurant venues which boast some of the world's finest catering staff. Be sure to have a good think about what kind of cuisine you would like to serve, as you really are spoilt for choice. Do you want full table service for your guests? Or large sharing platters for guests to pick from as they wish.
Do you want a full course meal or do you want just a few nibbles and snacks along with some drinks? If you’re on a bit of a budget and need something more affordable, you may want to bring your own food and handle the catering yourselves – just make sure the banqueting hall will allow it. If the venue has a large courtyard or garden, you could also consider a more unconventional route such as hiring a food truck or catering van.
When you start to plan your banquet you should consider whether you would like to have a formal sit-down meal, or whether a buffet would offer your guests greater choice in a more casual setting. Sit-down meals are better suited for more formal events (i.e. wedding receptions and corporate functions), while a buffet might be the right fit for a relaxed party or bridal shower.
In general, banquet style venues are a popular choice for Christmas dinners, charity events and wedding receptions.
Making plans on a budget can be a hard task, which is why we've also got some other large spaces available such as function rooms and party halls. These venues tend to be cheaper than our banqueting halls, but are typically much smaller as well. (Catering is also less common at these types of venues, so it’s important to check).
Remember to plan your guestlist carefully and double-check the capacity of your hall before you book it. Asking for early RSVPs will make a big difference when trying to get the best possible venue for the right number of people.
When it comes to organising your event, having a specific theme can make booking your party hall a lot easier: a Harry Potter inspired birthday party needs tall ceilings and long tables, a James Bond theme will require a sleek and modern decor. Whatever you’re looking for though, Zipcube's venues can match it.
Finally, make sure to carefully plan the time frame from when you would like to arrive at the venue to when you would expect to leave. Take into account that any entertainment, presentations, awards or speeches that follow your meal may overrun.
If you're looking for a bit of added inspiration, why not take a look at James I's 'great banqueting hall' built in 1622? Custom-built to accommodate the lavish parties and theatrical masques which entertained the aristocracy: it will certainly give you an idea of the extravagance which a banqueting hall can provide.
Why Hire A Banquet Hall?