The Curling Club at The Curling Club

Ice-free curling beneath Hungerford Bridge on the South Bank — The Curling Club is a seasonal pop-up that operates from approximately October through March, combining synthetic curling sheets with alpine-themed decor, cocktail bars, street food, and DJ sets. The venue runs across multiple London locations, with the Southbank Centre site at SE1 8XX and Vinegar Yard near London Bridge at SE1 3QX forming the established London bases. Capacity reaches up to 300 at the Southbank location and 600 at Vinegar Yard, where a stretch tent and glass mezzanine create a larger footprint.

Curling as Corporate Entertainment

The activity itself is the venue’s strongest card. Curling works because it’s genuinely accessible — no athletic ability required, no prior experience expected, and the competitive format creates team bonding without anyone being asked to fall backwards into a colleague’s arms. Curling coaches handle the instruction, sheets accommodate 2 to 10 players per session, and the natural rhythm of the game keeps groups engaged without structured programme management. For corporate team building and Christmas parties, that combination of activity and social atmosphere solves the event planning challenge that most venues leave unaddressed: what do guests actually do? Here, the answer is built into the booking. Teams form around the sheets, competition creates conversation, and the shared novelty of the experience — most people have never curled before — generates energy that carries through the evening.

Alpine Atmosphere at The Curling Club

The apres-ski theming is committed rather than token. Warm lighting, rustic decor, and a festive atmosphere create cosy winter vibes across a venue that could otherwise feel exposed. The open-plan layout integrates curling sheets into the social space rather than separating activity from bar — groups move between rinks and drinks without a venue change. Tabletop curling games provide additional entertainment for guests between sessions or those preferring to spectate. A DJ booth runs music throughout, maintaining energy levels that suit parties and celebrations rather than corporate formality. The atmosphere is social, lively, and party-oriented — this works best for events where the goal is a memorable night out rather than a working dinner.

The Curling Club’s Seasonal Format and Packages

The seasonal window — roughly October through March — aligns with corporate Christmas party season and winter social calendars. As an Official Team GB Foundation partner, the venue carries a sports credibility that adds substance to the curling experience beyond novelty entertainment. Packages range from pay-and-play options for smaller groups up to full venue hire, with food vendors varying by location. Vinegar Yard features street food partners, while the Southbank site runs in-house food provision. Both locations have bars serving cocktails and a full drinks list. The alcohol licence runs until 22:00, with extensions available for events that need to run later.

South Bank Location and Transport

The Southbank Centre site sits beneath the Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges, between the Southbank Centre and the London Eye — a stretch of riverside that gives corporate events cultural credibility without requiring a traditional venue setting. Waterloo and Embankment stations are the closest transport links. The Vinegar Yard location near London Bridge offers an urban yard setting with multiple food vendors in the surrounding area and direct rail connections. Groups from 8 to full exclusive hire can be accommodated, making the venue flexible across team sizes. For companies looking for winter event options that combine activity, atmosphere, and a Central London location, the seasonal format creates urgency — once the season ends, the venue goes with it.