BEST VENUE WITH OUTSIDE SPACE – East
Big Penny Social
Big Penny Social is a dynamic event and hospitality venue in Walthamstow, London, offering over 2,000 capacity across a range of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces. Notable features include the UK’s largest beer hall, a new studio event space, a competitive socialising venue called Flukes and two outdoor spaces – the Garden and a summer Beach pop-up – which are fully equipped, highly adaptable, and designed for year-round use, hosting everything from brand activations to wellness festivals. Recent Garden upgrades include an £84,000 investment in sound, lighting, and design. Each space has a dedicated bar and food offering and every event has a dedicated event manager to ensure they run smoothly and successfully. The venue is known for delivering bespoke experiences with strong client support, professional infrastructure, and flexible event solution Public programming draws over 7,000 weekly visitors, with events like DJ sets and community dog shows fostering deep local engagement. Big Penny Social blends creativity, community, and operational excellence, making it a top-tier destination for both private and public events.
Old Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) is an iconic venue steeped in 600 years of British heritage, from King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I to Admiral Lord Nelson. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built on the site of Greenwich Palace, ORNC now welcomes over 1.2 million visitors a year and is a sought after space for private and corporate events, festivals, and filming. Its 271 acre grounds and baroque architecture have featured in productions like Bridgerton, The Crown, and Les Misérables, making it one of the world’s best known heritage sites.
Today, ORNC delivers memorable celebrations and activations — from intimate gatherings in its Colonnades to festivals and concerts hosting nearly 10,000 guests. The team works closely with heritage bodies and trusted suppliers to create seamless events that respect its historic significance while introducing modern spectacle, from drone shows and bespoke installations to immersive projections. Seasonal offerings, including summer screens, themed afternoon teas, and festivals like “Labrynth on the Thames,” draw record breaking crowds and retail sales, making ORNC a dynamic venue for all.
With its rich heritage, breathtaking spaces, and expert event delivery, ORNC offers a rare blend of history and innovation — a timeless backdrop for unforgettable moments.
The HAC
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) offers a rare blend of historic character and expansive outdoor space in central London. Its Artillery Garden, set beside the Grade II listed Armoury House, hosts a wide range of events including corporate away days, summer parties, private celebrations, and public ticketed gatherings.
The venue is known for its versatility, with tailored setups ranging from fitness challenges to large-scale festivals. A dedicated operations team ensures smooth delivery, with strong emphasis on safety, licensing, and community engagement. This professionalism contributes to a high client retention rate.
Catering partner Searcys delivers sustainable, seasonal menus suited to both corporate and private functions. Recent investments—such as upgrades to the Summer Terrace and collaborations with creative partners—enhance guest experience and extend year-round usability.
With over five acres of green space, seamless client service, and a strong sustainability ethos, the HAC consistently delivers high-quality, memorable outdoor events. These strengths make it a compelling candidate for Best Venue with Outside Space.
The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
Tucked away in the heart of Central London, The Walks at Gray’s Inn is one of the city’s most exclusive and historic outdoor venues. Set across five private acres, the garden offers a rare combination of tranquillity, space and versatility—just moments from the bustle of the city.
Available for summer hire, the venue features a luxury marquee with wooden decking, integrated bar, air-cooling and a custom-built, lead-lined acoustic “dance box” to contain sound from DJs and live bands—ideal for evening events in a central location.
Whether it’s a corporate summer celebration, an elegant wedding or a themed garden party, The Walks is known for tailoring every experience with care. Clients have transformed the space into everything from funfairs to themed parties, supported by a dedicated team and a trusted suppliers.
Catering partner Searcys brings refined, flexible dining options to every event.
Combining centuries of history with modern event capability, The Walks at Gray’s Inn offers something truly unique: an exclusive setting for standout events.
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Middle Temple is one of the four historic Inns of Court in London, with origins dating back to the 14th century. Steeped in tradition, the venue boasts over 400 years of heritage and architectural splendour. Situated in the heart of legal London, yet quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it offers a unique juxtaposition of grandeur and tranquillity.
Middle Temple’s award-winning gardens offer a rare oasis of calm in the heart of central London. Spanning over three acres, the beautifully maintained lawns, terraces, and riverside views provide a spectacular outdoor backdrop that feels both secluded and expansive.
What sets our outside space apart is the historic context in which it sits — with sweeping views of the Thames and framed by centuries-old buildings, it’s a space that tells a story. The gardens change with the seasons, offering year-round beauty — from cherry blossoms in spring to golden foliage in autumn.
The Inner Temple
The Honourable Society of The Inner Temple is one of the most unique outdoor venues in the heart of London. Nestled within a private estate, it offers a rare combination of heritage, tranquillity and modern event capability, centred around the award-winning 3-acre Inner Temple Garden, one of the largest private gardens in the city.
Overlooking the River Thames, the Garden provides an exceptional backdrop for outdoor events of all scales, from large corporate receptions for up to 600 guests in the marquee, to intimate drinks and weddings. The Garden’s ever-evolving planting delivers seasonal visual richness, while its mature trees, biodiversity and proximity to the iconic Temple Church enhance its unique atmosphere.
In addition to the Garden, clients can select from Church Court, The Terrace and Pegasus Bar Terrace, offering flexible outdoor settings for a wide range of events.
Clients benefit from expert planning, proactive wet weather options, tailored outdoor menus, bespoke food stations and first-class equipment. A new marquee concept planned for 2026 will ensure the venue continues to meet modern event expectations.
Building on last year’s Bronze win, The Inner Temple continues to enhance its outdoor offer, making it one of the most desirable and adaptable outdoor event venues.
