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Tuesday 30 April 2019

London's Livery Halls are some of the City's most secret and historic venues, most people don't know what lies behind the gates, let alone the amazing terraces and rooftops perfect for a summer BBQ or Picnic! VSL took a tour of some of London's oldest Livery Halls courtesy of Party Ingredients. 

With nearly 40 Livery Halls located throughout London, you'd think corporates were spoilt for choice for venues throughout the year.  Established to represent London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, our Livery Halls are often regarded as 'out of touch' and 'old fashioned'. VSL took a tour of some of these gems with Party Ingredients, a caterer that knows these institutions well, and discovered some incredible options for the upcoming Summer party season (we know it's coming!). 

Starting with the oldest Livery Hall in London, Apothecaries Hall has interiors and artefacts dating back to the medieval period, and a capacity in the Great Hall for up to 150 for a dinner with a beautiful hidden Courtyard for up to 200 guests standing. You can even view the exam results and signature of Agatha Christie, who took the exam to ensure medical accuracy in her murder mystery novels! 

We then ventured on to Saddlers Hall, a collection of stunning light, airy rooms with high ceilings and enormous stained glass windows. The Great Hall can accommodate up to 120 on Banquet rounds and 200 guests in the private courtyard. All Livery Halls can be hired exclusively, however, Saddlers Hall really gives the feel of a private country house in the heart of the City. 

Salters Hall is accessed through a contemporary pavilion entrance and located on the 5th floor, overlooking St Paul's Cathedral and the historic remains of London Wall as well as a beautifully manicured Garden for up to 300 guests standing. The Main Hall can take up to 130 guests for dinner and comes complete with several private balconies. 

Last but not least, Skinners Hall is the largest of the four, with space for up to 170 for dinner and up to 300 for standing receptions including the relaxing Italianate roof terrace, suitable for wood-fired BBQ buffets and elegant receptions. The Roof Garden can be decorated to suit your requirements, with gazebos, music and additional services arranged upon request. 

All in all, it was a day of learning for VSL and we only saw four of the nearly forty available to hire! The team came away with a much more in depth knowledge of the wide variety of spaces on offer, both inside and outside of these historic landmarks. More than anything, we couldn't believe how well maintained the venues were with pristine carpets and perfectly polished silver so old definitely doesn't mean tired for these well loved buildings. 

For more information on Livery Halls in London or any new enquiries please contact Venue Search London.