Whether you’re planning a pop-up, an artful soirée, or business event, the right setting makes all the difference. Across the UK, a new wave of bars is blurring the lines between drinking den and cultural destination offering spaces steeped in character.
From a former flax mill turned music venue in Newcastle to a neon-lit jungle hideaway in Battersea, these ten bars don’t just serve drinks at your event, they serve experiences.
With private rooms, hidden cellars, vaulted chambers and theatre-ready stages, they’re the perfect blend of atmosphere and opportunity for your next unforgettable event.
1. The Cluny, Newcastle upon Tyne
This converted 19th-century flax mill is a cornerstone of Newcastle’s music and arts scene. Beyond its main bar, The Cluny boasts Cluny 2, a theatre-style venue with a 180-person capacity perfect for private gigs, album launches, or creative community events. The industrial architecture adds character to any cultural gathering.
2. George Tavern, Stepney, London
A Grade II-listed pub steeped in history and loved by artists and musicians alike. Its heritage aesthetic, from timber beams to candlelit nooks, makes it ideal for film shoots, exhibitions, and private performances. The tavern’s upstairs room and performance space downstairs provide flexibility for medium-sized events.
3. Groucho Club, Soho, London
Long celebrated as a haunt for writers, actors, and artists, the Groucho Club offers four private event rooms alongside its bars, restaurants, and terrace. Whether you’re hosting a gallery launch or Champagne reception, the venue blends exclusivity with cultural cachet, perfect for curating a memorable guest experience.
4. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London
One of London’s most acclaimed cocktail bars, Satan’s Whiskers is famed for its classic drinks, taxidermy décor, and low-lit intimacy. Though compact in size, it offers private hire opportunities ideal for small gatherings, brand activations, or mixology-led events with serious atmosphere.
5. Lost Society, Battersea, London
Lost Society’s bold interior design creates a playful yet elegant backdrop for events. With a private room, full bar, sound system, and heated garden space, it’s a prime choice for birthdays, champagne-fuelled celebrations, and experiential brand launches.
6. Shoreditch Platform, London
A loft-style venue that merges bar and club energy with gallery-level curation. Shoreditch Platform offers full private hire and is equipped with a bar, DJ booth, and lighting setup. Its open-plan layout suits creative programming, networking nights, and immersive performance events.
7. The Scotch of St James, Mayfair, London
Once the 1960s home of rock ‘n’ roll royalty, The Scotch is now an exclusive events venue spanning multiple floors. With high-spec AV, a built-in stage, and space for up to 200 guests, it’s tailored for launches, screenings, or Champagne receptions with edge and elegance.
8. The Pleasance, Edinburgh
This iconic theatre complex is synonymous with the Edinburgh Fringe and operates year-round as a venue for comedy, theatre, and talks. With spaces ranging from a 50-seat cellar bar to a 320-seat auditorium and two main bars, it’s ideal for panel discussions, artistic showcases, or multi-format events.
9. Mother Superior (Downstairs), Edinburgh
A hidden gem on Leith Walk, the downstairs space at Mother Superior offers a warm, informal setting for private gatherings. Seating up to 60 guests, with its own bar and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a go-to for whisky tastings, live acoustic sets, or casual cultural meet-ups.
10. Abbey Hotel Vaults, Bath
Beneath the elegant Abbey Hotel lies a vaulted bar space with serious charm. The arched ceilings and low lighting create an atmospheric setting for intimate events, live music, or Champagne dinners. A historic twist on contemporary celebration in one of Britain’s most picturesque cities.
