Light, bright and modern venues in London

A venue with lots of windows and plenty of natural light is often near the top of a party organiser’s must-have list. Like-wise a light, airy and fresh meeting room is popular, particularly for an important conference or meeting where your delegates need to be. To help you out, we’ve put together a big list of modern venues in London, which tick all the boxes, and will provide a great backdrop to enhance your event and make it unforgettable. Venue hire is often stressful, especially as there are so many contemporary and modern spaces London has to offer, but you’re in safe hands with us.

Updated on 22 January 2020

Finding it difficult to find a venue that manages to be light, bright, and modern? It can be overwhelming trying to find the right one to create a certain mood or suit a particular audience, so we wanted to help you out. We’ve created this list to make it easier for you, and so you can make the best choice for your upcoming event.

We’ve considered a whole host of different occasions, budgets, locations, and more to compile this list of the best modern venues London has to offer. There are some great contemporary spaces out there available for venue hire. Whether you’re an organiser keen to put your own unique stylistic stamp on a party, or looking to launch a product to potential clients, there’s a modern venue to suit all occasions.

From blank-canvas design party spaces to light, bright and uncluttered conference centres and galleries, there’s a myriad of options for your next venue hire. Some have lofty, clean looks while others are kitted out with the latest AV equipment and tiered seating for conferences, while some are noted heritage sites that can still cater to more modern tastes. Scroll down to see what modern venues London has to offer.

The Terrace at The Last Drop

The Terrace at The Last Drop

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, Stratford, London, E20 2AD

Host an event to remember as guests take in panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of this lovely riverside café situated in the Olympic Park. The space is kitted out with the latest technology too.
Max Meeting 120
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 104
Searcys at The Gherkin

Searcys at The Gherkin

30 St Mary Axe, London, London, EC3A 8EP

Make your event memorable at this venue, replete with bespoke menus to go with that stunning view of the city. The private dining rooms are named after cloud types, as a nod to its location.
Max Meeting 140
Max Standing 260
Max Banquet 140
Wellcome Collection

Wellcome Collection

183 Euston Road, Fitzrovia, London, NW1 2BE

The Wellcome Collection offers an impressive range of spaces from elegant private dining rooms to presentation rooms. The state-of-the-art event centre also has several galleries, an auditorium and a library, which are available for hire.
Max Meeting 154
Max Theatre 161
Max Standing 390
Max Banquet 80
South Place Hotel

South Place Hotel

3 South Place, Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 2AF

This excellent venue space has seven stunning rooms to choose from, or you can exclusively hire them all. The lovely Purdey & Steed room and the Michelin-starred Angler Restaurant are the most luminous of the bunch.
Max Meeting 100
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 100
QEII Centre

QEII Centre

Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, SW1P 3EE

This superbly located venue was purpose built for hosting large-scale events (it can accommodate up to 2,500 attendees), and with 32 versatile spaces, the QEII Centre is definitely worth considering for your next event.
Max Meeting 2500
Max Standing 1200
Max Banquet 930
The Orangery & Courtyard at No.11 Cavendish Square

The Orangery & Courtyard at No.11 Cavendish Square

11–13 Cavendish Square, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AN

This multi-purpose venue offers many great spaces for a whole host of different functions from networking events to exhibitions, and utilises natural light in the best way, to highlight the beautiful architecture of the building.
Max Meeting 136
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 120
Greenwich Yacht Club

Greenwich Yacht Club

1 Peartree Way, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0BW

This clubhouse is surrounded by panoramic views of the Thames, which are accessed via footbridge or boat. The daylight-flooded minimalist space is great for private events, such as standing receptions, and can be exclusively hired.
Max Meeting 120
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 100
Bao Fitzrovia

Bao Fitzrovia

31 Windmill Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 2JN

This is a great venue for casual events or smaller-scale functions with food as the focus (the lighting is great too). The space is larger than the original Bao, and accommodates up to 47 people.
Max Meeting 48
Max Banquet 48
The Connaught

