It’s time to overhaul your annual Christmas party and plan a pub do unlike any other. Here’s why we think pub venues are set to be the biggest Christmas party game-changer for 2022.

We all know how predictable a corporate Christmas party can be. Half a bottle of generic house wine per person, a three-course meal of salmon, chicken, and chocolate pudding, and a dodgy disco featuring one too many novelty songs, all set in a bland function suite. This year though, we’d like to propose an alternative that we think will reinvigorate your usual Xmas event.

Pubs are a great British institution. There’s seldom an occasion that can’t be made better with a trip to the pub for a craft beer and a few bar snacks. Pubs function as an automatic icebreaker, their inviting atmosphere is certain to lighten the mood and get people in the party mood. So, this Christmas, we’d recommend you hire out a pub function room and welcome your guests with the tempting smell of hot mulled wine for a failsafe way to spread that Christmas cheer.

Not only is the atmosphere practically ready-made, but a pub Christmas party is likely to be significantly more affordable. Young’s pubs offer customisable event menus packed full of sharing and sit-down options. With three-course menus on offer starting from £35 per person, you’ll swerve the hefty £100 per head charge that’s standard at most hotels and event venues. All this adds up to significantly more money in your budget to put behind your private bar and really get the party going.

The 8 Best London Pubs for Christmas Parties

Now that we’ve convinced you pub is the way to go for this year’s celebrations we’re going to make it even easier for you. To help make planning the perfect Xmas bash, we’ve put together ten excellent pub options across the city, all available for private hire this festive season and incredible venue options for a London Christmas party.

1. Outpost, Stratford

This beautiful pub is close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and features a number of inviting private hire spaces. Their impressive Garden Room comfortably accommodates up to 40 guests or 25 for a seated dinner. Alternatively they also have their Library and Lounge Space that has a slightly different vibe. Or, if you’re in need of a bit more room, you can exclusively hire out the entire venue to house 180 people.

2. The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield

Featuring two spaces perfect for Christmas parties, The Leather Bottle offers exclusive hire options on a minimum spend basis, holding up to 100 guests in total. Ideal for those of you on a slightly tighter budget, minimum spends ensure you won’t face any nasty surprises at the end of the night. Paying to hire a room isn’t necessary at most pubs – just spend enough in the bar! We’d recommend pre-booking a selection of food and drinks to ensure you’ll hit the spend so you won’t have anything to worry about.

3. The Castle, Tooting

This light and airy pub space will certainly brighten up your Christmas party. Forget stuffy beige function rooms, The Castle is a charming mix of quirky touches and colourful furnishings. Their Orangery space accommodates up to 90 people, and private hire starts from just £1000 minimum spend. Why not commission a special Christmas cocktail to mark the occasion? The Castle certainly know their Mojitos from their Moscow Mules.

4. The Hope and Anchor, Brixton

Contemporary interiors and a youthful feel make The Hope And Anchor anything but stuffy. Think neon signs, kitschy wallpaper, and Miami-inspired pastel colours and you’ll be on the right track. Their Rocks Room is a perfect private hire option, especially for standing drinks receptions, with enough open space for up to 200 people. Toast the festive season with a Christmas G&T in Brixton’s coolest pub venue.

5. The Elgin, Maida Vale

Exposed original brickwork, metal ceiling beams, subway tiles, and fairy lights all combine at The Elgin to create a truly eclectic feel. Take over the whole venue to host up to 230 people standing or opt for something more intimate by hiring the first floor for a 60-person sit-down sharing meal. Their family-style feasting menu is perfect for encouraging conversations between previously unacquainted members of your team.

6. Smiths of Smithfield, Farringdon

Set within the heart of the city, your guests can easily transition from office to out-out at this iconic Farringdon boozer. Their flexible event spaces are set across four floors and feature a contemporary design and friendly bar staff. Even offering cocktail masterclasses and butchery classes. There’s plenty to help your Christmas party stand out from the rest at Smiths of Smithfield.

7. The Narrowboat, Islington

Clad with wood panelling and brimming with unique nautical features, The Narrowboat is the only pub in Islington set directly on Regent’s Canal. The Captain’s Bar at The Narrowboat is situated in their basement and – rather helpfully – boasts its own private bar. So there’s no need to nip upstairs to get the rounds in. From £750 minimum spend, this fun private hire space ticks all the festive boxes.

8. The Canonbury, Islington

High ceilings, antique chandeliers and impressive views of Islington make this a sophisticated Christmas party spot. This historic venue was established in the early 1700s and it’s been a popular public house ever since. The classic decor provides the perfect setting for an intimate candlelit meal during the festive season. The Canonbury also have enough space for 20 people seated around one long table.

VenueScanner can help you find the perfect pub venue for your Christmas party. Just check out our website or contact us at [email protected].