Unusual venues in Waterloo

British Library

• Conference centre
• ·Art gallery
• ·Unusual
• ·280 attendees
• ·10 meeting rooms

The British Library is not only the national library of the United Kingdom but also one of the world’s greatest academic institutions. Opened in 1998, the library is now hailed as a great triumph of design and technology as well as one of the greatest repositories of library materials which include over 150 million items, with some material dating from 3000 years ago. The British Library’s state of the art Conference Centre has its own private entrance from the Piazza and offers exceptional and flexible facilities for conferences, meetings, product launches, lectures, private screenings and media events. An impressive staircase leads from the manned reception area with dedicated cloakroom to the upper level and a lift for wheelchair access to the upper floor. This, combined with a full team of onsite technical expertise, ensures world-class delivery. In addition, there are five comfortable and individually designed meeting rooms allowing for 8-80 delegates. All rooms have natural daylight, electronic blackout blinds, climate control and sound proofing. Beside the modern conference centre you can finish your conference in the newly opened and fabulous King’s Library Restaurant or the Terrace Restaurant.

Guildhall London

• Unusual
• ·900 attendees
• ·6 meeting rooms

Guildhall, built between 1411 and 1440, was designed to reflect the importance of London’s ruling elite. In the twenty-first century its splendour is still awe-inspiring, and within the walls of this national treasure lie six spectacular rooms providing unique surroundings for corporate and private hospitality. The ideal location for conferences, high profile meetings, lunches, receptions, dinners, and award ceremonies, Guildhall has no equal. Perfect for prestigious occasions, whether an elegant black-tie dinner, international conference or a more intimate meeting or presentation, Guildhall will enhance it. Of course, it’s not just this unique setting that creates a memorable event. The combination of history and tradition with the very latest state-of-the-art built-in communication technology helps to ensure that events are effective and smooth-running.

Amber

• Unusual

We have 4 distinctively different bars; Amber bar, Opal bar, Milk bar and the 70’s/80’s themed Groovy Wonderland. Our fresh and funky party destination is in the heart of the city and is great for any occasion whether it’s a relaxing lunch in Amber bar, a few drinks in Opal bar for happy hour, a fun party night out in Groovy Wonderland or our VIP experience in Milk bar, we certainly have it all in Amber. Our event sales team are available to plan and support your bespoke event in consultation with the highly skilled management team.

St Johns Waterloo

• Unusual
• ·6 meeting rooms

BFI Southbank

• Unusual

Located in the heart of London's bustling Southbank, one of the flagship cultural centres in the world, the BFI offers unlimited access for many millions of people to encounter all that film, television and moving image culture have to offer. With a range of unique and flexible spaces, BFI Southbank is an inspiring location equipped to accommodate any event. Boasting three auditoriums with state-of-the-art projection facilities, powerpoint and branding capabilities, we provide outstanding presentation opportunities. We also offer an intimate studio cinema for smaller scale presentations and seminars, a range of break-out spaces and meeting rooms and a moving image Gallery to engage your guests and encourage debate. In addition to this, the BFI has over fifty years experience of hosting and presenting the very best in world cinema and has welcomed a list of international guests that reads like a who's who of film. With this outstanding knowledge and experience of event staging and management, BFI Southbank is the ideal venue to host any event. From conferences to private screenings, product launches to seminars, BFI Southbank will provide a memorable experience for you and your guests. With friendly and professional service from our experienced and dediacted events and technical team, we offer a refreshing alternative to traditional conferencing venues.

London Eye Barracuda

• Unusual
• ·1 meeting room

The London Eye Barracuda exudes style and luxury. The immaculate art deco inspired interior features a mirrored bar and wooden dance floor as well as comfortable booth seating, soft leather sofas and chaise lounges for your guests to relax. The stylish Upper Bar with opening roof lets you sip cocktails under the stars while taking in stunning views of some of London’s most famous landmarks. The beautiful, art deco inspired river cruiser is available for up to 230 guests for elegant receptions or 140 for a seated dinner.