The Connaught

Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL

This stunning venue is great for hosting gala dinners and luxurious affairs that require large banqueting tables, amid a touch of modernised old-school glamour. There is also a private dining room filled with vintage wines.
Max Meeting 120
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 120
Sadler

Sadler's Wells

Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London, EC1 R4TN

Sadler’s Wells is a great venue for clients looking for a simple and chic events space. The Rosebery Room has a modern industrial vibe, while the Pina Bausch Room is suited to meetings and receptions.
Max Meeting 1500
Max Theatre 1500
Max Standing 350
Max Banquet 120
Roast

Roast

The Floral Hall, Borough Market, Stoney Street, London Bridge, London, SE1 1TL

Perched atop Borough Market, the clean white interiors of this minimalist haven nicely reflect all the natural light that comes streaming in through the windows. Hire exclusively or semi-privately for pretty views of the city.
Max Meeting 100
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 110
The Orrery

The Orrery

55 Marylebone High Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 5RB

The food at Orrery is well-rated by us, plus the dining rooms are stunning with their highly-stylised window settings and bespoke décor. At your next high-society function, why not take guests up to the rooftop?
Max Standing 130
Max Banquet 110
One Aldwych

One Aldwych

1 Aldwych , Covent Garden, London, WC2B 4BZ

This Grade-II listed five-star hotel is an excellent choice for hosting a private function, encompassing many spaces suitable for a range of occasions, from the Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar to daylight-flooded meeting rooms.
Max Meeting 35
Max Standing 150
Max Banquet 110
Church House Westminster

Church House Westminster

Dean's Yard , Westminster, London, SW1P 3NZ

Set in an impressive Grade II-listed building, Church House encompasses a range of spaces from small to extra-large, all with the latest technology. The ceilings are high and the windows bring in lots of light.
Max Meeting 600
Max Standing 550
Max Banquet 372
Cinnamon Bazaar

Cinnamon Bazaar

28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7JS

This venue definitely ticks the box for bright, with its vibrant pink and green décor, and the skylight lets light shine through the cotton hanging display, making Cinnamon Bazaar ideal for those casual dining affairs.
Max Meeting 12
Max Standing 85
Max Banquet 65
The Lincoln Centre

The Lincoln Centre

18 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, London, WC2A 3ED

The Lincoln Centre has several venue options; each of the spaces has unique functions from private dining banqueting to the latest technology, but all rooms get bathed in a luminous glow via the large windows.
Max Meeting 140
Max Standing 140
Max Banquet 40
The Yacht London

The Yacht London

Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars, London, WC2R 2PN

For something a bit different, why not hire out one of this steam vessel’s four exquisite spaces, or exclusively hire it all? The boat is permanently moored, offering perpetual views of iconic landmarks along the river.
Max Meeting 35
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 100
Aqua Shard

Aqua Shard

Level 31, The Shard, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RY

Situated on the 31st level of the impressive Shard, this space lets lots of light in through the panoramic glass windows overlooking the city. The Tea and Gin Wing offers some exclusivity with the view.
Max Meeting 22
Max Standing 360
Max Banquet 180
German Gymnasium

German Gymnasium

1 King's Boulevard, King's Cross, London, N1C 4BU

This restaurant is a truly beautiful, grand café-style space, which has been modernised and updated to create a contemporary vibe. It is available for private hire, so you can impress clients with your impeccable taste.
Max Standing 600
Max Banquet 250
Hutong

Hutong

Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, Southwark, London, SE1 9RY

This sky-high restaurant is a great example of Chinese fine-dining done well, plus you can exclusively hire the venue out. The interior is decked out in traditional décor that has been given a modern renewal.
Max Meeting 24
Max Standing 340
Max Banquet 100
Artigiano

Artigiano

12a Belsize Terrace, Belsize Park, London, NW3 4AX

Artigiano serves up a delicious take on Italian food, and the photogenic eatery sees plenty of light from the glass roof, so your event will shine. It’s well-known, so you might bump into a celeb.
Max Banquet 70
Blueprint Café

