Top 20 UK Venues

1. The O2

The O2's positioning at number one is due to the fact that it has hosted some of the world's top artistes, whilst it is also equally alluring to major brand events. In 2011, the Brit Awards were held here for the first time, and for 2012 it will become an Olympic venue.

Largest space:           17,742 standing
Smallest space:         400 standing
Number of spaces:     7 
Station:                    North Greenwich Tube 

2. Excel London

With 100,00sqm of event space, the Excel boasts a number of awards that it has received in the past year, including Exhibition Venue of the Year at this year's Event Awards. Recent events that have taken place at the Excel include Ecobuild and World Travel Market, and it is due to play a key role in next year's Olympic Games.

Largest space:           68,000 standing
Smallest space:         20 seated
Number of spaces:     72
Station:                    Custom House DLR

3. Church House

A popular choice for politicians owing to its close proximity to the Houses of Parliament, Church House has hosted 800 events over the past 12 months. It offers an elegant and tranquil setting for private and corporate events, with fantastic views of Westminster Abbey. 

Largest space:           664 seated
Smallest space:         6 seated
Number of spaces:     19
Station:                    Westminster Tube

4. Twickenham

Twickenham Stadium offers an impressive event space for high-specification conferences, private dinners, presentations and exhibitions. In the past year, the venue has help events for many big brands, including Boots, Vodafone and Robert Dyas, plus it hosted the send-off dinner for the England rugby team before they headed off to the World Cup in New Zealand.

Largest space:           850 seated
Smallest space:         10 seated
Number of spaces:     25
Station:                    Twickenham

5. Altitude London

The tallest river side building on the Thames, the event space at the Altitude London is spread across 5 floors. With a contemporary, minimalist design and stunning 360 degree views of London that stretch for miles, this venue has been designed with events in mind.

Largest space:           1,200 standing
Smallest space:         10 seated
Number of spaces:     7
Station:                    Westminster Tube

6. One Marylebone

One Marylebone is a popular choice for clients looking for an elegant yet flexible venue. In a grade I listed building, the venue offers three unique spaces in addition to beautiful landscaped gardens, just moments away from Regents Park.

Largest space:           1,000 standing
Smallest space:         250 seated
Number of spaces:     3
Station:                    Green Portland Street Tube

7. East Wintergarden

Modelled on the world-famous Wintergardens in New York, this is a stunning event venue in the heart of Canary Wharf. There is a spectacular glass covered atrium, which provides a light and elegant atmosphere which is perfect for private hire.

Largest space:           1,000 standing
Smallest space:         500 seated
Number of spaces:     1
Station:                    Canary Wharf Tube

8. Natural History Museum

A constant in this poll, the Natural History Museum has hosted a number of high-profile events including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Other popular uses of this venue include corporate events, parties and weddings.

Largest space:           1,500 standing
Smallest space:         40 seated
Number of spaces:     5, plus grounds
Station:                    South Kensington Tube

9. Somerset House

Somerset House offers a diverse and flexible range of rooms and spaces for any type of event, including meetings, conferences, dinners, drinks receptions, parties and weddings. Over the past 12 months, it has been transformed into an open air cinema, a concert arena and an ice rink.

Largest space:           1,500 standing
Smallest space:         2 seated
Number of spaces:     13
Station:                    Charing Cross 

10. ACC Liverpool

The only entry in the poll outside of London, ACC Liverpool is a unique venue in that it is the only interlinking arena and convention centre complex under one roof in Europe - the BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena. It boasts purpose-built spaces that have been designed with the delegate in mind, with an abundance of natural daylight. 

Largest space:           11,000 seated
Smallest space:         10 seated
Number of spaces:     20
Station:                    Liverpool Lime Street

11. Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall offers a unique venue in the heart of London for any kind of event, although it is most commonly used to host concerts of world-class artistes. Event spaces available here include The Gallery, Henry Cole Room, Arena Foyers, Prince of Wales Room and the Royal Retiring Room. 

