In a riverside setting, with views of the Thames and Canary Wharf, this historic tea clipper can host 240 for dinner and dancing. Guests can move through the ship and enjoy catering on her Weather Deck, as well as inside the hull on the ’Tween Deck, before continuing the party Under the Hull, billed as the only place in the world where you can celebrate directly underneath a ship. The Cutty Sark contains the largest collection of merchant navy figureheads at one end — a perfect backdrop to bands/DJs — and its copper hull reflects lighting beautifully.
One Marylebone
The architecture of One Marylebone is awe-inspiring, especially at night, when it is illuminated. Originally a church, One Marylebone was designed by Sir John Soane and built in 1828 to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon. In 2008, the Grade I listed building was returned to its former grandeur (with a few contemporary twists) and began to host parties and events. You can hold small ceremonies, dinners and drinks receptions in the galleries on the upper floors. For larger parties, standing receptions and bar/batmitzvahs, the Soane Hall is a versatile dry-hire blank canvas. Not only does the venue accommodate sit-down dinners with dancing for up to 350 guests, it also boasts a large courtyard on the west side of the building, ideal for post-wedding drinks on a summer’s evening. For kosher catering, preferred caterers are Tony Page and Food Story.
Banqueting House
Banqueting House, in the heart of Whitehall Palace, was opened for royal celebrations and entertaining in 1622. The palace has a rich royal history and is best known for its spectacular ceiling painting by Peter Paul Rubens. Its front courtyard creates a breathtaking entrance for guests. Banqueting House’s versatile Main Hall has one of the largest capacities in London, able to host drinks receptions for 450, dinners for 380 or dinner and dancing for 300. The vaulted ceiling and candelabra of the Undercroft make it an ideal space for pre-dinner drinks for up to 380 guests, or dinner for up to 120. The space was once James I’s drinking den and can be transformed by changing the colour of the lights for a fun after-party vibe. Kosher catering is available via Food Story.
Allianz Park
With a range of rooms and a maximum capacity of 2,500 (in the Olympic Bar), Allianz Park in Mill Hill is a flexible venue, whatever your guest list. With views over the pitch and a private balcony, the Allianz Suite can host a seated dinner for up to 600 guests and offers a blank canvas to theme in whichever way you choose. For a smaller space, the Players’ Lounge can accommodate 70 for a seated dinner or 120 for a standing reception. The north London location is ideal when it comes to bringing family and friends together for a celebration, being only five minutes from the M1, A1 and with 800 free car parking spaces on site. The event team can recommend local hotels for overnight stays. Allianz Park regularly works with kosher caterers.
The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
A 1920s Art Deco enclave, this hotel has rooms for each part of a wedding — tisch, bedecken, chupah, reception and dinner-dance spaces are all available, with no need for dual usage. There is even an in-house kosher kitchen, with all equipment, on-site. Simchah hosts are able to host a Friday-night dinner/Shabbat lunch at the hotel, accommodating their guests on-site throughout. All supervised kosher needs will be taken care of, under the expert care of Arieh Wagner.
Hampton Court Palace
Couples choosing to get married at Hampton Court Palace will follow in the footsteps of some of England’s most powerful monarchs. The palace and grounds are spectacular surroundings for a celebration. Kosher catering is avaiable from Food Story. The Great Hall can host 270 for a banquet or 200 for drinks under the carved Tudor ceiling. The Garden Room can host 180 dinner guests, or drinks for 300, with exclusive access to the terraces and walled garden. Overlooking the Fountain Court, the Cartoon Gallery takes its name from the Raphael masterworks that line the walls. Here you can host a dinner for 200, or a drinks for 300. The magical children’s playground is perfect for family parties and bar/batmitzvah celebrations, providing a unique way to explore the history of Hampton Court Palace. Each area represents myths, legends, stories and real objects that can be found at Hampton Court and entry is included with all daytime hire at the palace.
JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
On the north side of Park Lane, close to Hyde Park and Marble Arch, stands the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London hotel, writes Sandy Rashty. Once famed for society events and an indoor ice rink, the hotel is now known for its high-end banqueting facilities. With private Park Lane entrances to both the Ballroom and Great Room, the venue has been renovated in Art Deco splendour — crystal chandeliers, mirrored walls and a neutral grey and gold palette. Your guest list can extend to 350, with kosher catering available.
Loft Studios
In Kensal Green, West London, this refurbished Victorian foundry contains five interlinking studios and two large secluded courtyards (they are partly covered, making them suitable for year-round use). There is enormous scope for theming and styling, with exposed brickwork, oak flooring, large windows, high vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and skylights.The studios have a late licence and there is no music restriction.
Tower of London
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, an arsenal, royal mint, menagerie and jewel house. Surrounding the fortress is the grass moat, another picture-perfect backdrop for photographs.
No visit to the Tower is complete without a glimpse of the Crown Jewels – you can treat your guests to a private viewing of its 23,578 gemstones, still used in royal ceremonies today. New Armouries is a versatile space for large banquets, with original wooden ceiling joists and pillars. It holds 150 for lunch, 240 for a dinner or 300 for an evening reception (until 10.30pm). While the historical nature of the space does not allow for dancing, there is plenty of scope for entertainment and creative theming.
Museum of London
The largest social history museum in the world, Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands tell the story of the city, from 450,000 BCE to the present, across two venues. For events, unique elements include the customisable 48m 360-degree LED ellipse in the London Ellipse Hall at Museum of London. At Museum of London Docklands, there is the opportunity for object-handling and you can also hire actors for your themed event. Kosher catering for the museums is provided by Food Story or By Kenneth, for parties of 100 to 1,000 people.
South Farm
For an eco-conscious event, South Farm is a great choice. On the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire borders, it has its own organic small-holding and glorious gardens with indoor and outdoor locations for a ceremony and reception. Menus feature seasonal home-grown produce, while wildflower meadows and orchards create a beautiful backdrop and are a haven for wildlife. Accommodation includes a luxurious bridal suite, boutique-style guest bedrooms and restored Romany caravans. In-house catering offers “kosher-friendly menus with rabbinic guidance, Masorti guidance and supervision or a vegetarian or pescatarian menu using fruit and vegetables from the smallholding and fresh eggs from the farm’s chickens”.
