Before you contact us, think about your numbers, do you prefer a formal sit down, informal buffet or bowl food catering? Do you want the venue to match your companies’ brand? What’s your budget and what do you expect it to include? What do you want to do at your party? Eat and dance or will you require space for some sort of activity?

TIPS: Shared or exclusive use – what’s best?

Shared London Christmas party:

Pros	Cons
Will give you access to some of the great themed Christmas parties in London, where you join other companies, but book tables within the party exclusive to your group.	Generally, you won’t be able to choose your own music or entertainment, although most people will be out to have a good time so this doesn’t have to be a problem.  You just need to think about if a ‘quiet’ space will be needed at the party, as some people like to just have a chat.  Let us know and we’ll bear this in mind when sourcing a venue.
Taking over an area in a restaurant, nightclub etc …. will be more cost effective than hiring the whole space.	There might be too much atmosphere and it might not be ‘right’ for your company.  Some of the large, themed events especially can get very ‘lively’ with unlimited drinks flowing.  If you let us know what sort of atmosphere you’re looking for we can bear this in mind when sourcing venues.
If you have a small group, by joining a shared party space the party is likely to have more atmosphere	Choice of food and drink might not be so flexible.

Private, exclusive use London Christmas party:

Pros	Cons
Greater selection of venues to choose from, especially if you are looking for a venue to match your company brand.	Often a great deal more expensive, especially if using a unique and unusual venue as they will charge a venue hire plus catering and if you want to hire out a restaurant they will require at least a minimum spend of the same or more than they would get if open to the public.
You can choose your own music and entertainment (subject to what the venue allows).	More thought needs to be given to the size of the venue.  Too small and people will feel cramped, too big and guests will be rattling around spread out in the venue which will have a negative effect on the party atmosphere.
More exclusive feel.	The more unique and unusual the venue is the more likely it is to be booked early so will have limited availability.
Likely to have access to your own entrance, cloakroom, bar and toilets.	Might require you guests to be out of the venue by 12.00 with a limited number of late licences approved.  Not a problem if you are okay with the bar closing at 11.30 p.m.  Let us know how late you expect to party into the night and we will bear this in mind when sourcing a venue.
Wider choice of food and drink options.	A small number of unique venues have special restrictions e.g. no amplified music after 11 p.m./no red wine.