Sea Life London Aquarium

• Unusual
• ·500 attendees
• ·1 meeting room

The SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s multi-million pound transformation offers London a spectacular venue like no other. Amazing new displays complement the redesigned Aquarium and include a stunning glass Ocean Tunnel where guests can admire graceful Green turtles. The tunnel leads to a dramatic shipwreck and is the only place in London where guests can view magnificent sharks. The nail biting Shark Walk offers a spectacular finale to an event. The SEA LIFE London Aquarium will be perfect for awards dinners for up to 180 guests and parties and networking events for up to 1,000 guests

R S Hispaniola

• Unusual
• ·130 attendees
• ·3 meeting rooms

Boasting spectacular views of the River Thames, from St.Paul's to the Houses of Parliament, the R.S. Hispaniola is the perfect venue for corporate events, exhibitions, seminars and conferences. Conveniently located between the City and the West End, a few yards away from Trafalgar Square and moored alongside Victoria Embankment, the ship is a quiet haven amidst the City bustle. The Main Deck Restaurant has an adjoining Cocktail Bar. The Upper Deck, with its own bar, has 'al fresco' facilities. Either can be used exclusively, or together for larger events. In addition, the boardroom is available for smaller functions and meetings. Rooms and decks can be left open plan, set for dinner or laid out theatre-style, boardroom-style or classroom-style as required. Audio/visual equipment, flipcharts etc. can all be made available. The kitchens are renowned for their excellent cuisine and the Hispaniola has the finest wine cellar anywhere on the river.

Tattershall Castle

• Unusual

The Tattershall Castle is perfectly located across from London Eye, and a short walk from Waterloo or Charing Cross in Central London. A relaxed environment yet organised venue for any meeting.

The Arches

• Unusual
• ·1 meeting room

The Arches situated on Great Suffolk Street - SE1 is a series of long barrel vaults with exposed brick & interconnecting tunnels spanning over 30,000 sq ft. This exceptional, industrial space accessible from both Borough & Southwark, is fully licensed and can be hired exclusively in whole, or part, for all types of events. - Fully Licensed - Drive in Trailer Toilets - Disabled Access - Vehicle Access - Outside Smoking Area

Opal Bar

• Unusual

Opal has a distinct style and atmosphere, providing the ideal background for a variety of events. Opal is ideal for all corporate events and hospitality requirements: from breakfast, daytime meetings or a large scale company party until midnight. Opal Bar has a capacity of 672 and we have a late license Monday to Saturday. Create your event around the contemporary and stylish design of each area, or use the space as a blank canvas to brand and design to your requirements. The venue is perfect for private drinks, canapé parties, or private dining requirements, as well as early morning breakfast meetings, seminars & board meetings throughout the day. Our event sales team will plan and support your bespoke event in consultation with the highly skilled management team.

Charing Cross Theatre

• Unusual
• ·375 attendees
• ·1 meeting room

The New Players Theatre is a 275-seat auditorium that is great for conferences, film screenings, product launches, showcases & corporate entertainment. Those who hold events here can also use the adjacent New Players Lounge for stand-up receptions & small sit-down dinners. The theatre has a great heritage, many a famous thespian having tread its boards. It is also one of the few theatre spaces licensed to serve alcohol, boasting a built-in Victorian bar within the auditorium. Conference Facilities The New Players Theatre is a valuable and essential venue for companies seeking a conference or corporate training facility that offers a distinctive style and atmosphere away from that of the more traditional and sterile hotel-type venue. The Players Lounge can cater for all food and beverage requirements. Menus can be designed to meet your requirements from simple refreshments to A la Carte. Please contact us for specific technical requirements and rates.

Heaven Night Club

• Unusual

Dance the night away with the drag queens at Heaven, London's great big electro-pop, house and dance nightclub. Heaven is one of London's largest and most famous gay clubs. Heaven loves DJ's and live bands Heaven remains one of the best known gay nightclubs in London and one of the largest in terms of floor space in Central London.[4][5][6] It hosts several large events, corporate events and has been used as a setting for music videos

Benjamin Franklin House

• Hotel
• ·Unusual
• ·40 attendees
• ·6 meeting rooms

In the heart of London, is Benjamin Franklin House, the world's only remaining Franklin home. For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Dr Benjamin Franklin – scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor, Founding Father of the United States and more – lived behind its doors. Built circa 1730, it is today a dynamic museum and educational facility.

