As a private party magician, I’ve been fortunate to perform magic in a variety of exclusive venues throughout the world. This can range from adding some magical flair to private team building events to being part of the most special day in a couples life as their wedding magician.
In this article, I want to share my experiences with some of the best private party venues in London that are available to hire. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find something to suit your tastes.
I perform at exclusive private events across London regularly and will continually add to this list of great places to host a party
Annabels
We have to kick this off with the stunning Annabels. Located in the famously fashionable quadrangle of Berkeley Square in Mayfair, Annabels describes itself as an elegant private club with a starlit dance floor for the famous, the dressed-up and the well-heeled.
The venue was founded in 1963 by entrepreneur Mark Birley and John Aspinall in the basement of Aspinall’s casino - the Clermont Club. Their goal was to create a private place to party after a successful night of gambling in Aspinall’s club above.
Today Annabel’s is a members-only club that attracts high-end clientele. This includes many famous names over the years, from Frank Sinatra and Richard Nixon to the Prince of Wales and even Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Guests have the choice of private dining in entertainment rooms such as the elegant and luxurious Flower Room or the Georgian themed Silver Room that overlooks the gardens. This can then be followed by dancing in the Garden of Eden inspired Nightclub and Jungle Bar.
The Arts Club
Founded in 1863 in Dover Street, Mayfair, The Arts Club describes itself as being founded by men of vision in order to provide a haven for those people who had professional or amateur relationships with the Arts, Literature or Sciences. A fitting description when you consider that those founders included names such as Charles Dickens, Anthony Trollope and Lord Leighton.
Their vision has stood the test of time, providing a place of friendship and hospitality that has survived two world wars and still boasts an incredible collection of contemporary art from the likes of Tomas Saraceno, Matthew Darbyshire and George Condo. Of course, The Arts Club is more than just an exclusive art gallery, with four floors dedicated to private entertainment. This includes the Club Nouveau basement club and a ground floor restaurant complete with a brasserie and dedicated oyster bar.
Soho House
Soho House is both a venue (located at 76 Dean St, Soho) and also a brand, with a variety of sister venues located throughout the world. This includes Soho House in New York that was featured in an episode of Sex and The City.
The venue in Soho is no less impressive, with a 43-seat cinema in the basement, complete with a bar and lounge that can be booked by non-members. However, the members-only Top Floor, Library Bar and Small SItting Room can only be reserved by existing members.
Other venues in London include Shoreditch House, featuring a 6th-floor rooftop Secret Garden that has to be seen to be believed. And White City house, which features the Allis Studio on the ground floor that can be hired by none members and the Welcome Bar on the 8th floor, that is only available to Soho House members.
Sketch London
Founded in 2002, Sketch is well known for its two Michelin star restaurants with menus crafted by French Master Chef Pierre Gagnaire that feature his signature “New French” cuisine. The venue also has several other rooms, such as The Library, which is used as a semi-private dining room and The Lecture Room which is used for weddings and civil partnerships.
Visitors can also enjoy the artwork of many international designers and sculptors, such as Noé Duchaufour Lawrance, with various signature examples of his work displayed throughout the rooms and corridors of Sketch.
The Devonshire Club
The Devonshire Club describes itself as a private member’s club and boutique hotel that “blurs the line between business and pleasure”. Inside, the club spans two floors, with three large and uniquely styled bars and two luxurious lounges. Each room is adorned with a myriad of artwork and unique furnishings, with many of the spaces affording visitors views and access to the outside terrace and gardens.
The club also features four private event rooms that can be hired for almost any type of event, from informal business meetings to weddings. Each room comes complete with state of the art teleconferencing equipment, climate control and a private kitchen. There is also a dedicated events team for each room to cater to the needs of almost any type of private booking.
The Mandrake Hotel
The Mandrake is well known as a luxury boutique hotel, set in the heart of London’s wonderfully grand Fitzrovia district. It borrows its name from the Mandrake plant which was used as a medicinal during the time of ancient Rome.
The hotel has 34 unique rooms, including three suites and a penthouse plus a private dining room that can be hired for meetings, events and celebrations. Each room is beautifully decorated and adorned with priceless artwork from the likes of Salvador Dali, Francesco Clemente and Jonas Burgert.
Guests can also enjoy the beautiful Jurema Bar and terrace which features a living forest of lush passion and jasmine flowers – best appreciated with a summer-themed cocktail. In keeping with the name of the hotel, there is also a glasshouse apothecary on the second floor filled with medicinal plants.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel
The five-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel is located between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park in London. Which means you’ll get to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the park paired with the most luxurious shopping that London has to offer.
The Edwardian-style hotel originally opened its doors in 1902 as the Hyde Park Hotel. It was later purchased in 1996 by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and underwent a complete renovation. The hotel reopened in May 2000 as the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel.
