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Southbank Centre

Set along the iconic River Thames, Southbank Centre offers one of London’s most creative and versatile settings for corporate events. Known as Europe’s largest arts centre, Southbank Centre brings together striking architecture, world-renowned performance spaces, and modern facilities to create an unforgettable backdrop for business events of all sizes.
 
With a choice of unique venues — including the famous Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and Purcell Room — Southbank Centre provides a wide range of flexible spaces perfect for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, product launches, awards ceremonies, networking events, and private receptions.
 
Key features include:
  • A variety of event spaces from auditoriums to intimate meeting rooms and outdoor terraces
  • Stunning riverside views towards the London Eye and Houses of Parliament
  • Full production services including state-of-the-art AV, lighting, and technical support
  • Bespoke catering options ranging from canapés to gala dinners
  • Excellent transport links, within walking distance of Waterloo, Embankment, and Westminster stations
  • Capacity for events from small meetings of 20 people up to 2,500 guests in Royal Festival Hall
 
Each space within Southbank Centre offers its own distinctive atmosphere. Royal Festival Hall provides an impressive setting for large-scale conferences and ceremonies, while the more intimate Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room are ideal for creative workshops, panel discussions, and product launches.
 
Main Auditoriums
Royal Festival Hall
  • Capacity: Up to 2,500 seated
  • Best for: Large-scale conferences, award ceremonies, film premieres, and concerts
  • Features: Iconic Grade I-listed auditorium with world-class acoustics and production facilities
 
Queen Elizabeth Hall
  • Capacity: Up to 916 seated
  • Best for: Mid-sized conferences, performances, screenings, and talks
  • Features: Modernist design with excellent acoustics and flexible staging
 
Purcell Room
  • Capacity: Up to 295 seated
  • Best for: Intimate performances, lectures, presentations
  • Features: Elegant setting with superb acoustics for smaller audiences
 
Galleries & Foyers
Hayward Gallery
  • Capacity: Up to 300 standing
  • Best for: Receptions, product launches, private views
  • Features: Contemporary art gallery within striking Brutalist architecture
 
Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer
  • Capacity: Up to 1,000 standing / 500 seated dinner
  • Best for: Receptions, exhibitions, gala dinners
  • Features: Dramatic lighting, flexible layout, and views of the River Thames
 
Rooftop Pavilions
Weston Roof Pavilion
  • Capacity: Up to 220 standing / 110 seated dinner
  • Best for: Meetings, workshops, receptions, intimate dinners
  • Features: Natural daylight, private balcony overlooking the Thames
 
St Paul's Roof Pavilion
  • Capacity: Up to 150 standing / 90 seated dinner
  • Best for: Meetings, small conferences, private parties
  • Features: Private rooftop courtyard and city skyline views
 
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
  • Capacity: Up to 300 guests
  • Best for: Outdoor receptions and informal gatherings
  • Features: A lush outdoor garden space with panoramic London views
Additional Event Spaces
 
The Clore Ballroom
  • Capacity: Up to 440 seated dinner
  • Best for: Large dinners, dances, receptions
  • Features: Spacious, flexible ballroom within Royal Festival Hall
 
Level 5 Function Room
  • Capacity: Up to 300 standing / 200 seated
  • Best for: Conferences, meetings, workshops, receptions
  • Features: Bright, modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows and skyline views
 
Why Choose Southbank Centre for Your Corporate Event?
Southbank Centre combines a prestigious central London location with outstanding flexibility, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to inspire and engage their guests. Its vibrant cultural heritage, modern facilities, and breathtaking views create a setting that enhances the impact of any event. Whether you want to host a high-profile conference, a stylish awards night, or a memorable networking reception, Southbank Centre provides the space, support, and atmosphere to deliver exceptional results.
 
Make Your Next Event Truly Stand Out
If you are looking for a venue that blends creativity, prestige, and practicality, Southbank Centre offers a truly inspiring option for your next corporate event in London. Enquire today to explore the wide range of possibilities this iconic venue can offer.

  • Public Transport

    London City Airport | 8.1 miles

    Waterloo | 0.2 miles

    Embankment | 0.3 miles

     

     

     

  • Capacity

    Reception | 916

    Dinner | 500

    Theatre | 2,500

  • Details

    Event Spaces | 11

    Meeting Rooms | 5

    Bedrooms | 0

Similar Venues

1. Venue Sourcing

What It Means: The process of identifying and securing the ideal venue for an event based on specific criteria such as capacity, location, amenities, and budget.
Why It’s Important: Venue sourcing is a critical first step in event planning, and clients often search for "venue sourcing tips" or "how to find the perfect venue." Including this term in your content can drive traffic from people in the early stages of planning.

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2. Event Production

What It Means: The behind-the-scenes coordination and execution of all technical and creative aspects of an event, including AV setup, stage design, lighting, and sound.
Why It’s Important: Many corporate clients and planners search for "event production services" or "event production companies" when looking for professional help with larger-scale events.

