Somerset House
Built on historic foundations at the very heart of the capital, Somerset House is London’s working arts centre, home to the UK’s largest creative community and one of London’s best loved public spaces.
Run as a charity by the Somerset House Trust, all event hires directly contribute to its cultural programme, education and outreach work. From The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, which offers an outdoor space with a spectacular backdrop, to the blank canvas Portico Rooms with views of both the Fountain Court and the River Thames.
Our spectacular, neoclassical building offers 12 blank canvas indoor and outdoor event spaces, suitable for staging events of all styles and size.
Get in touch
0203 397 1446Somerset House Enquiry Form
What this venue offers
- Meeting / Conference
- Dining / Reception
- Wedding / Celebration
- Seasonal Party
- Fashion show / Exhibition / Product Launch
- Outdoor Space
Venue Spaces
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
The East Wing
The Embankment Galleries
The River Terrace
The Lancaster Rooms
The Seamen's Hall
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
The emblematic Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court is our most sought-after space onsite, centered around the building’s iconic courtyard fountains, and framed on all sides by glorious Georgian-era 18th century architecture.
Situated just off of the Strand – a short distance from Waterloo Bridge and Lancaster Place – the Courtyard is popular with both the public and Somerset House community alike throughout the year, and provides the stage and setting for a number of Somerset House’s most notable, seasonal events (including the Summer Series and Skate).
Capacity Chart
- Seated 300
- Standing 3000
The East Wing
The East Wing offers a blank canvas space featuring beautiful high ceilings and large windows, with a series of open plan, interlinking rooms. The abundance of space and natural light make these spaces perfect for events including press days and drinks receptions.
Capacity Chart
- Theatre 60
- Dining 48
- Reception 300
The Embankment Galleries
Spread over the ground floor and mezzanine level, the Embankment Galleries have hosted a number of Somerset House’s most celebrated exhibitions and is now one of our most popular event spaces.
Offering the flexibility of a blank canvas space, the Embankment Galleries can be readily transformed for bespoke purposes and provide a perfect backdrop for catwalk shows and fashion presentations.
Capacity Chart
- Theatre 340
- Cabaret 250
- Dining 340
- Receptions 800
The River Terrace
The River Terrace is one of Somerset House’s most exclusive outdoor spaces with beautiful views of the building’s 18th Century facade and across the Thames to the Southbank. Included in our venue hire is the use of our ‘Jumbrellas’ which cover part of the River Terrace, and the Seamen’s Hall as the wet weather option. Sit back and relax with one of our all-inclusive summer packages.
Capacity Chart
- Reception 500
The Lancaster Rooms
With dramatic pillars, high ceilings and exposed floorboards set against the stunning views over the Thames, the Lancaster Room takes the original features of Somerset House and adds a contemporary flair.
Located in our New Wing, the Lancaster Room is unlike any other venue at Somerset House. The raw finish of the room – with dramatic pillars, high ceilings and exposed floorboards set against stunning views over the River Thames – takes the original features of Somerset House and adds a contemporary flair and aesthetic to this historic space.
Capacity Chart
- Theatre 150
- Dining 110
- Receptions 220
The Seamen's Hall
The Seamen’s Hall is a beautiful space, with access to a part of the River Terrace which makes it ideal for summer dinners. With grand, elegant windows and views onto the river and the courtyard, it is a unique and special place. The Seamen’s Hall is open to the public during the day and is available for private hire from 6pm.
Capacity Chart
- Dining 100
- Receptions 200
Location
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