Looking to break away from the ordinary and add a splash of character to your next conference in London? You’re in the right place! London, a city known for its rich history and cutting-edge creativity, is brimming with venues that are anything but boring. From hidden gems tucked away in historic corners to spaces that redefine what a conference room should be, we’ve scoured the city to bring you the top 11 quirkiest spots for your next big event. So, pack your agenda with a twist of the unexpected—these venues are anything but typical!
Kia Oval
When it comes to quirky conference venues, the Kia Oval is a grand slam. Sure, it’s famous for hosting nail-biting cricket matches, but this iconic stadium also hits it out of the park as a unique event space. Whether you’re batting around ideas or just fielding questions, the Oval’s pitch-perfect setting will have your attendees buzzing with excitement. Plus, who wouldn’t want to say they’ve held their conference in the same spot where legends made history? With panoramic views of the pitch and state-of-the-art facilities, your event will be anything but a sticky wicket.
Location: Vauxhall
Capacity: 900 people
Century Club
Century Club is London’s best-kept secret—hidden in plain sight on Shaftesbury Avenue, it’s so exclusive that you’ll need a membership card just to feel like you belong (unless, of course, you book it for your event). With its blend of modern elegance and cosy charm, Century Club feels more like a swanky living room than a traditional conference venue—making it ideal for those who prefer to think outside the box, or in this case, outside the boardroom.
Location: Leicester Square
Capacity: 200 people
Barbican Centre
If you’re looking to make a bold statement with your conference venue, the Barbican Centre is where modernist architecture meets avant-garde flair. Hosting your event here is like adding a touch of London’s cultural heart to your conference agenda. With its sweeping spaces, towering ceilings, and industrial-chic vibes, the Barbican is the ultimate playground for big ideas and even bigger dreams. And let’s not forget the lush conservatory—an unexpected slice of urban jungle that’s perfect for a breakout session or just a breath of fresh air. The Barbican is where serious business meets serious cool.
Location: Barbican
Capacity: 1943 people
Bloomsbury Ballroom
Step into the Bloomsbury Ballroom, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the Roaring Twenties, where elegance and extravagance were the orders of the day. This Art Deco gem, with its glittering chandeliers and opulent decor, is anything but your run-of-the-mill conference venue. It’s the place where Gatsby would host a conference if he were around today. Whether you’re hosting a grand gala or a more intimate gathering, the Bloomsbury Ballroom’s vintage charm and timeless sophistication will ensure your event is as memorable as it is stylish. So, dust off your flapper dresses and bow ties—this is one venue that practically begs for a little bit of old-school glamour.
Location: Holborn
Capacity: 880 people
The London Transport Museum
The museum's Cubic Theatre is fully equipped with everything you need for a top-notch conference, from a professional-grade projector to an integrated lectern that ensures every presentation is seamless. The large screens guarantee that all your attendees stay engaged, and they double as a perfect canvas for showcasing your company’s branding. And when the day's sessions wrap up, why not use the adjoining foyer for some well-deserved post-conference drinks?
But here’s the twist: conferences don’t have to be all work and no play. For those jet-setting attendees who rarely get to enjoy the cities they visit, how about adding a little extra flair? With complimentary access to the museum, you can offer your guests a chance to dive into London’s rich history—right at your event. It's the perfect way to blend business with a bit of local culture!
Capacity: 200 theatre
Location: Covent Garden
The Steel Yard
Located beneath the railway arches of Cannon Street, The Steel Yard is a hidden gem that exudes an old-world charm with its exposed brickwork and raw steel structures. Offering three arches that can be transformed to fit any layout, it's a perfect choice for those looking to craft a conference experience that stands out.
While its historical roots as a warehouse give it a quirky, industrial charm, its modern amenities ensure that your event runs without a hitch. And with its central location, attendees will find it a breeze to reach, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Capacity: 200 theatre
Location: Cannon Street
ISH Venues
For those seeking a venue that blends historical charm with fantastic amenities, ISH Venues is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of London, this venue boasts a rich heritage, with rooms that tell tales of the past while being equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
The Georgian architecture offers a sophisticated backdrop, while great acoustics, a flexible layout, and a central location make its main space, Venue 1, a prime choice for conferences that impress all your guests.
