PA Life Editor talked to Reverend Baxter from St Stephen Walbrook, located in the City of London. The church makes a unique place of celebrations, from lavish dinners to more informal receptions, and welcomes corporate events to immerse in the beauty of the church…
Reverend Stephen Baxter has served as Parish Priest at St Stephen Walbrook since March 2018. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring the church remains a vibrant open and welcoming hub for Christian, cultural and community activities, including commercial venue hire. Additionally, he actively promotes the church’s mission and heritage through various marketing initiatives and has recently overseen the sensitive restoration works which have brought the church of St Stephen Walbrook back to glory.
What would you say are the most appealing aspects of St Stephen Walbrook as an event venue?
St Stephen Walbrook offers an experience that’s hard to match. First off, the building itself is a masterpiece. Designed by the remarkable Sir Christopher Wren, it features a breath-taking dome, elegant classical columns and perfectly balanced proportions that create an unforgettable setting the moment you step inside. The church is also wonderfully versatile, easily transformed to suit a range of events, from intimate concerts and thoughtful lectures to stylish receptions and high-end corporate functions.
This church is steeped in history and meaning. Itโs the birthplace of Samaritans and a standout example of English Baroque architecture, so when you host an event here, you’re aligning it with something truly significant and culturally rich.
The location of the church, right in the heart of the City of London, a short walk from Bank, Monument, and Cannon Street stations, makes it incredibly convenient for guests traveling from across London or even further afield.
Finally, everything runs smoothly thanks to its active and professional management by Events Consultancy Work With Milan, who manage the sales function of the venue and aid the planning and deliver your events on the day. That means youโll have a supportive team working with you to make sure your event goes off without a hitch.
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- Dinner in candle light
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- St Stephen Walbrook
How important is venue hire to St Stephen Walbrook?
Private venue hire is vitally important to St Stephen Walbrook for several good reasons. First and foremost, it plays a key role in keeping the church financially sustainable. As a historic building, it requires constant care and maintenance and the income from events helps cover those ongoing costs while also supporting the churchโs broader mission of introducing new people to its special space.
But it’s not just about funding. Hosting events whether itโs concerts, talks, or corporate gatherings, helps keep the church connected to the wider community. It allows the space to stay active, relevant, and engaged with Londonโs rich cultural and civic life.
What can event organisers expect for their event hosted in a church?
When you host an event at a church like St Stephen Walbrook, you’re in for a truly unique and memorable experience. This isnโt just another venue, it’s a place with atmosphere. The architecture alone is stunning and the wonderful acoustics and lighting add a sense of serenity and inspiration that can completely elevate the tone of your event adding a layer of prestige and depth.
Whatโs more, the space is surprisingly versatile, the layout can adapt to suit your needs. In St Stephen Walbrookโs case, the movable seating and the striking central altar give you a lot of creative freedom in how you configure the space.
Can you tell us about the variety of spaces and facilities available for corporate hire?
At the heart of St Stephen Walbrook is the main nave, a stunning space beneath Sir Christopher Wrenโs iconic dome, complete with Henry Mooreโs central altar and a ring of twelve majestic Corinthian columns. It can accommodate up to 100 guests for dinner and 250 guests for a standing reception, and it is ideal for everything from corporate receptions and product launches to lectures, concerts, and networking events.
One of the key strengths of the space is its flexibility. The seating is fully movable, which means you can configure your event however you like, banquet-style, theatre seating, or an open-plan layout depending on the format of your event.
Within the main area, there are also smaller, more intimate areas which can be zoned off around the church, like the side aisles and gallery areas. These work really well for things like registration desks, exhibition stands, breakout discussions, or just casual networking spots with clusters of seating where people can connect more informally.
Who are your typical event clients, and the sizes of events you host?
St Stephen Walbrook welcomes a really diverse mix of clients, thanks to its adaptable layout and beautiful, elegant atmosphere. Itโs a venue that appeals across the board, from local corporates in the City of Londonย to creative organisations.
Many of our regular clients come from the corporate world, City-based firms like financial institutions, law practices, and consultancies. They use the space for everything from private dining, drinks receptions to annual award ceremonies. Events such as these can range from 30 people dining under the dome to 250 guests enjoying a standing reception.
We also work closely with arts and cultural organisations, think classical music ensembles, choirs, and arts charities. They love the venue for its stunning acoustics and visual beauty, making it the perfect stage for large concerts, smaller recitals, exhibitions, and performances that really connect with the audience.
Charities and non-profits are also drawn to St Stephen Walbrook, not just because of the atmosphere, but because of its values. With its history as the birthplace of Samaritans and its ongoing commitment to community, itโs a natural fit for fundraising dinners, panel events, and awareness campaigns.
Do you have an event team who can assist EAs and PAs with their events?
Yes, St Stephen Walbrook has a dedicated events team thatโs really hands-on when it comes to supporting Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, and corporate event planners throughout the planning process. Theyโre there to make sure everything runs smoothly and your event is a success from start to finish.
The team provide expert advice on how best to use the space and recommend our approved suppliers you can work with to produce your events, so you can easily connect with trusted caterers, audio-visual teams, and other service providers.
The goal of the team is clear: to ensure your event meets your objectives while honouring the unique heritage and atmosphere of St Stephen Walbrook.
How important have sustainability and eco-choices been in the recent refurbishment?
Sustainability and eco-conscious choices have been a big part of the recent ยฃ3.5million refurbishment at St Stephen Walbrook. This really shows the churchโs commitment not only to preserving its historic beauty but also to embracing modern functionality with an eye on environmental responsibility.
The refurbishment, which is set to be completed next month (July 2025), involves major structural repairs and upgrades, including work on the crypt. The work has been to ensure the building lasts for generations to come, while being as environmentally considerate as possible.
The church interacts closely with neighbouring businesses demonstrating the collaborative effort that balances preserving history with meeting todayโs needs. In terms of events, we work with approved suppliers who are also environmentally conscious and will guide clients to make sustainable choices when planning their event.
We are delighted to feature St Stephen Walbrook in PA Life magazine’s summer issue, and the upcoming autumn 2025 issues.
