Full Venue Hire at Old Billingsgate

Eighty thousand square feet of dry-hire event space across three distinct areas inside a Grade II listed Victorian fish market, with a Thames-side terrace looking directly at Tower Bridge. Old Billingsgate is London’s largest dedicated blank canvas venue — and the creative freedom it offers, combined with its heritage architecture and riverside setting, has made it the default for brand activations, award ceremonies, exhibitions, and large-format celebrations that need to make a statement.

Old Billingsgate Grand Hall

The Grand Hall was the market floor. Today it’s a triple-height space with an ornate skylit ceiling, original pillars, and a feature mezzanine — 2,500 standing, 1,800 seated, or 1,200 theatre-style. The proportions are genuinely dramatic: the ceiling height and natural light create a sense of occasion that works whether the hall is dressed for a black-tie gala or stripped back for an exhibition. The mezzanine adds a second level for VIP areas, breakout zones, or technical production. Through the hall, the Terrace offers uninterrupted views of Tower Bridge, The Shard, and HMS Belfast — an arrival sequence and summer drinks reception that rivals any venue on the river.

The Vault at Old Billingsgate

Beneath the Grand Hall, the Vault occupies the space that stored 50 years of ice for the fish market above. Exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings, and Victorian architecture create an atmosphere that’s entirely different from the hall — more intimate, more subterranean, more atmospheric. At 900 standing or 500 seated, it’s a substantial space in its own right. The Well, a contained area within the Vault with high ceilings and its own walling, suits screenings, presentations, and intimate gatherings, complete with a 16-foot electric projection screen and high-output projector.

The Gallery at Old Billingsgate

On the second floor, the Gallery offers 10,000 square feet of light, airy space with arching white beams and glass-panelled ceilings. At 500 standing or 230 seated, it works for fashion shows, exhibitions, conferences, and VIP receptions. A river-view reception area and two breakout rooms add flexibility. The Gallery can be hired independently or combined with the Grand Hall and Vault for events that need different zones across the building — a conference in the Gallery by day, dinner in the Grand Hall in the evening, and dancing in the Vault afterwards.

Dry Hire and Production at Old Billingsgate

Old Billingsgate operates on a dry-hire model. There’s no fixed caterer or single production company — instead, a panel of accredited suppliers who know the building handle catering, AV, lighting, draping, and internet. The venue has its own house inventory of lighting, sound, and power distribution, which must be hired in preference to external kit. This approach gives organisers creative control while ensuring that everyone working in the building understands its infrastructure, access, and power requirements. A late licence runs until 03:00.

Location and Access

The venue sits between London Bridge and Tower Bridge on Lower Thames Street. Monument, London Bridge, and Tower Hill stations are all nearby. The building is fully accessible. Lord Richard Rogers’s transformation preserved the Victorian character while adding the infrastructure needed for modern events — loading access, flexible power, and the adaptability to host everything from a 60th birthday for 300 to a conference for 1,200.