Largest space:           5,222 seated
Smallest space:         12 seated
Number of spaces:     7
Station:                    South Kensington Tube

12. Lord's

The world's most famous cricket ground, Lord's is steeped in history and charm. In the heart of London, tucked in leafy St John's Wood, Lord's combines flexibility with creativity to provide one of London's most adaptable event venues.  - the Nursery Pavilion. Event spaces at the ground include The Pavilion, the Nursery Pavilion, the Media Centre, Thomas Lord Suite, Mound Stand Terrace, the Museum and Film Theatre, Harris Garden, plus various meeting rooms.

Largest space:           800 standing
Smallest space:         25 seated
Number of spaces:     11
Station:                    St John's Wood Tube

13. Old Spitalfields Market

One of the finest surviving Victorian Market Halls, built in London in 1876, the Old Spitalfields Market offers a rare blank canvas on which to create the perfect event. It has successfully hosted a number of public and private events, including conferences, receptions, product launches, fashion shows, filming and photo shoots. 

Largest space:           2,000 standing
Smallest space:         2,000 standing
Number of spaces:     1
Station:                    Liverpool Street Tube

14. Saatchi Gallery

As Britain's most exciting contemporary art museum, The Gallery has a large capacity and acts as an event venue for large awards ceremonies and corporate conferences. The Saatchi Gallery also offers smaller spaces for hire, which are more suitable for clients with a desire for a sophisticated yet private environment. 

Largest space:           1,500 standing
Smallest space:         200 seated
Number of spaces:     12
Station:                    Sloane Square Tube

15. The Brewery

In the heart of the City, The Brewery is a truly historic, Grade II listed venue. Its rooms, ranging from great halls to intimate chambers are unique, and provide a versatile setting for the perfect business event. There are large, uninterrupted rooms for major displays, or more intimate spaces for smaller showcases.

Largest space:           1,000 standing
Smallest space:         50 seated
Number of spaces:     8
Station:                    Barbican Tube

16. Business Design Centre

Situated in fashionable Islington, the Business Design Centre is London's most stylish exhibition venue. Having celebrated its 25th birthday in October, the Business Design Centre has recently broken into new ground by extending its late license, which now allows it to host award ceremonies. 

Largest space:           2,500 standing
Smallest space:         30 seated
Number of spaces:     12
Station:                    Angel Tube

17. Battersea Power Station

Situated in Central London with its 38 acres, Battersea Power Station is now opening its doors for events of all shapes and sizes. The venue offers an unrivalled amount of space, together with diverse scenery, to ensure that events held here are truly spectacular. The Boiler House, with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people, can facilitate a whole host of different occasions.

Largest space:           1,000 standing
Smallest space:         350 seated
Number of spaces:     1
Station:                    Vauxhall Tube

18. One Mayfair

Dating back to 1825, One Mayfair has recently reopened its doors and is on track to becoming London's newest and most spectacular venue. It provides the perfect setting for both exclusive corporate events and private celebrations, and offers one main space on the ground floor with a joining reception and an overlooking mezzanine on the first floor.

Largest space:           1,000 standing
Smallest space:         1,000 standing
Number of spaces:     1
Station:                    Bond Street Tube

19. Glaziers Hall

Situated between the River Thames, with unrivalled views over the City, and London's cultural Southbank and Borough Market, Glaziers Hall offers a number of versatile and flexible event spaces, for presentations, conferences, receptions and dinners. The rooms feature stunning details such as stained glass, oak panelling, and floor to ceiling glazed arches looking out over the river.

Largest space:           600 standing
Smallest space:         10 seated
Number of spaces:     5
Station:                    London Bridge Tube

20. Pavilion at Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the capital's most iconic landmarks, and they offer an exclusive marquee within the North Moat to host a variety of events. The innovative structure has been designed to minimise the visual impact for visitors to the Tower, and offer an exciting exterior design.

Largest space:           1,000 standing
Smallest space:         1,000 standing
Number of spaces:     1
Station:                    Tower Bridge Tube