Today the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London Hotel boasts a variety of modern features making it the ideal private party venue. This includes two private meeting rooms with conference calling facilities. An exclusive 18-seat cinema with in-room dining. And for relaxation, there’s a dedicated spa with treatment rooms an ozone swimming pool and same-sex saunas.
If you’re looking to dine then the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel offers a high-class dining experience. This includes the Dinner by Heston Blumenthal menu featuring historic British gastronomy dishes. And Bar Boulud which provides a selection of French bistro items, terrines and American burgers.
The Dorchester
Located in Park Lane, London, the five-star Dorchester Hotel is well known as a haunt for the rich and famous. This reputation began the 1930s when The Dorchester was frequented by famous poets such as Cecil Day-Lewis and artists such as Sir Alfred Munnings. In more recent history The Dorchester’s famous visitors have included Prince Philip and Sir Alfred Hitchcock.
The Dorchester Hotel is well equipped to host private parties in London thanks to six uniquely themed meeting rooms. This includes the breathtaking grandeur of The Ballroom which offers unforgettable dining for up to 1000 guests. And more intimate surroundings such as those provided by the Orchid Room with soft lighting and magnificent high ceilings. Whatever you decide, you can depend on the dedicated private events team who will cater to your every need.
As a guest at the Grade II listed Dorchester Hotel, you will be surrounded by luxurious décor. These designs were created by world-renowned interior designers such as Patrick Jouin, Thierry Despont, Philippe Starck, Bruno Moinard and Alexandra Champalimaud. This visual appeal compliments the original 1930s furnishings that are still present despite multiple renovations.
If you plan to dine at The Dorchester, you will have a choice of five restaurants. This includes The Spatisserie, The Grill, The Promenade, China Tang and Alain Ducasse. The latter of which is one of only four 3-Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK. Guests can also take full advantage of traditional Afternoon Tea, which is served every day in the hotel at 5pm ever since it opened in 1931.
The Savoy
The Savoy Hotel is located in the Strand of Westminister and describes itself as the only luxury hotel on the River Thames. This central location means that The Savoy is only a stone's throw away from the operas and theatres of Covent Garden. Or just a short walk from London’s museums, art galleries and the shopping districts of Mayfair and Knightsbridge.
The hotel was built in 1889 by Richard D'Oyly Carte, a famous theatrical impresario and composer that lived towards the end of the Victorian era. The success of The Savoy allowed the Carte family to form The Savoy Group which now owns multiple restaurants and hotels throughout the world.
The Savoy Hotel offers several private meeting rooms for private parties of all sizes and functions. This includes The Lancaster Ballroom, The River Room, The Abraham Lincoln and The Manhatten Room. Private party guests can also choose between six uniquely themed dining rooms located in the heart of the hotel. There is also a separate private lounge known as The Landing that’s reserved exclusively for VIPs.
Over the years the Savoy Hotel has become famous for its entertainment. This includes its very own musical acts such as the Savoy Orpheans and the Savoy Havana Band. As well as legendary performances from the greats such as Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. So it’s no surprise that past guests have included the likes of Oscar Wilde, Charlie Chaplin, Leonard Cohen, John Wayne and Winston Churchill.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is a country house located in Blenheim, Oxfordshire that was built between 1705 and 1722. It’s currently the only non-royal English country house to hold the title of ‘palace’ and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Today Blenheim Palace is the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough.
The Palace regularly hosts private events such as weddings and product launches. With dedicated party planners going to great lengths to put together bespoke packages to suit any occasion.
Guests can choose from five private meeting rooms and an additional five event rooms with capacity for up to 500 guests. Blenheim Palace is also surrounded by over 90 acres of Formal Gardens including the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and the private Italian Garden. These outdoor spaces are perfect for marquees with capacities for up to 2000 guests.
Past events at Blenheim Palace have included the launch of the new five-pound note for The Bank of England. As well as the S/S17 Cruise Fashion Show with Dior and a hospitality event for Salon Privé. The Palace is also open to the general public with tours of the Palace, Park and Gardens available for purchase. All of which fund the upkeep and preservation of Blenheim Palace’s 300 years of history.
My tips for booking a private party venue in London
Always book well in advance. The very best London venues will often need to be booked months ahead.
Choose a venue best suited to your needs. For example, do you need a bar or would your guests prefer to be served at a table?
Check to see if you can sample the venues food and wine selection in advance, so you know exactly what to expect.
If needed, make sure you have exclusive use of the venue.
Ensure the venue is accessible to nearby tube stations and has parking facilities.
Lastly - why not book a magician?
Need to hire a private party entertainer in London?
Thank you for taking the time to find out a little more about what I do. If you’d like to hire me as your London magician, then please give me a call on +44 (0)20 7164 6542 or drop me an email at info@katherinemills.co.uk.
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