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Hire 8½ London - 10 spaces for memorable events in London
8½ London – A Historic Venue Reimagined
Nestled at 8½ Dowgate Hill in the heart of the City of London, 8½ London is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument that beautifully unites over seven centuries of history with modern elegance. Once known as Copped Hall, the site dates back to 1295 and was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1672. Today, following an extensive and sensitive restoration, it stands as one of the city’s most remarkable event venues - a rare blend of architectural grandeur, historic character, and cutting-edge facilities.
Timeless Architecture Meets Contemporary Design
Step inside and you’ll discover a sequence of elegant rooms, each with its own personality, story, and scale. From the painted ceilings of the Great Hall to the atmospheric brickwork of the Vaults, every corner of 8½ London reveals the building’s layered heritage while offering the flexibility expected of a twenty-first-century venue.
The Great Hall
The jewel of 8½ London, the Great Hall is adorned with magnificent murals by Sir Frank Brangwyn and original 17th-century features. With space for up to 200 guests for receptions or 170 seated, it’s ideal for grand weddings, corporate dinners, or celebrations that deserve a truly awe-inspiring setting.
The Outer Hall
Adjoining the Great Hall, this space offers an elegant transition zone for pre-dinner receptions or welcome drinks. Flooded with natural light, it’s perfect for greeting guests or hosting intimate gatherings of up to 100 guests standing.
The Old Court Room
Understated yet sophisticated, the Old Court Room provides a refined atmosphere for private dinners, meetings, or ceremonies. Its traditional panelling and graceful proportions make it perfect for up to 50 guests seated or 120 for standing receptions.
The Committee Room
Smaller in scale but rich in character, this oak-panelled space houses early family portraits and exudes quiet authority. Ideal for board meetings or intimate dining, it accommodates 14 guests around a central table or 30 for standing receptions.
The Vaults
Beneath the main building, the Vaults offer an entirely different mood - historic, atmospheric, and full of charm. With its own entrance on College Street, this brick-arched space is perfect for creative events, drinks receptions, or late-night celebrations. It hosts up to 120 guests standing or 86 in theatre style, offering flexibility for immersive experiences or after-parties.
The Court Room
Panelled in Virginian cedar and opening directly onto the roof terrace, the Court Room bridges indoor refinement with outdoor access. Accommodating up to 50 guests seated or 70 standing, it’s ideal for smaller dinners, meetings, or receptions that flow naturally into open air.
The Roof Terrace & Pavilion
A hidden gem in the City, the Roof Terrace & Pavilion offers rare outdoor space surrounded by skyline views. Perfect for summer recept
8½ London is just one of many great venues available to hire in London. Our team of free venue finding experts are on hand to create the perfect shortlist of venues in London for your next event.
Please complete our quick enquiry form with your specific dates, budget and ideal location and we will use our experience and venue relationships to save you both time and money.
Alternatively, please send us a quick e mail or call out team now on 0207 870 9305 to discuss 8½ London and other suitable venues for your next event.
Room & Venue Capacities
Great Hall
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 200 |
| Seated Lunch | 170 |
| Seated Dinner | 170 |
| Dinner/Dance | 170 |
| Theatre Style | 180 |
| Seated lunch/dinner | 170 |
Outer Hall
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 90 |
Old Court Room
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 120 |
| Standing Reception - Outdoors | 150 |
| Seated Lunch | 50 |
| Seated Dinner | 50 |
| Dinner/Dance | 50 |
| Theatre Style | 80 |
| U-Shape Style | 50 |
| Boardroom Style | 32 |
| Seated lunch/dinner | 50 |
Committee Room
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 30 |
| Seated Lunch | 14 |
| Seated Dinner | 14 |
| Boardroom Style | 14 |
| Seated lunch/dinner | 14 |
The Vaults
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 120 |
| Seated Lunch | 50 |
| Seated Dinner | 50 |
| Theatre Style | 86 |
| Boardroom Style | 50 |
| Seated lunch/dinner | 50 |
The Court Room
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 70 |
| Seated Lunch | 50 |
| Seated Dinner | 50 |
| Theatre Style | 50 |
| U-Shape Style | 35 |
| Seated lunch/dinner | 50 |
Roof Terrace and Pavilion
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Outdoors | 250 |
| Theatre Style | 156 |
Dowgate Dining Room
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 30 |
| Seated Lunch | 18 |
| Seated Dinner | 18 |
| Theatre Style | 35 |
| Seated lunch/dinner | 18 |
Dowgate Reception Room
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 30 |
Dowgate Parlour
| Event style | Guests |
|---|---|
| Standing Reception - Indoors | 30 |
| Seated Lunch | 14 |
| Seated Dinner | 14 |
| Boardroom Style | 14 |
| Seated lunch/dinner | 14 |
Venue Facilities & Accessibility
- Outside space
- Natural daylight
- AV and audio facilities on site
- Wifi
- Disabled access
- Exclusive hire of whole venue
- Dancing
- Asian catering
- Kosher catering
Venue Sustainability accreditation
No Green Meetings or Greengage accreditations for this venue.
8½ London address, travel directions, and parking information

- Cannon Street

- London City (5.7 miles)
- London Heathrow (16.6 miles)