The rich history of London means it’s full of hidden gems, unusual spaces and iconic landmarks, many of which are available for event hire helping you host a memorable Bar Mitzvah celebration.
London’s historic sites are some of the most sought-after event spaces and with medieval halls, banqueting houses, bath houses to historic homes there’s something for everyone. Here’s our round-up of some of the best historic venues for Bar Mitzvahs.
8 Northumberland Avenue
The venue:
Described by English Heritage as ‘the grandest example of a Victorian ballroom in existence’, the Ballroom of 8 Northumberland is the centrepiece of London’s most central venue. The building itself dates back to 1887 when it was built as a 500-bedroom grand hotel – The Hotel Victoria – and it operated right up until the 1940’s when it was requisitioned by the War Office and was used by the Ministry of Defence during the war.
The Ballroom is a large space but there are a number of smaller spaces available such as The Old Billiard Room or the Annexe which combine white walls, mirror details and subtle architectural touches.
Capacity:
700 standing
Location:
Northumberland Ave Westminster WC2N 5BY
Victoria Bath House
The venue:
The Victorian venue, just two minutes away from Liverpool Street, appears frozen in time, juxtaposed against a backdrop of modern buildings. Given the unexpected nature of its location, you’ll fall for its charms before you even enter. Once inside the Victorian Bath House you leave the modern world outside as you transcend into the splendid interior of this Grade II venue. Originally erected in 1895 to house a Turkish Bath for those working in the city, the building has withstood World War II and office redevelopments projects in the surrounding area. It’s a beautifully preserved venue which has been stunningly restored into a beautiful event space.
Capacity:
150 standing
Location:
Bishopsgate, Churchyard, London EC2M 3TJ
Dartmouth House
The venue:
Dartmouth House, home of The English-Speaking Union, is an elegant Georgian mansion set in the heart of London’s Mayfair, with a gorgeous French style courtyard. Many original features are preserved including the grand Belgian marble staircase leading to the first floor function rooms.
Overlooking Charles Street and decorated in the late 18th century style, the Long Drawing Room features a Robert Adam’s fireplace, beautifully draped full-length sash windows, benefiting from lots of natural daylight, French-style rococo ornate coving and tall ceilings. It can also be combined with the Small Drawing Room for a breakout space.
Capacity:
100 guests on round tables, Standing 130
Location:
Charles St, Mayfair W1J 5ED
Merchant Taylors’
The venue:
The spectacular, historic building is nestled in the heart of the City of London and is One of the 12 liveries of London. The threads and needles representing the trade of The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors’ may have given the name to Threadneedle Street, where the Livery Company has been based since 1347.
The magnificent medieval Great Hall dates back to the 14th Century and with its opulent interiors would make a grand space for entertaining. Small spaces are also available, including a Courtyard and Library which, along with its books, survived the Great Fire of London. The Great Kitchen has been producing food for over 500 years and is still used for events today.
Capacity:
Standing 300
Location:
Threadneedle St, City EC2R 8JB
Cutty Sark
The Venue:
Capture the romance of the sea by hosting your Bar Mitzvah celebrations on board the Cutty Sark, the record-breaking tea clipper which travelled the globe and visited every major world port. She is the only place in the world you can entertain under the gleaming hull of a ship.
Built in 1869 to carry tea back from China, this monument to the glory days of sail travelled the world and survived the high seas. The ship boasts a spectacular riverside setting, with a sweeping outlook across the Thames to the city beyond.
The Cutty Sark has four locations for evening events. The ship’s gleaming copper-clad hull is suspended dramatically above the Dock is the best space for events but the ‘tween deck – where precious cargoes were once carried – also provides a smaller space.
Capacity:
Standing 400
Location:
King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT
Kent House Knightsbridge
The Venue:
Kent House Knightsbridge has a rich and royal history. The first house was built in 1790 and was rented by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and son of George III. Later Lady Noble, granddaughter of the pioneering railway engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, transformed the first floor drawing rooms into a remarkable Salon where celebrated actors and actresses of the day were entertained.
The private townhouse is available for exclusive hire and features a Marble Hall for receptions drinks and large upstairs space for dining and entertainment.
Capacity:
Standing 300
Location:
Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge SW7 1BX
The Royal Horseguards Hotel
The Venue:
This 5-star hotel and venue is situated in central London, located along the River Thames opposite the London Eye. The Grade I listed venue built in 1884 is bursting with character and is a wonderful backdrop for your event.
One Whitehall Place was originally built as the home of the National Liberal Club. Its founder was William Gladstone, four times British Prime Minister, whose name lives on here in the Gladstone Library. The 30,000 volumes that line the shelves today are replicas but the room is otherwise just as Gladstone would have known it, including the gantry giving access to the upper levels, which now serves as a minstrel’s gallery.
Capacity:
Standing 350, Seated 280
Location:
Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EJ
At Pop Up Bar Mitzvah we regularly share news about latest venues, styles and events on our blog and social media. You can visit our blog here and follow us at @popupbarmitzvah.
To get more ideas or help with your event talk to the team on 020 7610 2808 or email info@popupbarmitzvah.com
For more ideas on venues for Bar Mitzvah celebrations visit our venue page here.
