Somerset House

Hailed as the best venue in London; a magnificent neo-classical façade and staggeringly impressive spaces inside and out; this iconic building has been the location for many a top film and TV production. A truly spectacular setting for awards presentations, conferences, exhibitions, press days and product launches; unforgettable for drinks receptions, glittering banquets and Christmas parties, and hard to beat as a stunning backdrop for photo shoots and filming.

Surrounded on three sides by that glorious façade is the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court; regularly playing host to top city events, this amazing courtyard can be transformed to suit your requirements. There’s capacity for 1,500 people standing or 550 seated. Hold a refined summer party for up to 500 guests on the River Terrace, with Somerset House behind you and the River Thames to the front. Take your photoshoot or production to the Rooftop for an incredible city skyline view, or to the cobbled Upper terrace with a 100 metre plus walkway.

The balconied Portico Rooms have gorgeous views over the famous fountains and the river beyond; accommodating 200 guests standing and 100 seated, these versatile rooms have high ceilings and classic 18th century architecture. The Navy Board Rooms are four inter-connecting rooms with crisp white walls, polished wooden floors and original marble fireplaces. There’s space for 100 people standing, or up to 60 seated. The Portico and Navy Board Rooms connect and can accommodate 300 guests when used together.

The Seamen’s Hall (200 standing, 100 seated) exudes sophistication, with marble floors and imposing Corinthian columns. Huge windows fill the room with light, doors open onto the River Terrace.

The West and East Wings both house several inter-connecting rooms perfect for exhibitions, with varying capacities up to 450 and 300 respectively. If you want something quirky and atmospheric for a dinner or drinks reception opt for Lightwells and Deadhouse which lie below the fountains, or the Embankment Galleries, originally a barrel vaulted barge house linked to the Thames. With a ground floor and mezzanine there’s room for 800 standing. The Great Arch Hall is perfect for drinks receptions for 200, and for smaller presentations choose the Screening Room, with fixed theatre seating for 60 delegates.

The New Wing is beautifully finished with classic features – imposing pillars and ornate plasterwork blended with a fabulous raw contemporary edge. The Lancaster Room has wonderful river views and accommodates 220 guests standing, or 110 for dinner. The open plan connecting River Rooms also have capacity for 220 standing.

The Corporate Events Team at Somerset House will work with you from that first phone call right through to the end of your function to ensure a successful event; they work with acclaimed partners to provide first rate catering, audio-visual equipment, and production facilities.

Somerset House is located on the Strand, with all areas reached from any of its four entrances, and within easy walking distance of all transport links.