Private venue hire in London: The most luxurious private event venues
A milestone birthday. A long-awaited graduation. A professional triumph. When you're living, studying, or working in a city like London, these are moments that deserve to be celebrated in style, in spaces that reflect your taste, status and ambition.
London, in all its grandeur, is more than a city – it’s a stage for unforgettable experiences. From iconic rooftop terraces overlooking the famous landmarks to candlelit halls adorned with Renaissance art, this city is home to some of the world’s most exquisite private hire venues.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you distinguish the exceptional venues from the merely expensive ones? Some try too hard, others don’t try hard enough, and the ones in between can be difficult to hunt down.
Here at Student Luxe, we don’t just offer access to London’s most elegant apartments – we live and breathe luxury living in London. Meaning we’re well placed to recommend the kind of venues that go beyond expectations, including some of the most sought-after private venue hire in London experiences.
What is a luxury private hire venue?
Not all “luxury” spaces in London live up to their labels. True high-end private hire venues in London share a distinct set of qualities, designed to elevate your event into a moment of distinction.
Elegant settings: A luxurious venue should exude architectural beauty and spatial grandeur, whether that’s a rooftop with skyline views or a gallery-turned-ballroom beneath gilded ceilings.
Seamless service: In a true luxury private hire venue, the service should be second to none. Staff should be experienced, discreet, and attentive – capable of orchestrating everything from tailored tasting menus to seamless AV setups.
Exceptional food: Culinary excellence is a must. From Michelin-starred dining to curated canapés, the food and drink should leave a lasting impression.
Flexibility: Whether you're planning an intimate dinner or a 300-guest birthday celebration, a great venue should flex to fit your needs without compromising its atmosphere.
Above all, private venue hire in London should offer a sense of exclusivity. A feeling that the space you’re in is private and distinctive.
1. Art’otel London Battersea
A boldly designed lifestyle hotel overlooking the iconic Battersea Power Station, Art’otel blends avant-garde architecture with high-end hospitality.
With panoramic rooftop views, a skyline pool, and dynamic creative rooms capable of hosting up to 250 guests, this venue is ideal for stylish birthdays, product launches, or wedding receptions.
Inside, you’ll find two elegant restaurants – Tozi Pizzeria and Joia, a Michelin-recognised Iberian dining experience – along with a rooftop bar that turns summer events into something cinematic.
Best for: Rooftop birthday parties, arty receptions, and stylish group dinners.
2. Victoria & Albert Museum
Few settings carry the weight and wonder of the V&A. Home to centuries of global art and design, the South Kensington museum offers a breathtaking selection of event spaces.
The V&A’s John Madejski Garden is an alfresco dream, with tranquil water features that shimmer under evening lights. While inside, its Raphael Court space hosts up to 400 guests in a Renaissance-inspired setting surrounded by monumental works of art. Expect drama, beauty, and elegance in equal measure – the hallmarks of private event venues in London that truly impress.
Best for: Award ceremonies, elegant birthday dinners, and intimate galas.
3. Shangri-La at The Shard
Occupying 18 glass-wrapped floors inside The Shard, Shangri-La is the definition of sky-high sophistication. Its event spaces offer floor-to-ceiling views of London’s skyline, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern, and the Thames.
Venues like TĪNG (an Asian fine-dining restaurant on level 35) and Sky Lounge (an upscale spot for brunches and receptions) give you options to entertain in truly elevated style.
The Shagri-La is also the home of London’s highest infinity pool – ideal for a photo op to mark the occasion and a prime example of private venue hire in London at its most spectacular.
Best for: Private dinners, professional celebrations, and milestone birthdays.
4. The Connaught, Mayfair
For old-school British elegance with modern finesse, The Connaught delivers at every level. This five-star hotel is world-famous for its attentive service, Michelin-starred dining, and magnificent interiors.
Its event rooms range from the parquet-floored Mayfair Room to the mirrored-ceiling Maple Room, and the charming Georgian Room. For smaller gatherings, the Sommelier’s Table or Helene Darroze private dining rooms offer intimate luxury and rank among the most desirable private event venues in London.
Best for: Anniversary dinners, black-tie birthday events, and stylish networking.
5. One Marylebone
A deconsecrated church turned architectural masterpiece, One Marylebone blends historical grandeur with contemporary event expertise. A sought-after venue for its themed spaces and central location, it accommodates occasions of all sizes comfortably.
From large seated dinners in the beautiful stained-glass Soho Hall, to receptions in The Vaults, to immersive gatherings in The Galleries, the venue adapts beautifully to your vision – the kind of adaptability you want from private venue hire in London.
Best for: Grand birthday parties, immersive brand launches, and cultural soirees.
6. Kew Gardens
For nature lovers and romantic dreamers, Kew Gardens offers an unparalleled backdrop. From the ornate Temperate House to the charming Cambridge Cottage, this world-famous botanical haven is a versatile venue with natural elegance.
Perfect for springtime weddings, garden-themed birthdays, or sophisticated outdoor parties, Kew’s spaces bring a timeless charm to any event. This is one of those private event venues in London visitors and locals alike dream of booking.
Best for: Day-to-night celebrations, romantic occasions, seasonal events.
7. Salon Vert at L’Escargot
Inside the iconic French restaurant L’Escargot in Soho lies Salon Vert – a period-style private dining room with antique ceilings, opulent furnishings, and a classic art-deco ambience.
An intimate and refined space, ideal for hosting a high-end birthday dinner, wedding reception, or elegant soiree – in the heart of the West End.
Best for: Intimate birthday dinners, luxury soirees, and VIP gatherings.
8. The Cutty Sark
For something completely different, host your next celebration beneath the hull of a 19th-century tea clipper. The Cutty Sark isn’t just an iconic piece of British maritime history – it’s also a one-of-a-kind private venue hire in London option.
With spaces like the Dry Berth, the Tween Deck, and the open-air Master’s Saloon, this UNESCO-listed ship offers a truly unforgettable setting for everything from brand launches to receptions.
Best for: Unique themed parties, high-profile launches, history-infused events.
9. Sketch, Mayfair
Possibly the most flamboyant entry on this list, Sketch is an art-world fever dream spread across multiple themed rooms. From the opulent Lecture Room & Library to the surreal Glade and iconic pink Gallery, each space is an Instagrammable masterpiece.
Perfect for those who want a celebration that’s bold, playful, and undeniably stylish – a prime pick for anyone searching for private event venues in London with a difference.
Best for: Extravagant birthday parties, and fashionable group dinners.
A little about us
Luxury is more than an experience – it’s a way of life. At Student Luxe, we provide international students and professionals with beautifully designed homes in London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.
But more than that, we give you access: to a network of concierge services, exclusive opportunities, and insider knowledge of London’s most coveted experiences – including the city’s best private venue hire in London locations.
So, when your next big celebration rolls around, let us help you set the stage. From penthouse pre-drinks to grand afterparties, your Student Luxe apartment isn’t just a place to stay – it’s your first step to living London like a local of distinction.
