Outdoor Event Spaces: Searcys Gears Up for a Summer of Al Fresco Festivities

Searcys venues are all about being in unique and memorable places – whether that’s the Rothschilds’ magnificent azalea gardens at Exbury, the tropical conservatory in the heart of the concrete city at The Barbican, or the regal parklands of Blenheim Palace – which means we put as much thought into our outside spaces as we do into the buildings themselves. This summer, as many opt for al fresco events and gatherings, we’re ready to go with outdoor parties and celebrations of all descriptions. A wedding reception in the spacious Honourable Artillery Company gardens in the center of London? Summer barbecues and drinks on the rooftop of 30 Euston Square? With 15 venues across the UK, let us inspire you with some ideas this summer.

Our venues are all COVID-secure, and our teams have been working hard to adapt and innovate so everyone is kept safe as we come together in celebration once more. Our outdoor events will be all about friendly rooftop barbecues, stylish afternoon teas, and lavish outdoor banquets – catching up with old friends and savouring being together in person while enjoying the great outdoors. Here are our top outdoor venues to check out this year:

The HAC (The Honourable Artillery Company)

It’s rare to find five acres of open green space in the City of London, especially just minutes from bustling Old Street and the heart of Shoreditch, but the HAC is no ordinary destination. With a history dating back to Henry VIII, the ancient building has various private lawns and outdoor spaces for wedding receptions, parties, and sporting matches. For a real blow-out, our Artillery Garden and Summer Terrace make for one of the largest outdoor party venues in London. We can host up to 690 people for a drink reception, with views over the gardens and city skyscrapers as the backdrop. With Searcys’ many years of expertise, our events team can arrange everything from DJs, photo booths, and garden games to artisan gin & tonic pop-ups, canapes and Champagne packages. The Artillery Garden can be hired in conjunction with the Prince Consort Rooms for those looking for the option of a modern indoor space, too – separated from the terrace by a picturesque courtyard.

Summer packages available from £87.00 + VAT per person

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →

30 Euston Square

30 Euston Square has everything you’ll need to impress your guests and offer the most memorable setting for your upcoming summer party for up to 230 guests.

The penthouse State Rooms and adjoining Rooftop Terrace are bright, beautiful spaces that available for exclusive hire. One of central London’s best kept secrets with penthouse views over the Euston area – add an extra dimension to any event or gathering.

Ideally suited to casual BBQs and drinks parties. We can arrange a live chef for fun and interactive dining and various street food-inspired stations. Returning for 2021, the popular Gin Bar Experience is also a wonderful way to thrill your guests with something a little out of the ordinary.

Summer packages from £95.00 +VAT per person

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →

The Barbican 

The Barbican Conservatory is a tropical oasis, and home to 1,500 species of exotic and rate plants and fish within the iconic 1970s structure, which is surely one of London’s most divisive pieces of modern architecture. The indoor-outdoor space resembles a rainforest, and up to 200 guests can attend summer parties and private events here, surrounded by rare and exotic plants.

Out in the open, the terrace looks out across the brutalist complex, with leafy walkways and exposed brick providing a wonderful backdrop for unique wedding photos. The Conservatory terrace can be combined with the indoor Conservatory and garden room to host 650 for drinks receptions for larger events.

Packages from £67 per person, plus VAT. Room hire from £5,000+VAT. Minimum number of guests – 180.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →

Vintners’ Hall

The spiritual home of the international wine trade, Vintners’ Hall, provides a wonderful historic venue for special events in London’s heart. Conferences, seminars, wine tastings, exhibitions, weddings, and receptions can all be arranged and tailored to suit your every need, and the venue is set to host parties and events this summer.

Vintners’ Hall is steeped in history, with records dating back to a grand banquet held for the Kings of England, Scotland, France, Denmark, and Cyprus there in 1363. It is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, with deep historical roots in the import, regulation and sale of wine. The Court Room is the oldest continuously used room in the City of London. Still, the venue is just as stunning in the 21st Century, with a rooftop garden overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, the river Thames and the Cheese Grater skyscraper for 25 guests.

Packages from £80.00 plus VAT per person

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →

The View 

London’s newest destination venue, The View is at the heart of The Royal College of Surgeons in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn. Opening to the public for the first time this summer, the 6th Floor at the very top of the building has 6th Floor has a large terrace for guests to enjoy on summer evenings, with stunning views over the city below. The terrace itself can host outside events, while the conference suite and rooms on the top Floor can make up one ample space for up to 300 people for a drinks reception.

Packages from £99 per person

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →

St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar

The art-deco brasserie and champagne bar in St Pancras’ iconic station combines the best outdoor and indoor dining. There’s natural daylight and plenty of airflow but also cover from the elements inside the grand Victorian concourse. St Pancras boasts the longest Champagne bar in Europe, with space for large parties of up to 400 overlooking Tracy Emin’s neon “I want my time with you” art installation and the romance of the train station below. The venue is unashamedly magnificent, with the vast arches and original Victorian brickwork an inspiring venue for weddings, gatherings, and celebrations. Champagne booths along the length of the Eurostar platform are naturally spaced out, with London’s original “press for Champagne” adding some old-school glamour to this summer’s outdoor festivities.

Packages from £62.50 per person

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →

Blenheim Palace

The birthplace of Winston Churchill and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace is surrounded by over 90 acres of formal gardens and more than 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Throughout the awe-inspiring Baroque venue, guests can also opt to dine in specially created marquee pods overlooking the Italian Garden for more intimate gatherings, and al fresco dining is on offer for brunch, lunch, and dinner on our covered and heated terraces.

The South Lawn of the gardens can also be hired out, with a marquee available for large gatherings of up to 2,000 guests. Blenheim has also launched a range of picnic packages available for more a more laidback affair.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →

Exbury Gardens 

In the heart of Hampshire and the New Forest, our new partnership with Exbury Gardens offers a stunning venue for outdoor dining, surrounded by one of the country’s finest horticultural destinations. The historic gardens cover over 200 acres, with highlights including the world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. Mr. Eddy’s Café and Restaurant provides seasonal outdoor dining for guests, with a menu that reflects the seasons and showcases the best of British produce. For those looking to get to the heart of the stunning gardens, our new Searcys picnics include hearty Ploughman’s or afternoon tea goodies, with the option to add a bottle of Searcys Selected Cuvée or Moët & Chandon Champagne. The Azalea room can be hired out for celebrations and private events.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY →