Venues

I am slowly compiling a list of venues that I think are suitable for children’s parties in London. I will only recommend those I have used and like — those that are clean, not dusty or smelly, have good acoustics and are cheerful. However, a party in a child’s own home or grandparents’ house will always be remembered. No other child, apart from siblings, can have a party in the home and that makes it special. I know that some homes are not big enough to manage 15 plus children and that is why I have begun this list.

Dulwich:

St Stephen’s Church, Millennium Hall. I have worked in this hall on many occasions; it is clean, safe, bright and big without any echoes. There is not a suitable outdoor area for games because at the rear of the hall where there is space it is used as a car park, however, the hall is lovely. www.ststephensdulwich.org/millennium-hall

Greenwich:

St Alfege Church Hall. Bookings and enquiries:  Jenny Bracey, 0208 853 0687. Large hall available weekdays for regular hirers and one off bookings.  Fully functioning kitchen.

St Michael and All Angels, Pond Road. I have entertained many times in this church hall at St Michael and All Angels. The hall is large, with good acoustics, spotless and with windows on three sides making it light and cheery. There is an easy access secure lawn for out door activities. The kitchen has a convenient serving hatch through to the main hall. There is off-road parking. For bookings please call the Parish Office 8852 1205. Please read their guidance notes at this link before calling http://www.se3.org.uk/hallsbooking.php

London NW Hampstead

Hampstead Cricket Club at 25 Lymington Road NW6 1HZ. Available to members only but there is a good-sized  bright room on the top floor of this club house. Staff friendly and helpful and the usual fast food fayre is available but one’s own party food can be brought too, so fresh fruit and salad items can suppliment the chips. The room has many windows and the view overlooks the playing fields making it bright and airy. My usual standards are well met.

London W2 Bayswater, 

Commander Porterhouse and Oyster Bar

More costly than a community or church hall but the lovely Gallery room in The Commander Porterhouse and Oyster Bar at 47 Hereford Road is a large, well decorated room for a children’s party, with big windows and mirrors making this a bright and airy room with enough table space for many children and leaving an area for interactive games. Contact 020 7229 1503; www.the commanderbar.co.uk