London’s liveries are part of the rich history of the City and provide grandeur that is hard to match. They are often inaccessible to the public, but can be hired for corporate functions. PA Life takes a look at some of the spaces available, such as the Brewers’, Clothworkers’, Haberdashers’ and Stationers’ Halls.
Brewers’ Hall (pictured)
brewershall.co.uk
Aldermanbury Square EC2V 7HR
Hire: From £700
Capacity: 150 delegates for a reception; 80 theatre-style
Background: Situated in Aldermanbury Square near the Guildhall and London Wall, the hall is a much-needed respite from the high-rise modernity of the City. The Company of Brewers has been on the site since 1403, although the current property was built in 1960. Much of the interior is wood panelled and an oak staircase leads from the ground floor to a circular reception area.
Facilities: An adaptable function suite consisting of three interconnecting rooms: the Livery Hall, Court Room and Committee Room.
Butchers’ Hall
butchershall.com
87 Bartholomew Close EC1A 7EB
Hire: DDR from £49.50
Capacity: 250 for a reception; 180 theatre-style
Background: The Worshipful Company of Butchers is one of the seven oldest Livery Companies in the City, with records showing meetings of butchers taking place in Farringdon as far back as 975AD. Seven rooms are available at the hall including the Court Suite, made up of two interconnecting rooms with a grand fireplace. The Reception Room features a glass screen depicting the four seasons and can host up to 165, while the intimate library offers private facilities for small meetings of up to eight.
Facilities: The library, David Walker Room and Taurus Suite all offer private break-out space.
Coopers’ Hall
coopers-hall.co.uk
13 Devonshire Square EC2M 4TH
Hire: DDR from £65
Capacity: 60 delegates for a reception; 40 theatre-style
Background: The smallest and one of the oldest City Livery Halls, the venue is a pre-Georgian townhouse tucked away on Devonshire Square, just moments from Liverpool Street station. The company has a history of wooden cask-making dating back to the 13th century, reflected in the small on-site museum, which contains a collection of artefacts from the trade and from the company itself.
Facilities: Natural daylight throughout, exclusive hire option available.
Clothworkers’ Hall
clothworkers.co.uk
Dunster Court, Mincing Lane EC3R 7AH
Hire: DDR from £60
Capacity: 350 delegates for a reception; 240 theatre-style
Background: One of the Great Twelve Livery Companies, who were ranked by wealth or power in 1515, the Clothworkers’ Hall has a collection including tapestries, paintings and clocks that reflects its rich history. Among the decorations of the main hall are the three Brussels tapestries dating from the 18th century, commissioned for Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.
Facilities: Permanent internet line for web broadcasting, break-out space with built in audio-visual equipment, air-conditioned, exclusive hire option available.
Drapers’ Hall
thedrapers.co.uk
Throgmorton Avenue EC2N 2DQ
Hire: DDR from £69.85
Capacity: 450 for a reception; 400 theatre-style
Background: The site of the present hall is where Thomas Cromwell built his palace in the 1530s and in 1543, after his execution, the property was purchased by the Guild of Drapers. The magnificent interiors are recognisable as the backdrop in films such as The King’s Speech and Goldeneye.
Facilities: Eight event spaces including a courtyard and garden, in-house AV including staging, lectern, PA system and microphones.
Founders’ Hall
foundersco.org.uk
1 Cloth Fair EC1A 7JQ
Hire: DDR from £55
Capacity: 100 for a reception; 80 theatre-style
Background: The Worshipful Company of Founders was one of the earliest medieval guilds, formed to protect the interests of its members and to promote high standards of quality and workmanship in bronze and brass. Three rooms, distributed between three floors, create a striking space with a contemporary feel that is hidden away from the bustle of the City on one of London’s oldest streets.
Facilities: Fully air-conditioned, disabled access, private boardroom available as office space, natural daylight throughout.
Haberdashers’ Hall
haberdashers.co.uk
18 West Smithfield EC1A 9HQ
Hire: DDR from £60
Capacity: 350 delegates for a reception; 200 theatre-style
Background: Nestled in a secluded spot in West Smithfield, this is one of London’s newest Livery Halls houses one of its most ancient companies and another member of the Great Twelve. Designed by British architect Sir Michael Hopkins and opened in 2002, it combines modern architecture with state-of-the-art meetings technology. The large courtyard and orangery offer peaceful spaces for break-out areas or events.
Facilities: Outside courtyard, permanent internet line for web broadcasting, disabled access, air-conditioned, licensed for weddings, natural daylight throughout and exclusive hire option available.
Painters’ Hall
paintershall.co.uk
9 Little Trinity Lane EC4V 2AD
Hire: DDR from £49.50
Capacity: 300 for a reception; 200 theatre-style
Background: This opulent hall boasts a collection of art dating back to the 16th century. Having been destroyed in the Fire of London, the hall was restored and at a later date reconstructed further, until it was again left severely fire-damaged during the Blitz in 1941. It was rebuilt and opened again in 1961.
Facilities: A flexible venue that allows branding and more lively events such as dances or parties. Fully air-conditioned, natural daylight throughout, wifi access.
Pewterers’ Hall
pewterers.org.uk
Oat Lane EC2V 7DE
Hire: DDR from £49.50
Capacity: 130 for a reception; 200 theatre-style
Background: Situated between London Wall and Gresham Street, the venue has recently undergone a £250,000 renovation. Its flexible suite of three rooms means that it is suitable for a variety of corporate events. Additionally, there is a tranquil garden ideal for post-conference or pre-dinner receptions. The venue boasts beautiful 17th century panelling, Georgian chandeliers and fascinating pewter artefacts throughout.
Facilities: Garden, AV facilities, fully air-conditioned, wifi, disabled access.
Stationers’ Hall
stationers.org
Ave Maria Lane EC4M 7DD
Hire: DDR from £60
Capacity: 400 for a reception; 200 theatre-style
Background: This Grade-I listed building is near St Paul’s Cathedral and the four interconnecting rooms lend themselves to a range of functions and events. The secluded garden is a draw during the warmer months and the hall, with its stained-glass windows, is the perfect setting for the festive season and incredibly popular with companies that have connections to the printing and stationery trade.
Facilities: Garden, permanent internet line for web broadcasting, disabled access, natural daylight throughout, exclusive hire available.