The Supreme Court

• Unusual
• ·2 meeting rooms

Situated at the heart of historic Parliament Square, the home of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom offers a unique guest experience. Opposite world famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the home of the Supreme Court in the recently restored Grade II* listed Middlesex Guildhall is available for hire for a variety of corporate events. A Gothic style building built in 1913, it sets the scene for a memorable event, especially during the evening - whether you are planning a small business dinner or a larger drinks reception. We are also available as a convenient Westminster location for business breakfasts, and can occasionally offer meeting room hire during the legal recess. Eye-catching features include majestic ceilings, intricate carved beams, an abundance of exquisite stained glass and world famous artwork. New artwork was also incorporated throughout the building as part of the extensive renovation. Whatever type of event you are arranging, we would be delighted to discuss how this inspiring and prestigious venue will capture your guests' imaginations.

Smollenskys The Strand London

• Unusual
• ·2 meeting rooms

A London institution for over 20 years, Smollenskys on the Strand is situated in the heart of the West End - the perfect stop off after a hard days shopping around Covent Garden, visiting the open air cinema at Somerset House, a trip to the London Transport Museum or The Royal Opera House, are all around the corner. Parties are our specialty and we have loads of fabulous areas to book for drinks or a sit down meal. We have some great areas in our cocktail bar, perfect for drinks and nibbles after work or at the weekend! Alternatively you can dine in our stylish restaurant and enjoy one of their fantastic party menus, perfect for any celebration and still enjoy a few drinks before or after dinner. NEW to Smollenskys - The Mezzanine... our semi-private function area. Looking for a more private area for your drinks reception or party? Book The Mezzanine for up to 60 guests for a standing reception or up to 50 guests dining.

Jewel Covent Garden

• Conference centre
• ·Unusual
• ·180 attendees
• ·5 meeting rooms

Numerous celebrities have chosen Jewel as their preferred location for private parties and the venue is a favourite with the local theatre crowd and young media professionals. Professional and experienced waiters and bar staff will serve you the finest drinks from an extensive list, whilst resident chefs prepare food from an eclectic and constantly updated menu. Jewel Covent Garden encompasses superior style, outstanding service and an air of exclusivity for the perfect event. All our themed rooms are available for private hire either individually or as a whole. We can arrange everything from food to entertainment etc. Ideal for corporate parties or conferences, launches or photo shoots. BACCHUS BAR A statue of Bacchus, the Thracian God of wine, provides the perfect welcome as you enter the bar. Bacchus was deemed as a promoter of civilisation and lover of peace and fittingly of Covent Garden, also the patron deity of theatre. Outstanding design features of the floor include the shimmering mirrors, intricate ironwork, exposed brickwork and dark-wood seating. Soft tones play off the sparkling chandeliers onto the sleek, polished bar and help weave a feeling of luxury and opulence. THE LONG BAR Next to Bacchus Bar on the ground floor is the sleek Long Bar. Low level lighting, ornate mirrors, delicate chandeliers, dark wood furniture and soft leather sofas mix the style of an upscale 19th Century Parisian hotel with a modern day, sophisticated lounge bar. The elegant setting has its own bar and exit onto Maiden Lane and is the perfect setting for a private function. Guests can enjoy the music and atmosphere of Jewel whilst having their own exclusive and stylish space. CRYSTAL BAR Upstairs from the Bacchus Bar and The Long Bar is the Crystal Bar. This decadently designed lounge area shimmers under the ornate chandelier and is perfect for a wild night with friends or colleagues.There are cosy corners, intimate booths and ample seating for small or large groups and the raised areas provide perfect people-watching opportunities over the sexy and elegant Covent Garden crowd. Purples and pinks dominate the colour scheme and blend effortlessly with intricate ironwork and sumptuous leather seating.Slide into one of the cosy recesses and allow the friendly and experienced staff to recommend the latest heavenly cocktails. Projector with large size screen available for conferences. VELVET AREA Incorporated into the Crystal Bar is the Velvet Area. This is the most intimate and sexy area in the venue.Soft leather seating and stylish mirrors combine with glow of candlelight and a beautiful chandelier to create a sumptuous setting and the perfect hideaway.The Velvet Area allows you to soak up the great music and atmosphere of Jewel Covent Garden whilst offering a more intimate setting for you and your guests. BLANCA BAR Downstairs is Blanca Bar where the party really heats up. Sparkling Moroccan and Moorish-inspired interior whisks you away instantly from the bustle of Covent Garden outside.Ornate white chairs, soft leather banquettes and tromped l'oeil walls furnish the room and light from the intricate lanterns and candles reflects off the stylish mirrors to create a wonderfully warm and seductive atmosphere.Flirty, expert staff behind the lustrous bar serve a fantastic range of modern and classic cocktails. An exciting and varied music mix from outstanding DJs guarantees that every night has a party atmosphere. Like the other bars, Blanca can also be hired exclusively for an unforgettable event.

