Garden and courtyard venues for summer parties

Open air with walls around it

A garden or courtyard gives an outdoor party a clear edge. Guests are in the fresh air but screened from the street, so the event feels private. It suits a drinks reception, a buffet on the lawn, or a long evening that moves indoors later on.

Halls, houses and inns of court

The City has 16 of these spaces. Haberdashers' Hall (350) has a private courtyard set with sculptures. Stationers' Hall (400) has a private garden near St Paul's Cathedral. Middle Temple (750) has a landscaped garden overlooking the Thames. Near Green Park, Spencer House takes 450 and Lancaster House 350.

Pub gardens and party venues

For something looser, Lost In Brixton (600) has two bars and a Cuban theme. The Vineyard (220) has a large garden opposite Islington Town Hall. The garden at The Alwyne Castle (400) has its own bar, candles and fairy lights. Smaller groups could try The Exhibit Secret Garden in Balham (100).

Lawns for the whole company

Seven spaces here take more than 800. Somerset House, Fountain Court holds 2,500. London Summer House and Between The Bridges take 2,000 each, and The Hurlingham Club 1,200 in 42 acres by the river. On grass, ask about lighting after dark, where the bar and toilets sit, and which indoor room is held for you if it rains. Courtyard at Brixton Jamm (300) has heated, covered booths and an outdoor bar, which takes some of the risk away.

Related pages

For a view instead of a lawn, see rooftops. For bigger numbers under cover, see marquee venues. Our outdoor party guide covers weather and timing. Send us a brief and we will check dates with the gardens that fit.