The best venues with a view in London

When it comes to booking a venue there is a multiplicity of things to consider; location, capacity, food, drink, amenities, to name but a few. However never underestimate the power of a good view when it comes to entertaining your guests. From scenic vistas, to twinkling city skylines, and picturesque panoramas we seemingly can’t get enough. Granted, we’ve probably seen it all before but it doesn’t stop us from exclamations of delight when we’re able to spot London’s landmarks from a height. Out come the cameras and suddenly you are everyone’s favourite host as your event becomes documented across social media.

Updated on 06 March 2020

These London venues offer some of the best views the city has to offer. The famous landmarks, tourist attractions and hotels listed here take in the capital’s iconic skyline and can be hired out as wedding venues, conference centres and even summer party venues.

Their lofty elevations and stunning panoramas make them some of the best spots in London and many of these attractions are enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors every year. As well as wowing the tourists, these London venues can also be used for special functions or important conferences.

This list contains an eclectic mixture of venues in London some of which are able to cater for more than 1,000 sit-down guests, while others are more intimate locations that make for ideal wedding venues with just a select few family and friends.

Some of the other London venues listed here are grand, historic buildings that have been there for centuries, while others are more contemporary, funky venues that are relatively new additions to the cityscape.

However, all of these venues are united by their stunning panoramas over the city, which make them some of the best spots in London to host an event whatever the occasion.

Searcys at The Gherkin

Searcys at The Gherkin

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

Under its glass apex, 180m in the air, this impressive venue’s Iris bar enjoys 360° views of the capital – sunset is a particularly good time to visit. The result is a memorable space for banquets, drinks receptions and conferences.
Max Meeting 140
Max Standing 260
Max Banquet 140
QEII Centre

QEII Centre

Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London, SW1P 3EE

This Westminster venue's no stranger to high-profile clients. Its 32 event spaces hold up to 2,500 delegates, and conferences and exhibitions work well here. The Churchill is particularly popular with raked seating ensuring everyone gets a good view.
Max Meeting 2500
Max Standing 1200
Max Banquet 930
Roast

Roast

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

Roast has an enviable location in the glass portico above Borough Market with fine views of The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and the market itself.
Max Meeting 100
Max Standing 200
Max Banquet 110
The Yacht London

The Yacht London

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

Moored at Temple Pier, The Yacht London is a characterful 1927 steam vessel available for private bookings. A 3am licence means parties can last into the night, and its central location gives views of some of the capital’s iconic landmarks.
Max Meeting 35
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 100
Aqua Shard

Aqua Shard

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

London is the backdrop to any event at Aqua Shard, on level 31 of western Europe’s tallest building. Even the toilets come with a view. A British theme runs throughout, from the Liberty-print seats to a menu of homegrown ingredients.
Max Meeting 22
Max Standing 360
Max Banquet 180
14 Hills

14 Hills

14th floor, 120 Fenchurch St, , City of London, London, EC3M 5BA

Nicknamed ‘the forest in the sky’, D&Ds’ restaurant venture 14 Hills is a stunning, 14th floor restaurant with views across the whole city, incredible décor and great food to match.
Max Standing 350
Max Banquet 170
Hutong

Hutong

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

A couple of floors above Aqua Shard, its Chinese sister Hutong has amazing views from the Shard’s 33rd floor. Based on the Hong Kong establishment of the same name, it’s inspired by the imperial cuisine of old Peking.
Max Meeting 24
Max Standing 340
Max Banquet 100
Duck & Waffle

Duck & Waffle

110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY

Located on the top floor of Heron Tower, Duck & Waffle features wrap around floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on to the Olympic Park, the Tower of London and the Gherkin, so wherever you are the view promises to be spectacular.
Max Standing 250
Max Banquet 120
Skylon

Skylon

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

In the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank, Skylon makes the most of its position with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Thames. The spacious venue’s mid-century look echoes the building’s 1950s architecture.
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 300
Sea Containers Events

Sea Containers Events

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

This South Bank venue at the top of the Sea Containers building turns heads with its 2,300sqm of event space and killer river views. The cityscape views get even better on the roof terrace.
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

Occupying levels 34 to 52 of The Shard, this hotel’s USP is self-evident. Alongside some of the best views in London, this five-star establishment offers event space notable for its top-spec AV kit, natural daylight and dynamic design.
Max Meeting 120
Max Standing 140
Max Banquet 100
IET London: Savoy Place

IET London: Savoy Place

2 Savoy Place , Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0BL

The refurbished Savoy Place offers increased capacity and cutting-edge tech. Our favourite spaces are the Riverside Room and Maxwell Library, which have fine views over the Thames, while The Johnson Roof Terrace is made for summer parties.
Max Meeting 34
Max Theatre 451
Max Standing 330
Max Banquet 330
SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

35 The Market Building,, London, WC2E 8RF

Plush seating, unique lighting design and views over the Piazza make this stylish central spot ideal for entertaining. It's an instant winner for anyone looking for a unique space in which to hold a memorable event.
Max Standing 500
Max Banquet 140
SUSHISAMBA City

SUSHISAMBA City

110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY

From the bright lights of the London skyline visible from the 38th and 39th floors of London’s Salesforce Tower to the multitude of event spaces within, SUSHISAMBA City has everything you could want from an event space.
Max Standing 470
Max Banquet 160
Coq d

Coq d'Argent

1 Poultry, City of London, London, EC2R 8EJ

Situated on the roof of No 1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent is renowned for its impressive views overlooking St Paul’s and the Bank of England. Guests step out of the lift and straight into the venue’s standout space: a rooftop garden
Max Meeting 70
Max Standing 300
Max Banquet 150

If you prefer somewhere more grounded why not explore these venues with gardens and courtyards instead.


More restaurant recommendations

Join SquareMeal Rewards

Collect points, worth at least £1, every time you book online and dine at a participating restaurant.

Start Collecting Points

Already a member? Sign in