And with its dedicated team on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly, ISH Venues promises an event that's memorable for all the right reasons!
Location: Regent's Park
Capacity: 300 theatre
Museum of London
Ranging from Roman Britain to the city's modern history, the Museum Of London houses thousands of years of knowledge under its roof. Where better to impart your conference's wisdom than at a prestigious museum?
The museum has a wide variety of rooms, but for a space set to impress, don't miss the stylish Garden Room. This space's large windows allow an abundance of natural daylight, enhanced by direct access to the beautiful Rotunda Gardens. Planning to maximise breakouts and networking?
The museum's Clore Learning Centre is made up of a group of rooms: the seminar room, studio, and main space. Hire these individually, or combine them to make a dynamic event.
And after the hard work's done, why not let your guests explore the museum? Every day's a school day!
Capacity: 230 theatre
Location: City of London
Bounce Old Street
Just a 5-minute walk away from bustling Old Street, Bounce is a great place for fun lovers to get their ping pong on. But, behind the scenes, it's also an unexpectedly ideal venue for a brilliant conference.
Bounce's Main Space is ideally laid out for cosy conferences, as it's easily transformed from a ping pong arena into a theatre-style setup. The Main Space has its own projector screens and wireless presentation facilities, meaning fewer hassles for you on the day! You'll also be spoilt for choice of locations for your breakouts - you'll have access to Bounce's private and semi-private areas.
Not only does Bounce offer themed conference essentials, it also offers a whopping 17 ping-pong tables! Who else can claim bragging rights for the world's coolest drinks reception, when your guests can play games and have full access to a bar?
Cocktails and beer pong? Yes, please!
Capacity: 100 theatre
Location: Old Street
Village Underground
If you’re on the hunt for an industrial-chic, renovated warehouse space with authentic Victorian features and architectural influences, you’re in luck!
Village Underground is a stunning blank canvas that offers a versatile space to create a unique conference with a twist. Make use of its vaulted brick arches and high ceilings to create an atmospheric setting, perfect for setting a quirky and offbeat tone. Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Village Underground is easily accessible for guests regardless of where they're travelling from.
Despite being a Victorian warehouse in a former life, Village Underground is definitely in the 21st century. With the venue’s full PA system, AV capabilities and sound system, shining a spotlight on your content has never been easier.
Capacity: 250 theatre
Location: Shoreditch
EartH
Looking for a truly unforgettable venue? Look no further than EartH. This Art Deco theatre has been revived for the modern age - making it perfect for conferences.
Despite its vintage charm, EartH's in-house tech isn't in the dark ages. Conferences in EartH's theatre benefit from the venue's excellent AV, updated lighting, and a 360 PA system that'll ensure that you're heard by all of your guests. An added bonus? Your speakers will love that its green room is fit for a Hollywood Starlet!
Speaking of grandeur, nothing says decadence more than mouthwatering food! EartH's on-site professional kitchen will take the hassle out of organising your menu; by being able to provide both halal and kosher dishes you'll make sure all of your guests are well-fed.
All of these venue choices got your head in the clouds. Sounds like you need to come back down to EartH.
Capacity: 650 theatre
Location: Dalston Kingsland
In a city as dynamic as London, there's no need to settle for ordinary when planning your next conference. Whether you're aiming to inspire creativity, spark innovation, or simply offer a memorable experience, these quirky venues are sure to set the stage for success. So go ahead—choose a venue that reflects the uniqueness of your event and leaves a lasting impression on your attendees. Ready to explore even more options? The perfect space is just a click away!
If you want to know more about these venues or are still looking for more inspiration, don't hesitate to get in contact with one of our venue experts.
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Author
Gemma Baker
Gemma loves all things social media and keeps busy by creating lots of Hire Space content. When she’s not creating content, you'll find her shopping, exploring or at the gym!