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3. Delegate Management

What It Means: The process of organising and overseeing the experience of attendees (delegates) at an event, including registration, communication, and follow-up.
Why It’s Important: This term is highly relevant for conferences and corporate events, where organisers often look for tools or services for "delegate management software" or "effective delegate management."

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4. Hybrid Events

What It Means: Events that combine in-person and virtual experiences, allowing attendees to participate both physically and digitally.
Why It’s Important: The rise of hybrid events means people frequently search for "how to host a hybrid event" or "hybrid event solutions," making it a powerful SEO keyword.

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5. Event ROI (Return on Investment)

What It Means: A metric used to measure the success of an event by comparing the financial or strategic benefits against the costs incurred.
Why It’s Important: Corporate clients often look for content around "event ROI strategies" or "how to measure event ROI" when justifying their event budgets.

 

Areas We Cover

A

  • Aberdeen

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  • Bangor

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D

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E

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G

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H

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L

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M

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Y

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How to Pick Your Perfect Venue: Expert Tips and Common Pitfalls

Whether you're planning a corporate event, wedding, or private celebration, choosing the right venue is crucial. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best decision and avoid costly mistakes.

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1. Define Your Event Objectives

  • What to Look For: Choose a venue that complements your event’s purpose. For instance, conferences require AV facilities, while weddings may need a picturesque backdrop.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Not having a clear vision. Venues can be versatile, but not all are suitable for every event.

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2. Prioritise Location

  • What to Look For: Is the venue easy for guests to find? Consider proximity to transport links, parking availability, and accommodation options.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Ignoring accessibility. Difficult-to-reach venues can discourage attendance.

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3. Assess Capacity and Layout

  • What to Look For: Ensure the venue fits your guest list comfortably, leaving space for activities, dining, and networking.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Overcrowding or excess space. A venue that’s too small or too large can affect the atmosphere.

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4. Check Amenities and Services

  • What to Look For: Does the venue offer catering, AV equipment, or on-site staff? Confirm Wi-Fi availability and technical support for corporate events.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Overlooking hidden fees for amenities. Some venues charge extra for basic facilities like table settings or projectors.

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5. Consider the Ambience

  • What to Look For: The décor and style should align with your event theme. A modern conference might clash with a rustic venue, for example.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Choosing a venue based on photos alone. Visit in person or request a virtual tour.

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6. Review Restrictions

  • What to Look For: Check policies on noise levels, event timing, and decorations. Some venues restrict catering or alcohol providers.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Overlooking restrictions that could limit your event vision.

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7. Compare Costs and Contracts

  • What to Look For: Ensure transparency in pricing. Get clarity on deposits, cancellation policies, and additional fees.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Not reading the fine print. Hidden charges can inflate your budget.

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8. Evaluate Sustainability

  • What to Look For: Venues with sustainable practices, such as recycling programmes or energy-efficient lighting.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Ignoring sustainability, especially if it aligns with your brand values or guest expectations.

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9. Seek Recommendations and Reviews

  • What to Look For: Ask for testimonials from previous clients and check online reviews.

  • Pitfall to Avoid: Skipping due diligence. A venue might look great but have poor service or reliability.

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Common Pitfalls When Choosing a Venue

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  • Booking Too Late: Popular venues get booked months (or years) in advance. Start your search early.

  • Not Considering Weather: Outdoor venues are charming but need contingency plans for rain or heat.

  • Underestimating Logistics: Failing to account for setup and teardown time can lead to scheduling issues.

  • Overlooking Vendor Compatibility: Some venues have preferred vendors; ensure yours can work with them.

  • Ignoring Venue Insurance: Always confirm that the venue has liability coverage.

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Final Tip: Get Expert Help

A venue-finding agency like Match My Venue can simplify the process. With access to unique spaces and industry insights, we’ll help you find the perfect venue, tailored to your needs.

Let Us Do The Hard Work

Finding the best conference venues for events can be challenging, especially in a bustling city like London. That’s where we come in! With our extensive network of London conference venues, we work closely with the city's top locations to secure the best deals and availability for your event. We understand that every conference is unique, and we focus on matching your specific needs with venues that offer the right facilities, from cutting-edge AV equipment to flexible meeting spaces. Let us find the perfect space for your event. We'll explore London's top conference venues to ensure a seamless and successful experience.

Why Use Match My Venue?

Our Services Are Free for Clients

At Match My Venue, our venue-finding service is completely free for clients. You can explore and book the perfect conference venue in London without any cost to you. We earn our commission directly from the venues or suppliers once your booking is confirmed. They pay us a percentage of the total event spend as a fee for introducing their space to your event. This way, you get the benefit of our expertise and network at no extra expense, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective venue search experience.

Best Price Guaranteed

With our deep knowledge of London venues and the teams that manage them, we ensure you get the best deal possible. We know when a quoted price truly reflects value, and we use our industry connections to negotiate on your behalf, securing the most competitive rates available. Our expertise means you can trust that you’re always getting the best price for your chosen venue, without any hassle.

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