The Delaunay Restaurant

• Unusual
• ·3 meeting rooms

The Delaunay's two Private Dining Rooms seat up to 8 and 14 guests respectively and are available to book for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The two rooms can also be opened up to accommodate a long table of 24 guests. Located on a raised level above the ground floor of the restaurant, both rooms are discreetly shielded from the outside world yet flooded with light from large windows during the day. Clad in beautiful wood panelling and featuring original paintings from the restaurant's outstanding collection, the rooms are perfect for celebratory meals, as well as business gatherings, with a plasma screen available in the Kean Room.

Balthazar Restaurant

• Unusual
• ·1 meeting room

The original Balthazar was opened in New York City by Keith McNally in the spring of 1997. The London edition is located on the corner of Russell Street and Wellington Street in the heart of Covent Garden, just down the road from The Royal Opera House. Housed in the old Theatre Museum, in a building called “The Flower Cellars”, Balthazar shares space with The London Film Museum. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, plus weekend brunch. From opening to closing, food will be available all day long. The French brasserie-inspired menu will include an abundance of fruits de mer as well as a wide selection of classical French brasserie and bistro dishes. The Balthazar Boulangerie is housed next door serving its own house-made artisan breads, as well as a wide selection of homemade pastries, salads and sandwiches to take away throughout the day.

Dr Johnsons House

• Unusual

Dr Johnson's House is one of the few residential houses of its age still surviving in the City of London. Built in 1700, it was a home and workplace for Samuel Johnson 1748-1759, and it was here that he compiled the first comprehensive English Dictionary. Now restored to its original condition, the house contains panelled rooms, a pine staircase, and a collection of period furniture, prints and portraits. Situated to the north of Fleet Street, the house is found among a maze of courtyards and passages that are a reminder of historic London. Dr Johnson’s House provides a unique and welcoming historical backdrop for a wide variety of events. Perfectly situated with easy access to both the City and West End, the four-storey historic house can be hired exclusively for your event. The house has hosted a wide range of events including drinks receptions, book launches, corporate entertaining, private parties and evening dinners. Dr Johnson's House is available for hire on weekday mornings for breakfast events or during the evening Capacties - drinks reception (entire house) - 100 people - dinner - 40 people

Westminster Abbey

• Unusual
• ·500 attendees
• ·5 meeting rooms

Known as the House of Kings, Westminster Abbey is the final resting place for many monarchs and has been the setting for Coronations since that of William the Conqueror in 1066. It has also witnessed numerous other royal occasions such as weddings and funerals. It is central to the life of the nation and is one of Britain’s major tourist attractions. It provides a choice of five unique settings for a prestigious corporate or private event; the Undercroft Museum, Cheyneygates, and in the summer months, The East Cloister, Saint Catherine’s Chapel Garden and The College Garden. The flexibility of choice allows for small dinners in intimate surroundings to large gatherings of up to 500 people in grandiose settings. The Abbey cannot be hired out for private events, for example, concerts, weddings etc. Enquiries about special services to be held in the Abbey Church should go to the Receiver General