Blueprint Café

Blueprint Café, First Floor, Bermondsey, London, SE1 2YD

For enviable panoramic views spanning from Tower Bridge to Canary Wharf, let Blueprint Café host your next event with its beautiful dining spaces, which are illuminated in natural light thanks to its retractable floor-to-ceiling windows.
Max Standing 170
Max Banquet 120
Westminster Boating Base

Westminster Boating Base

136 Grosvenor Road, Westminster, London, SW1V 3JY

This lovely riverside venue is superb for hosting a whole variety of different types of special events, within its bright and light spaces. The fully-equipped rooms are fairly versatile and are accessed via a jetty.
Max Meeting 130
Max Standing 350
Max Banquet 150
1 Lombard Street

1 Lombard Street

1 Lombard Street , City of London, London, EC3V 9AA

The lighting at this venue benefits from a stunning circular skylight that bathes the modern space in sunshine. It is great for hosting dinners and receptions; the Botanical private dining room is a superb choice.
Max Meeting 22
Max Standing 450
Max Banquet 200
Skylon

Skylon

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Southbank, London, SE1 8XX

Wow guests with this pretty venue, high up over the Thames, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish décor. Fine dining and a great cocktail menu make this venue a great option for celebrations and receptions.
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 300
Claridge

Claridge's

Brook Street , Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR

Claridge’s offers a fine selection of hosting spaces that are splendidly decorated in plush tones and modern flourishes; the Ballroom and Drawing Room are highlights of the hotel that offer a touch of refined glamour.
Max Meeting 260
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 240
Plateau

Plateau

4th Floor Canada Place, Canada Square, Canary Wharf , Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QS

This beautiful venue looks best adorned in fresh flowers for a sky garden vibe, and the stunning glass front and ceiling keeps the restaurant illuminated from day to night with natural lighting and London’s skyline.
Max Meeting 30
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 200
Sea Containers Events

Sea Containers Events

18 Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9RQ

This spacious modern venue is great for hosting private dinners, parties, and conferences, with a stunning Southbank backdrop. The ultra-modern Cucumber restaurant and terrace are highlights of the impressive cohort Sea Containers encompasses.
Max Meeting 215
Max Standing 600
Max Banquet 150
Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London

31 St Thomas Street, London, London, SE1 9QU

Stunning city views, large windows and chic décor – the Shangri-La ticks all the boxes for light and airy venues. Bespoke events can be held in the Ren, Li, and Yi rooms, all boasting unique features.
Max Meeting 120
Max Standing 140
Max Banquet 100
Lumiere London

Lumiere London

65B Hopton Street, Southwark, London, SE1 9LR

Lumiere means light, and this cool studio certainly delivers on that promise. The modern space is a photography haven, but also offers several rooms which range from New York loft chic to refined Victorian era.
Max Meeting 50
Max Theatre 70
Max Standing 80
Max Banquet 50
London Stadium

London Stadium

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, London, E20 2ST

For those larger-scale events where you want to impress, this is an excellent option. The stadium hosts several function spaces and boasts views of the city, plus you can get a tour of the grounds.
Max Meeting 300
Max Standing 1000
Max Banquet 300
Serpentine Galleries

Serpentine Galleries

Kensington Gardens, Kensington, London, W2 3XA

These light-filled contemporary art spaces are well suited to hosting formal private dinners and drinks receptions, plus the white walls of the listed building are a fantastic canvas to bring a bespoke function to life.
Max Standing 250
The Conservatory & Garden Room

The Conservatory & Garden Room

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8DS

Host an event with a stunning backdrop of pretty foliage at the Barbican’s rooftop conservatory, where you can inject lush vibrancy into your function, whether it be a drinks reception or a grand fine-dining affair.
Max Meeting 150
Max Standing 650
Max Banquet 280

Looking for more venue inspiration? Check out our list of cool party venues.


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