Looking for something that little bit different for your child's bat- or barmitzvah? There are plenty of imaginative options available if the local shul hall is not quite what you had in mind.
The main guide will be affordability, coupled with what appeals to your son or daughter. Hobbies and interests are a good starting point for inspiration.
Keen cricket fans would love a party held at Lord's Cricket Ground in St John's Wood. Barmitzvahs are held in the Thomas Lord Suite (not the famous Long Room, as it is hung with some of the finest paintings in the MCC's collection and expensive art does not mix well with excited 12- to 13-year-olds). Various packages are available, including one featuring a tour of Lord's. Kosher caterers (Ezri or James Zimmer) are allowed but the venue also offers a selection of non-offensive menus.
If football is the sport of choice, then a barmitzvah party held at one of London's top football grounds will be a winner for those children who want to bend it like Beckham. Tottenham Hotspur FC has banqueting space suitable for entertaining the players of tomorrow. For extra wow, you can include a stadium tour in the celebrations.
This features behind-the-scenes access to the directors' box, the players' tunnel, the home and away dressing rooms, the pitchside - including the technical areas - and opportunities to have photos taken with the many cups.
If your teenagers love animals, London Zoo would be another excellent choice. It is a fun setting and there are different suites available, depending on the number of guests attending. A party at the zoo means the opportunity for an "animal encounter". A keeper will arrive at the party, along with an animal. For around 30 minutes, children get the chance to ask questions and find out more about the special furry, slimy or scaly guest.
Animals can enliven a party even when they are extinct, as the Natural History Museum proves. For an impressive venue, it is hard to beat the museum's Hintze Hall, complete with its magnificent stone staircase and a cast of a giant diplodocus. Or you and your guests could explore the Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery, which you reach through a giant metal globe to experience the earthquake simulator.
For budding David Copperfields or David Blaines, The Magic Circle in Euston is a popular option. There are four different event rooms, each themed and decorated with magical exhibits. There is even a small theatre.
Able to cater for up to 162 guests, The Magic Circle is clearly in an excellent position to arrange for magicians to provide the entertainment.
Film buffs may prefer a night out at the cinema, with a film especially chosen for them. Everyman Cinemas (there are eight venues in London and eight others across the country) are available for private hire.
A cinema is ideal for a more casual event, with simple food such as sandwiches and pizzas to enjoy. You can choose which film you wish to watch, old or new (as long as it is licensed for private hire).
Another way to gladden the heart of any film fan is a party at Elstree Studios, home to some of television's top shows. Some of the most famous films in the world have been produced at Elstree: the Indiana Jones and Star Wars trilogies, Superman and The King's Speech.
The Studio Suite holds up to 200 guests for a dinner dance and is themed with murals related to the history of the studios.
Kelly's Bar, in Hendon, has an area upstairs that is perfect for parties, with room for 250 people standing or 120 seated. The modern décor features lively artwork on the walls, with a VIP area, sofas and a large bar. Kelly's is happy to use outside kosher caterers.
You will be bowled over by the magnificent indoor alley at the Ham Yard Hotel in central London. The Croc Bowling Alley has a 1950s theme and is a great place to celebrate a child's traditional coming of age in a quirky but stylish fashion.
