#EyeLoveLondon - 10 of the best places to host an engagement party in London

Inspiring perspectives of London Monday 5th - Sunday 11th February 2018

With Christmas and Valentine’s Day being the most popular times to propose, engagement party season will soon be in full swing before the spring and summer weddings kick in. Maybe you’re already thinking about planning yours or you have newly engaged friends that you can convince that that’s a great excuse to party.

We’ve got ten brilliant ideas whether you want it to be a casual affair, an alfresco extravaganza, a flavour of the wedding to come, or you want to take your guests to new heights.

1. A CASUAL BUT CLASSY AFFAIR

The Hollywood Arms is an elegant pub right in heart of Chelsea with history dating back to the 1600s. Run by Young’s, they have a great selection of food and drinks and can host private parties of up to 100 either in a room just off the main bar or in a lovely upstairs room which has its own bar.

2. AN ALFRESCO EXTRAVAGANZA

The Chapel Bar in Islington is only available for private hire. Choose from two areas - the saloon and dance floor, or the terrace room with terrace garden, which has a plenty of room for casual seating, partying and a BBQ.

3. AFTER WORK DRINKS

If you want to grab everyone while there already in town for some low key central celebratory drinks on a weekday night, then head to Bermondsey Street. There’s plenty of bars to choose from that you can book a table or area in including The Woolpack and Tanner & Co.

4. FINE DINING

If it’s more about the food than the drink and you’d like a sit down meal - but still with the buzz of a party - book one of the private dining rooms at Barrafina on Adelaide Street or Drury Lane. Both have open kitchens from which they serve their sumptuous Spanish menus.

5. TAKE THEM TO NEW HEIGHTS

For an unforgettable celebration for everyone involved you can hire your own private capsule on the London Eye. There’s space for up to 25 friends and family with priority boarding and you can drink Champagne while your enjoy your 30-minute rotation.

6. GAMES GALORE

For a funky party with games galore, check out 19:20 Bar in Farringdon. You can hire their ground floor or basement floor spaces for 60 to 150 people, both with their own bars and American pool tables, retro computer games and fussball. There’s also LCD screens, an ipod dock, a DJ booth and karaoke available.

7. PARTY IN THE PARK

When it gets a bit warmer, pick your favourite park and take a picnic there to celebrate your engagement with friends in the fresh air. Don’t forget your blanket, corkscrew or to check the weather forecast!

8. KID AND ADULT FRIENDLY

The Florence pub in Herne Hill is kid and adult friendly and will hire you a space for your party. It’s also just across the road from Brockwell Park and a short stroll from the lido if the kids need to stretch their legs. They have lots of food and drink options and for the adults there’s an onsite brewery.

9. LOVE A ROM COM

If your relationship or proposal was inspired by the movies, then a private screening of your favourite film followed by a party could be just the ticket. At Whirled Cinema in Loughborough Junction you can hire the projection, sound system and a fully staffed bar.

10. ALL ABOUT THE BASS

For the engagement party to end all engagement parties, the Star of Kings pub in Kings Cross has a party basement that will host up to 100 of your friends or hire the whole bar out for up to 200 people. For smaller groups you can hire their first floor room, a drinks area or their private karaoke room.

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