An iconic venue re-opens it's doors
A classic venue re-opens this Autumn.
The re-opening of a venue feels super exciting – like seeing a friend you haven’t seen in a long time as they’ve been away having the best holiday of their life and are now back, ready to show off their fresh and glowing new look and to remind you how much you always got on. The friend in question here is Banqueting House – a palace set in Central London, a hop skip and a jump from Trafalgar Square. Nowadays it feels like there's a new venue opening every month, the coolest roof tops, incredible restaurants and blank canvas event spaces. However it's really not every day that a palace opens. And the fact that, this palace could not be more centrally located, makes this venue (re)opening the one we're most excited about.
An iconic venue, refreshed.
We have always loved this space – it has a grandeur to it with its pillar lined main hall, the inviting arch filled after party space and of course, the incredible Rubens ceiling of dreams. The glow up is an 18 month long refurbishment which has seen huge restoration works take place as well as modernisation to the spaces. Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for the Banqueting House, has been working hard to bring certain areas back to their former glory and to give the much loved spaces a facelift ready for a flurry of parties. Restoration includes a beautifully restored oak floor in the Main Hall as well as a modern, super energy efficient airflow system (perfect for our unpredictable London weather) and a lift to the upper floor.
A fact we learnt many moons ago which makes us love hosting events at Banqueting House even more, is that the charity, Historic Royal Palaces, that owns many palaces across London including Banqueting House, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace are funded from revenue the palaces themselves generate. They don't get public funding. That fact really blew us away and made us feel very proud that the venue hires contribute to keeping these wonderful, heritage and very special spaces open for the public to enjoy.
A venue perfect for a party
Banqueting House is known as London’s oldest party palace, a space which if the walls could talk, would tell us wild stories no doubt of the antics and celebrations hosted within. It certainly feels hugely grand but there’s also a true sense that this is the place to party. Downstairs the arch filled Undercroft is an amazing space for dancing or creating an intimate cocktail bar whilst upstairs is of course incredible for dinners and receptions. The refreshed venue will offer a maximum capacity of 450 guests standing or 350 for seated dinners. Banqueting House can also now offer full-day and multi-day hire options, ideal for large-scale event builds or productions requiring extended setup and takedown time – music to the ears of a planner.
We have such fond memories of creating incredible events within these spaces and we can’t wait to return here to design and plan many more. Doors re-open this Autumn. If you're keen for a hard hat site visit before then, email us HERE.
IMAGE CREDITS:
Flo Brooks Photography
The Golborne Collection
Event featured - Palace Pearls of Wisdom - see more HERE
How to create the perfect private event at banqueting house
We often get asked similar questions so we thought we'd finish this blog with a little round-up of our most frequently asked questions about this venue.
How do I book Banqueting House for a private event?
Banqueting House is available for private hire through an accredited planning partner like The Golborne Collection. We manage all aspects of the booking process, from initial inquiry through to design and execution, including liaising with Historic Royal Palaces.
What types of events are best suited to Banqueting House?
This iconic venue is ideal for gala dinners, grand receptions, civil ceremonies, immersive brand launches, and luxury weddings. Its historical significance and architectural grandeur make it perfect for statement events.
What is the capacity at Banqueting House?
The Main Hall seats up to 350 guests for dinner (300 for a dinner dance) and accommodates up to 500 for standing receptions. The Undercroft below can host pre-dinner drinks or transform into an after-party space with dancing and entertainment.
Is Banqueting House licensed for weddings?
Yes, both the Main Hall and the Undercroft are licensed for civil ceremonies. Golborne can oversee the entire process, from licensing to creating a wedding experience that reflects your personal story.
What makes Banqueting House a unique venue in London?
With its soaring neo-classical columns and Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ ceiling masterpiece, Banqueting House offers a regal yet atmospheric setting that few London venues can rival. It is the only surviving building of the Palace of Whitehall.
Can I hold both the ceremony and reception at Banqueting House?
Absolutely. The venue is designed to host all stages of your celebration - from ceremony in the Main Hall to reception drinks in the Undercroft and a seated dinner or party back in the Hall.
Is the venue available for events now?
Banqueting House has just undergone a major refurbishment and re-opened in October 2025. Golborne is now accepting enquiries for the space.
