When it comes to hosting unforgettable events in London, there’s a clear shift happening. Once dominated by hotel ballrooms and traditional banquet halls, the event scene in the capital is evolving. Today’s clients are moving away from conventional venues and are instead embracing the city’s most unique and versatile spaces. This change isn’t just about the setting; it’s about creating a modern event experience, right down to the catering.
As one of London’s leading event caterers, The London Kitchen has had the pleasure of working with some of the city’s most remarkable venues. From the grand architecture of Bishopsgate Institute to the historic and vibrant Leadenhall Market, the creative vibe at Village Underground, and the motorcycle haven The Bike Shed in Shoreditch, these spaces offer a fresh take on what an event venue can be. But what’s driving this change, and how has catering adapted to suit these new settings?
Why Unique Venues Are Gaining Popularity
There are a few reasons why people are moving away from traditional hotel settings and opting for more unique venues:
Authenticity & Atmosphere
Modern clients are looking for venues that align with their values and aesthetic. Venues like Bishopsgate Institute offer architectural charm and history, while Village Underground, with its raw, industrial aesthetic, appeals to those who want a more urban, contemporary setting. Venues like Leadenhall Market or The Bike Shed provide immersive experiences, where the setting itself becomes a conversation piece, adding a memorable touch to the event.
Versatility & Creativity
Unique venues often allow for more freedom in décor, layout, and activities. They can be transformed to meet a client’s specific vision, making them ideal for brands or individuals looking to make a statement. A historic space can be set up for anything from a chic corporate event to a lavish wedding, and guests are more likely to remember a one-of-a-kind setting.
A Shift in Audience Expectations
There’s a growing demand for events that feel less structured and more personalised. Traditional venues can sometimes feel restrictive, whereas these more flexible spaces allow clients to blend socialising with entertainment and unique catering styles.
Revenue Opportunity for Venues
With demand increasing, unique venues have seized the opportunity to turn events into a core part of their revenue stream. The historic Bishopsgate Institute now hosts various events, from corporate gatherings to private functions, as does Leadenhall Market, which sees a steady stream of event bookings. For many venues, events offer a new way to engage the community and utilise their space creatively.
Catering Evolves: Moving Beyond the Three-Course Meal
Alongside this shift in venue choice, there’s been a significant change in how events are catered. As more clients seek experiences that encourage socialising, networking, and creativity, catering has evolved to fit these unique venues and their more dynamic layouts. The traditional three-course meal is no longer the go-to option; instead, clients are opting for:
Bowl Food: Perfectly portioned for a roaming crowd, bowl food offers variety and sophistication without the formality of a sit-down meal. It’s ideal for venues like Village Underground, where guests can mix and mingle as they enjoy a range of flavours.
Manapés: This trend merges the best of canapés and mini mains. These hearty, one-bite dishes offer the elegance of canapés with the substance of a meal, making them a popular choice for events that want to impress without requiring a full sit-down arrangement.
Interactive Food Stations: Food stations allow guests to choose from a range of options, with live cooking adding an element of entertainment. This style fits well in versatile venues like The Bike Shed, where stations can be set up to match the venue’s layout and aesthetic, encouraging guest interaction and enhancing the overall experience.
At The London Kitchen, we specialise in crafting menus that complement the atmosphere of these unique venues. Our approach is tailored to each client, whether that means setting up a sushi station in an industrial space or serving seasonal bowl foods to guests mingling under the historic arches of Leadenhall Market. By adapting our catering to suit the vibe of the venue, we’re able to create an experience that feels cohesive and modern.
How The London Kitchen Is Meeting Client Needs
As a top London event caterer, The London Kitchen is constantly adapting to these trends to meet our clients' needs. We’ve seen a shift in requests that lean towards sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients that reflect the values of today’s clients. With every event, we aim to bring something fresh and exciting, whether it’s a custom food station for a corporate party or themed manapés for a wedding reception.
Our experience in working with both unique venues and diverse catering styles means we’re able to anticipate what will work best in each space. For example:
Bishopsgate Institute: With its historic appeal, we’ve found that elegant, seasonal bowl foods and manapés work wonderfully for corporate events or charity galas.
Leadenhall Market: This bustling, open space is perfect for a mix of manapés and interactive food stations, allowing guests to sample different dishes while exploring the venue’s charming surroundings.
Village Underground: The raw, artistic feel of this venue complements a modern, urban menu with bold flavours and innovative presentations.
The Bike Shed: With a unique layout and energetic atmosphere, The Bike Shed is ideal for interactive food stations, where guests can enjoy a range of flavours while socialising.
The Future of Event Catering: Embracing Flexibility and Innovation
As we look to the future, the trend towards unique venues and contemporary catering styles shows no signs of slowing down. Clients are more interested than ever in creating memorable, immersive experiences that reflect their personal style or brand identity. By choosing a non-traditional venue and incorporating flexible catering options, events feel fresh, memorable, and perfectly suited to the needs of today’s audience.
The London Kitchen is excited to be at the forefront of these trends, working closely with clients to craft bespoke menus and finding the ideal venues to bring their vision to life. Whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, or a private celebration, we believe that every detail matters, from the setting to the food.
Ready to discover London’s most unique venues and elevate your event catering? Contact The London Kitchen today to start planning a truly unforgettable experience.